Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder which influences one's ability to pay attention, control impulses and be active. This disorder affects children, teens and adults; influences one's ability to study, work, communicate and do other important things. Although symptoms of ADHD may vary depending on a patient, it is possible to diagnose and treat this disease successfully.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of children. At the same time, it may be diagnosed in adolescents and adults. The disorder affects executive functions, which means mental processes associated with planning, organization, attention, regulation of emotions, and impulse control.
ADHD sufferers know what they should do, but they are unable to perform because of peculiarities of brain functioning, and not due to their absence of motivation or intelligence.
What Does ADHD Stand For?
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
However, not all patients diagnosed with this disorder suffer from hyperactivity problems. It is hard for some of them to concentrate on anything while others find it difficult to restrain themselves.
What Is the Meaning of ADHD in Psychology?
In terms of psychology, ADHD is referred to as neurodevelopmental disorder developing during childhood. The disorder affects cognitive, behavioral, emotional and social functioning of a person.
According to psychologists, ADHD is connected with peculiarities of executive functions and not improper behavior or self-control problems.
ADHD: Is It a Mental Illness or a Neurodevelopmental Disorder?
Despite being an issue that affects one’s psychology and mental health, ADHD is considered to be a neurodevelopmental disorder due to the differences that can be observed in the functioning of the brain of individuals suffering from ADHD.
ADHD Types and Symptoms
ADHD Types
-
Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
Individuals mostly face issues with:
- The inability to focus
- Making frequent mistakes
- Being forgetful
- Forgetting essential things
- Having difficulty organizing activities
- Distraction
This type of ADHD may go undiagnosed since it does not cause problems.
-
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
Frequently seen characteristics:
- Never still
- Talkativeness
- Interrupting others
- Problem taking turns
- Thoughtless actions
- Restlessness
-
Combined Presentation
This type of ADHD is the most common form, exhibiting considerable inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms.
Common Symptoms of ADHD
The common ADHD symptoms are:
- Problem in concentrating
- Being forgetful
- Having problems completing assigned task
- Get easily distracted
- Restless
- Being impulsive in decision making
- Finding it hard to follow instructions
- Disorganized
- Time management issues
- Emotional impulsivity
The symptoms need to persist for some time to be recognized.
ADHD Symptoms in Children
The ADHD symptoms in children are:
- Losing school things a lot
- Can’t sit still
- Interrupt others
- Forgets to do homework
- Makes errors carelessly
- Can’t follow classroom instructions
- Becomes frustrated easily
ADHD Symptoms in Teens
ADHD symptoms in teens are:
- Academic problems
- Poor planning skills
- Being emotionally sensitive
- Taking risks
- Having problems with responsibilities
- Being forgetful
- Problems maintaining friendships
ADHD Symptoms in Adults
The adult ADHD symptoms can be:
- Procrastination problem
- Deadline issues
- Poorly organized
- Being restless
- Frequent jobs changes
- Problems in relationships
- Being forgetful
- Having trouble managing money
ADHD Symptoms by Age Group
ADHD symptoms usually become less noticeable in adulthood, especially in terms of hyperactivity. However, attention problems, organizational difficulties, emotional regulation, and executive function disorders remain prevalent in adults, who display more internal restlessness rather than external hyperactivity.
Causes of ADHD
It is known that there are several causes behind ADHD that work together.
Is ADHD Hereditary?
Yes. It is believed that ADHD has genetic causes since ADHD is likely to run in families and people whose family member is diagnosed with ADHD have increased chances to develop the disorder.
Brain Differences Associated with ADHD
Imaging scans reveal brain Differences in areas responsible for:
- attention;
- executive function;
- motivation;
- reward processing;
- self-control.
Such differences affect the process of information processing rather than the damage to the brain.
Environmental Risk Factors for ADHD
Several factors increasing the risk of ADHD development include:
- prematurity;
- low birth weight;
- prenatal tobacco and/or alcohol exposure;
- early exposure to environmental toxins;
- extreme early life stress.
They may play a role, but they do not lead to ADHD.
Myths about Causes of ADHD
Some of these myths include:
- Sugar causes ADHD.
- ADHD is caused by poor parenting.
- The child will just grow out of it.
- ADHD is due to laziness.
- Too much screen time causes ADHD.
There is no scientific evidence that backs these up as a major cause.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
There is no one particular blood test or brain scan for diagnosis of ADHD. It is done through a full clinical assessment.
How can I tell if I have ADHD?
You might want to consider having an assessment if:
- You have trouble focusing
- You constantly forget things
- You have trouble organizing yourself
- You behave impulsively
- You have had problems for a long time that have affected your work, study or relationships
These symptoms must be present from childhood, even if they were not recognized then.
Assessment for ADHD
The assessment process will involve:
- History taking
- Behavioral scales
- Teacher/Parent Rating Scales for children
- Symptom observation
- Evaluation of other disorders
Diagnosis in Children vs Adults
Parents and teachers usually provide information for the child. The child’s symptoms manifest in multiple settings.
Adults can describe their development histories well, and clinicians examine the impact of symptoms on their performance at work, relations with others, finances, and general functioning.
Who Can Diagnose ADHD?
ADHD can be diagnosed by qualified healthcare providers including:
- Psychiatrists
- Clinical psychologists
- Paediatricians who specialize in ADHD
- Neurologists (rarely)
It is crucial to conduct a proper assessment as ADHD symptoms may coincide with anxiety, depression, learning difficulties, and sleep issues.
ADHD Treatment
Is There Any Treatment for ADHD?
Yes. ADHD treatment aims to alleviate symptoms, improve functioning, and help patients develop necessary skills. Treatment is tailored depending on a person’s age, intensity of symptoms, and other factors.
1. Behavioural Therapy
Behavioural therapy can help people:
- Be more organized
- Create routines
- Become better at time management
- Work on emotional regulation
- Improve problem-solving skills
- Prevent impulsive actions
CBT is especially beneficial for many adolescents and adults with ADHD.
2. Medication
ADHD medication is used to increase focus, reduce impulsive behavior, and strengthen executive functioning skills. Types of medicine include stimulants and non-stimulants.
ADHD medication should always be administered under the prescription and supervision of a doctor based on possible advantages and disadvantages.
3. Parent and Teacher Collaboration
The most effective treatment for kids with ADHD is a combined approach that involves cooperation among:
- Parents
- Schoolteachers
- The following approaches: parent training, classroom adjustments, behavioral interventions, structured routines, and positive reinforcement.
Changes in Lifestyle and ADHD Coaching
Certain behaviors can facilitate the control over symptoms:
- Adequate exercise
- Following a regular sleep routine
- Eating healthy
- Decreasing distractions
- Blocking specific time frames
- Using reminders for tasks and appointments
- ADHD coaching
Is There a Management for ADHD?
Unfortunately, there is no available method that will permanently management a person from ADHD. Still, many people manage to develop useful techniques and succeed in their lives.
Living with ADHD
Living with ADHD Every Day
Some ways to cope every day are:
- Breaking things down into manageable parts
- Scheduling
- Following a routine
- Limiting distractions
- Sets realistic goals
Boosting Productivity and Focus
Boosting productivity can include:
- Scheduling tasks in short, focused sessions
- Prioritizing important tasks
- Scheduling tasks visually
- Scheduled physical activity breaks
- Decrease multitasking
Managing Education, Employment, and Personal Relationships
Good communication and realistic expectations can be useful for education, work, and relationships. An understanding of ADHD can avoid many misunderstandings.
When Should You See a Doctor?
You should see a professional when symptoms:
- Continue over time
- Have an impact on academic or job performance
- Have an impact on relationships
- Create emotional distress
- Hinder life functioning
ADHD vs Other Disorders
ADHD vs Autism
Whereas autism relates to social interaction problems and repetitive behavior, ADHD mainly concerns attention issues and impulse control problems. People who suffer from both disorders do exist.
ADHD vs Anxiety
Anxiety leads to over-worrying and affects concentration, whereas ADHD causes concentration difficulties even without being anxious. Both conditions often overlap each other.
ADHD vs Learning Disabilities
Learning Disabilities pertain to difficulties with acquiring certain skills such as reading, writing, or mathematical abilities. ADHD affects attention and self-control; however, both disorders can be co-existing at the same time.
Conclusion
ADHD is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition characterized by problems with attention, impulse control, and executive function throughout the person’s lifetime. It would be wrong to think of ADHD as an ADHD disease because it should be regarded as a lifelong condition. Identifying the symptoms of ADHD, receiving proper diagnosis, and undergoing proper ADHD treatment through therapy, medication, education, and lifestyle approaches will allow one to cope with this disorder successfully. Thanks to proper assistance and support system, those with ADHD disorder will be able to become successful in life.
