What is ADHD?

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what is adhd

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a brain disorder that can affect how a person thinks, acts and feels. It causes problems with attention, focus and self-control.

People with ADHD can get better with treatment. Medication, behavioral therapy and school support are the most common treatments for ADHD in children. However, some people have to try more than one type of treatment to control their symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of ADHD

Most people with ADHD have a combination of symptoms, such as trouble paying attention or impulsive behaviors. These symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe.

For kids, the signs of inattention may include problems staying focused on tasks or activities, restlessness, procrastination or forgetfulness. Adults may also notice difficulty remembering appointments, work deadlines or obligations.

In addition, you might notice that someone with ADHD often has trouble focusing when they are doing something interesting or engaging in a hobby. They might “hyperfocus,” or get caught up in a task or activity and lose focus.

Hyperactivity and impulsivity are the other most common signs of ADHD. These symptoms can look like leaving a classroom lecture mid-sentence, shouting out an answer before the teacher is ready to take questions or running into the street without looking.

You might also notice that someone with ADHD frequently misplaces things, such as keys, wallet or cell phone. They might struggle to pay attention to directions and find it hard to wait their turn.

Types of ADHD

There are three main types of ADHD, each characterized by different behavioral symptoms. These are: predominantly inattentive type, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type, and combined type.

People with the inattentive type of ADHD tend to lose things, be forgetful, and have difficulty keeping track of tasks and events. They are also easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.

This type of ADHD is most common in children, but it can also affect adults. This is often called the “fly-under-the-radar” type, and the person may appear to be shy or daydreamy, but still have significant problems with attention.

Unlike the other two types, this is not as pronounced as the symptoms of inattentive type ADHD. This can be a challenge in school for kids, as they might be too distractible to pay attention to teachers and other students.

The exact cause of ADHD is not known, but researchers believe that low levels of dopamine in the brain contribute to this condition. Dopamine is a chemical in the brain that helps us feel pleasure and reward. When dopamine isn’t working, the person with ADHD will have trouble paying attention to important details and may be impulsive or hyperactive.

Causes of ADHD

ADHD is a brain disorder that causes problems with attention, impulsivity and other behavioral issues. It is a condition that can affect both children and adults.

Genetic factors can play a role in ADHD, but environmental risks are also important. For example, smoking and drug use during pregnancy may increase the risk of developing the disorder.

Toxins, infections and head injuries may also be linked to ADHD. Other conditions that can cause similar symptoms include learning disorders, mood disorders, anxiety, substance use and other medical conditions (Austerman, 2015).

Symptoms of ADHD may be less severe in adulthood than they were in childhood, but they can still be significant. In fact, some people who were diagnosed with milder forms of ADHD during childhood are now experiencing more severe symptoms as adults.

ADHD is caused by a problem with how the brain works, or the way certain chemicals work in the brain. These chemicals control attention, impulsivity and other behavioral problems.

How is ADHD Diagnosed?

When diagnosing ADHD, a healthcare provider will use the criteria in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These guidelines are used to help identify symptoms and make a diagnosis.

The first step in the diagnosis process is to examine the person’s behavior. This is done using a questionnaire or clinical interview.

In addition, a medical exam should be performed to rule out any physical health problems that may be causing the symptoms of ADHD. Symptoms that are the result of a thyroid problem, seizure disorder or other medical condition can look very similar to ADHD symptoms.

A professional will also ask about any problems you had as a child. They may want to see report cards or speak with your parents, teachers, or other adults who know you well.

Another part of the evaluation might include asking you to complete a behavioral rating scale, which is a list of behaviors that are typical for people with ADHD. The evaluator might give you this sheet before your appointment or have you do it with them during the evaluation.

The evaluator will then determine which type of ADHD you have: Predominantly Inattentive, Hyperactive-Impulsive or Combined. A professional can then provide you with a referral to a doctor who specializes in helping individuals with ADHD.

Treatsments for ADHD

Treatment for ADHD aims to help patients manage their symptoms and improve their overall health and well-being. Treatments include medications, behavioral therapy and counseling.

Medication is the most commonly prescribed form of treatment for ADHD. Medications, such as stimulants (psychostimulants), boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They may be used to treat both children and adults with ADHD.

Stimulants work quickly, so they’re often the first option for treating symptoms of ADHD. Some types of nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine and certain antidepressants, are also used to treat ADHD.

Your doctor will prescribe the medication based on your child’s medical history and a physical exam. Your doctor will monitor your child’s weight, height, heart rate and blood pressure to make sure the right dose is given to achieve the best results and minimize side effects.

Behavior therapy can teach children, teenagers and adults to change behaviors that cause problems. The therapist will work with you and your child to identify and replace habits that contribute to ADHD symptoms.

Behaviour therapy can include strategies such as a token reward system for positive behaviors and timeouts for unwanted or inappropriate behavior. It can also involve social skills training, which teaches children and adults how to interact with others in ways that support good behavior.

ADHD in Adults

Adults with ADHD often face many of the same problems as those with childhood ADHD, including career difficulties, financial troubles, and relationship problems. These can be frustrating and debilitating, but you do not need to suffer alone.

Your health care provider can refer you to a specialist with experience in assessing and treating adults with ADHD. The assessment will involve the specialist talking to you about your symptoms and your life history and asking if they can speak with family/whanau, or anyone else who knows you well, to build a complete picture of your situation.

If you have co-existing problems, your health professional will need to check whether these also impact on your attention and concentration. These may include anxiety or mood difficulties.

Medication is one of the cornerstones of treatment for adults with ADHD. Studies have shown that stimulants can improve the symptoms of ADHD in most people, along with behavioral, psychological, educational, and coaching interventions.

ADHD Medication

Medication can help a person with ADHD focus, control impulses, and plan ahead. It can also increase productivity and reduce stress. However, it can’t fix all of a person’s problems, and it won’t cure the disorder entirely.

Medications can be prescribed for both adults and children with ADHD, and most of them work by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They can be taken in the form of pills, capsules, tablets, liquid, or patches.

Stimulants are the most common medications used for ADHD. They work quickly to reduce symptoms, and have been used safely for decades.

Side effects are usually mild and resolve after a few weeks of treatment. Some people experience more serious or long-lasting side effects, but these are rare.

Some medicines for ADHD have fewer side effects and are easier to take than others. Your healthcare provider will help you decide which is right for you or your child.

Stimulants and antidepressants are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD. Non-stimulants include atypical antidepressants, which haven’t been approved for use in treating ADHD by the FDA, and certain blood pressure medications.

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