ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It is frequently diagnosed in young individuals, with around 8.8% of children aged 4-17 affected. However, it's important to note that ADHD isn't limited to childhood, as approximately 4.4% of adults aged 18-44 also experience this condition. Fortunately, with proper treatment, individuals with ADHD can excel in school and work, and lead fulfilling lives.

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Symptoms of ADHD

Some behaviors linked with ADHD may seem normal to many people, but those with ADHD struggle to control them, exhibiting them more frequently and for extended periods, often exceeding six months.

Signs of inattention include:

Easily becoming distracted and frequently shifting from one activity to another
Rapidly losing interest in tasks
Difficulty concentrating on or completing tasks
Trouble with homework assignments
Frequently misplacing items like school supplies or toys
Ignoring or failing to listen when spoken to
Daydreaming or wandering aimlessly due to lack of motivation
Difficulty processing information quickly
Struggling to follow directions

Signs of inattention include:

Constant fidgeting and squirming, inability to sit still
Excessive talking
Constantly touching or playing with objects
Difficulty engaging in quiet tasks or activities

Signs of impulsivity include:

Impatience
Acting without considering consequences, often blurting out statements
Struggling to wait or share, frequently interrupting others

Children with ADHD

Children diagnosed with ADHD frequently encounter challenges in forming peer relationships and fostering friendships. They might experience difficulties in interpreting social cues, exhibit excessive talking, frequent interruptions, or occasional inappropriate aggressiveness. Their emotional immaturity may set them apart from their peers, potentially leading to a decline in self-esteem.

Students with ADHD

Students with ADHD often encounter distinctive obstacles in the classroom. The typical symptoms of ADHD can disrupt a child's learning, peer interactions, functional abilities, and conduct within the school environment. The expression of ADHD in the classroom may differ from what is observed at home. Additionally, girls with ADHD may sometimes go unnoticed because their behavior tends to involve fewer disruptions compared to boys.

Adults with ADHD

For adults with ADHD, a significant area of concern involves effectively managing the condition in the workplace. Symptoms can create challenges in various aspects, such as:

Organizing paperwork, prioritizing tasks, and accurately estimating project durations.
Focusing, sustaining and shifting attention from one task to another
Staying alert, sustaining effort and processing information in a reasonable amount of time
Remembering facts while actively processing other information
Regulating impulsivity and picking up on the nonverbal cues from others

Causes of ADHD

The causes of ADHD are attributed to various factors. Research shows that genes may be a large contributor to ADHD. ADHD often runs in families and some trends in specific brain areas that contribute to attention. Research also links environmental factors such as cigarette smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy and children who have ADHD. Exposure to lead as a child has also been shown to increase the likelihood of ADHD in children.

Diagnosis of ADHD

ADHD occurs in both children and adults. Getting a diagnosis of ADHD in children can sometimes be difficult because the symptoms of ADHD are similar to the typical behavior in most young children. Teachers are often the first to notice ADHD symptoms because they see children in a learning environment with peers every day. Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can be tough because some people may not understand how you can have ADHD if you didn't receive help as a child or if the diagnosis was missed earlier.

There is no one single test that can diagnose ADHD, so it is essential to see a qualified psychiatrist to gather all the necessary information to make a diagnosis. The goal is to rule out any outside causes for symptoms, such as environmental changes, difficulty in school, medical problems and ensure that the individual is otherwise healthy.

Treatment of ADHD

A treatment strategy is most successful when customized to meet the specific needs of an individual and initiated.

Medication

Medication plays a crucial role in alleviating the symptoms of ADHD, allowing individuals to focus more on activities they enjoy and enhance their overall quality of life. However, finding the right medication is a personalized process, as not every medication is effective for everyone. Effective medications can enhance attention span, improve frustration management, and foster better relationships.

Stimulant medications are typically the first choice and the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They function by facilitating communication between nerve receptors in the brain. While the impact of stimulants is often noticeable quickly, they may also have side effects such as appetite reduction and sleep disturbances. In children, it's important to monitor a child's growth when using stimulants over an extended period as they may lead to a slight reduction in height. Despite these considerations, stimulants are typically the primary choice for managing ADHD due to their effectiveness in regulating behavior and attention.

Behavioral Treatment

A mental health professional can help a person develop ways to improve behavior. For example, a doctor can offer guidance on how to organize and complete assignments. Mental health professionals may also help you learn how to work through frustrating events. Providing feedback as well as support is key to improving behavior. Having structure, routine and clear expectations of what is allowed and not allowed can help the individual learn and feel more in control of their own life.

Behavior therapy can also help improve social skills, such as interacting with peers. Learning appropriate responses to everyday situations can help you have healthier relationships. Better relationships with teachers/coworkers, friends and family can improve your quality of life.

Complementary Health Approaches

In addition to therapy and medications, some alternative methods can complement a treatment plan and promote overall well-being for individuals with ADHD. These methods include:

Elimination diets: Some individuals find relief from ADHD symptoms by eliminating certain foods or additives from their diet that may exacerbate their condition. This approach involves identifying and avoiding potential trigger foods that could contribute to hyperactivity or inattention.
Nutritional supplements: Certain vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements have been explored as potential adjuncts to traditional ADHD treatment. While research on their effectiveness is ongoing, some individuals may find relief from symptoms through supplementation with certain nutrients.

Get Help Now

ADHD is heavily influenced by genetics and isn't caused by parenting style. People with ADHD are not "lazy" or lacking in intelligence or discipline; they simply struggle with focusing on tasks. Despite this, they often face unwarranted stigma and misconceptions. I understand the challenges faced by individuals with ADHD and I'm here to offer my support and assistance. Feel free to reach out if you need help.

Click here to request a free 15 minute phone call