What is ADHD?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ADHD, you may be wondering: what is ADHD? You may also be wondering about the different causes of ADHD and the signs and symptoms of ADHD. In this article, we will cover what is ADHD, how it is diagnosed, and the types of treatments available for ADHD. Once you have a better understanding of what is ADHD, you can work toward managing it and living a happy, productive life.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD
People with ADHD often struggle with distractibility, inability to focus, and difficulty completing tasks. ADHD can cause problems with school performance, maintaining order in their homes, and meeting deadlines. Other symptoms include restlessness, impulsivity, racing thoughts, and a need to become physically active at inappropriate times. The signs and symptoms of ADHD vary widely in both genders, making it difficult to identify which of your children may be suffering from this condition.
Adults with ADHD often feel restless, are impulsive, and have a hard time making or maintaining friends. In fact, symptoms of ADHD often overlap with other conditions. While adults with this disorder often have difficulty maintaining relationships, children with ADHD often have problems in social situations. Fortunately, many symptoms of ADHD can be easily recognized and treated. Listed below are some of the most common signs and symptoms of ADHD. If you suspect your child is struggling to focus in school, talk with your child about it.
Some of the symptoms of ADHD can be mistaken for other conditions, such as emotional problems or disciplinary issues. If you suspect your child has these symptoms, it’s important to seek proper diagnosis as early as possible. Delays in diagnosis can lead to academic or work problems, and undiagnosed ADHD can also result in complicated relationships. When symptoms do occur, treatment may be necessary to get your child back on track. In some cases, medication is sufficient.
Types of ADHD
There are two types of ADHD: hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive. Kids with type 2 ADHD display significant inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity problems. However, as the child grows older, hyperactive-impulsivity may become less of an issue. The severity of symptoms varies by type. The primary symptom of this type is inability to sit still and follow instructions. The other symptoms are fidgeting, restlessness, and difficulty with setting and sticking to goals.
The most common type is referred to as the combined presentation. This type is characterized by impulsivity and inattention. Inattentive ADHD is the least common type. People with this disorder have problems with paying attention but are not hyperactive or impulsive. They can also exhibit distractibility, lack of focus, and difficulty with organization. The older term for ADHD is ADD, but this is no longer a reliable diagnostic category.
There are several sub-types of ADHD. Children with hyperactive ADHD may be easily distracted by extraneous stimuli, fidget, or struggle to sit still. They also tend to lose track of important activities, such as keeping appointments or paying bills. Although this form of ADHD is often spotted in children, men can be diagnosed with it as well. If you have a child with this type of ADHD, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Causes of ADHD
There are many potential causes of ADHD. One is a deficiency in the brain chemical dopamine, which is critical for information transmission in nerve cells. Lack of dopamine results in an imbalance of dopamine in the synaptic cleft. This causes a permanent overstimulation of the brain, resulting in symptoms such as inattention and poor regulation of motor activity and impulses. This imbalance also makes it difficult for children with ADHD to concentrate and can result in hyperactivity.
Another cause may be toxic chemicals. Prenatal exposure to lead and other chemicals is one known risk factor. Premature birth and exposure to pesticides may also increase the risk of ADHD. In addition to environmental factors, heredity is another cause of ADHD. Genetics, family studies, and twin and adoption studies have all given us information about the hereditary nature of ADHD. Although no one diet has been proven to be the primary cause, a healthy diet and lifestyle can support the child with ADHD.
The symptoms of ADHD can interfere with a person’s life. If not treated properly, ADHD can lead to academic failure, family stress, and problems with relationships. Untreated ADHD may lead to substance abuse and delinquency. It can even lead to the individual failing to find a job. There is no single cure for ADHD, but many treatments can help those with ADHD cope. There are also many myths about ADHD and what causes it.
How is ADHD Diagnosed?
A doctor will perform a comprehensive ADHD evaluation by reviewing a child’s symptoms and behavior. They will also interview the child’s parents, teachers, or other adults. Children and adolescents may be able to answer more questions than adults, but the process is the same. The doctor will also conduct tests to rule out other diagnoses or physical problems. Typically, it will take an hour or more to complete the entire process, and the results are interpreted by the doctor.
A pediatrician or child psychiatrist can perform a comprehensive ADHD evaluation. Other physicians can conduct a comprehensive ADHD assessment, including a neurologist. It is recommended that parents speak with their child’s pediatrician or family physician to schedule a professional evaluation. Parents may also choose to have a child undergo neuropsychological testing. Taking this test, or one of several similar tests, will give the doctor a deeper understanding of a child’s symptoms and cognitive abilities.
To determine if your child has ADHD, your healthcare provider must perform several tests. The doctor will ask about the symptoms of the disorder and how it affects the child and his or her family. ADHD diagnoses are made after at least six months of symptoms. However, it is important to note that other health conditions can also cause similar symptoms. The doctor will also order additional tests to rule out other conditions that may be interfering with your child’s health.
Treatsments for ADHD
There are several different types of Treatments for ADHD. These can include medication or behavioral therapy. Treatments for ADHD should be aimed at minimizing the impact of symptoms while maximising the patient’s ability to deal with remaining difficulties. Although many of the symptoms of ADHD cannot be completely eliminated, most should be treated in a way that will foster a sense of personal agency and responsibility. Cognitive therapy for ADHD focuses on modifying the thinking errors and distortions that often lead to problem-solving and negative moods.
Behavior therapy is often recommended along with medication for children. For teens and adults, behavior therapy includes parent training in behavior management and other training. A parent’s role in treatment for ADHD may involve education about the disorder. Couples therapy is another effective method. Parents and partners may want to work together to develop effective strategies to deal with their partner’s ADHD. It is also possible to involve the school in treating the condition through behavioral classroom intervention.
Other Treatments for ADHD include behavioral therapy, antidepressants, and nonstimulants. These are slower acting than stimulants, but can be an option if the child is unresponsive to stimulants or experiences severe side effects. The best medication for an ADHD sufferer may take time to find, and it may also be necessary to undergo a few sessions of behavioral therapy. Additionally, treatment for ADHD can involve a number of additional services, including counseling and education about the disorder and skills.
ADHD in Adults
Although ADHD in adults can be a difficult condition to diagnose, if you are experiencing the symptoms, it may be time to seek medical attention. While ADHD is not a medically testable disorder, the symptoms of the condition may be a result of brain damage or organic causes. Unlike in childhood, however, the symptoms of ADHD in adults are persistent and continuous, rather than episodic. This can cause many different problems if left untreated.
There are several different types of medications for ADHD. Some treatments for ADHD in adults involve psychotherapy. However, many individuals experience symptoms that last well into adulthood. While ADHD in children typically manifests as excessive restlessness, adult symptoms may be accompanied by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and poor work performance. Adults may also struggle with low self-esteem. In addition, the symptoms may remain untreated and persist for years. Even if they are well-controlled, ADHD in adults may cause significant problems in one’s life.
Adults with ADHD may feel restless, frustrated, and irritable. Adults with ADHD may have difficulty dealing with stress, which can lead to a variety of physical and mental problems. They may feel restless, irritable, and have a low frustration tolerance. However, if you notice any of these symptoms, it may be time to seek professional help. If you have symptoms of ADHD in adults, seek medical attention to determine the exact cause of the condition.
ADHD Medication
Your doctor may prescribe an ADHD medication. Your doctor will likely monitor your progress and side effects to determine the right dose. You may have to adjust your dosage, or even change the medication, if necessary. Be sure to contact a mental health professional if you are experiencing severe side effects or depression while taking your medication. There are many different types of ADHD medication available, so it’s important to discuss all of your options with your doctor.
If you’d prefer to avoid using stimulant medicines, there are several other options available. In addition to atypical antidepressants, certain blood pressure medicines, and Strattera, nonstimulant medications are also considered as an alternative to stimulants. They are often used after stimulants have failed to work or caused intolerable side effects. Strattera, for example, boosts levels of norepinephrine in the brain.
A second-line medication for ADHD is clonidine, an a2-adrenergic receptor agonist. This drug is effective at decreasing symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. It is generally considered a second-line treatment for ADHD and is used as a last resort in certain patients. Its drawbacks include dry mouth, drowsiness, and dizziness, among other side effects.
