According to studies 4.4% of adults and 11.3% of children (5 years to 17 years) are suffering from ADHD in the USA. ADHD stands for Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder which is a lifelong neurological disorder also known as ADD, it affects childhood and continues to adulthood. People with ADHD face different issues in their lives and this condition can not be cured totally. In this article, we will discuss in detail what is ADHD? and some facts related to ADHD such as its types, symptoms, causes, triggers, diagnosis, treatment, and medication.
Types Of ADHD:-
There are three types of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, that are inattentive type, hyperactive-impulsive type, and combined type.
- Inattentive type ADHD ((ADHD-PI or ADHD-I)) has symptoms like missing details and being distracted easily, getting bored quickly, having trouble focusing on a single task, having difficulty organizing thoughts and learning new information, losing belongings such as pencils, and papers, or other items, etc.
- Hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD (ADHD-PH or ADHD-HI) has symptoms like squirming, getting up often when seated, running or climbing at inappropriate times, having trouble playing quietly, talking too much, talking out of turn, etc.
- Combined type ADHD (ADHD-C) has a combination of symptoms of both.
ADHD Symptoms:-
Almost all of us have some symptoms that may resemble Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder such as frustration and irritation at the difficult time. But when these symptoms become severe and create problems in daily life then there is possibility that you may be experiencing Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Symptoms of ADHD can be traced from your childhood however, In childhood, people experience fewer symptoms.
Signs Of ADHD In Kids:-
The symptoms of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may include the following facts. Parents should notice these symptoms carefully and consult a doctor if they see any of the symptoms below.
- Trouble in sitting still
- Often lose belongings
- Lots of daydreaming
- Easily distracted
- Trouble in following directions or finishing tasks
- Poor listening skills
- Not able to wait for their turn
- Interrupt other people
- Difficulty in paying attention
- Making careless mistakes
- Forget things easily
- Having problems organizing daily tasks
- Have trouble staying seated
- Not be able to play quietly
- Always be moving, such as running or climbing
- Talking excessively
Signs Of ADHD In Adults:-
If you are suffering from Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, you may experience the following symptoms. Do not ignore these signs and consult your doctor because the severity of these conditions will affect your daily life.
- Impulsiveness
- Trouble staying organized
- Procrastination
- Often being late
- Forgetting things
- Restlessness
- Trouble controlling anger
- Easily frustrated
- Often bored
- Trouble concentrating when reading
- Mood swings
- Depression
What Causes ADHD In Adults & Kids In Brain?
According to studies, the root cause of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is not known but there are different reasons for ADHD. The causes of ADHD are mentioned below.
- Premature birth
- Head injury
- Low birth weight
- Lead exposure
- Brain anatomy
- Substance use during pregnancy
- Genetics
- Environment
- Unsuccessful Relationships
Things That Make ADHD Worse:-
Certain things can worsen your existing ADHD symptoms. You have to take care of these things if you or your child is dealing with this condition.
- Lack of sleep:- It is important to complete your sleep if you are dealing with ADHD because it will make you feel tired and worsen your focus ability and motor skills issues. It may occur due to your medication so talk to your doctor if you are not able to take proper sleep at night.
- Messy home or office:- A clean and arranged environment may reduce your anxiety and depression while a messy environment may increase these conditions.
- Eating Junk food:- Food coloring agents, sugar, and unhealthy fats may negatively affect Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms. So you should not eat outside frequently. Follow a healthy diet to manage this health condition.
- Lack of physical activity:- Regular exercise can improve your memory and it may also help with attention issues and decision-making.
- Skipping your meal:- Taking your meal properly will help you to deal with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms. It will save you from deficiency and make it easier to handle social situations.
- Use of digital media:- Screen time also affects Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms.
ADHD Diagnosis:-
Symptoms of ADHD change with age in an individual. To diagnose Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, a person should have a full physical exam, including vision and hearing tests. The FDA has also approved the use of the neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid System, a noninvasive scan that measures theta and beta brain waves, its ratio is higher in children and adolescents with ADHD than in children without it. The scan, approved for use in groups of people ages 6 to 17 years, is meant to be part of a complete medical and psychological exam. Children up to age 16 are diagnosed with ADHD if they have had at least six persistent symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity. This process also includes interview sessions.
ADHD Treatment:-
As we know ADHD is a neurological disorder so it can not be treated with any fixed method. There are different medications and therapies are available to treat Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Healthy lifestyle habits are also important during the treatment like exercising regularly.
Medications For ADHD:-
There are different categories of medications available for the treatment of ADHD. Central nervous system stimulants are popularly prescribed by doctors for Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder patients. This group of medicines helps by enhancing the levels of chemicals in the brain such as dopamine and norepinephrine. It reduces impulsivity and increases focus ability in a person. Some CNS stimulant medications are Adderall, Concerta, Dexedrine, and Ritalin. When CNS stimulants do not work for a person then there is another group of medications known as nonstimulants. These medicines work by enhancing the level of norepinephrine, helping in increasing attention and strengthening memory. Strattera is an example of a non-stimulant medication.
Do not take same type medication like Adderall and Ritalin, or Bupropion and Adderall at a time for the recovery of ADHD. If you have any idea like this, then first consult your doctor, he/she will guide you properly, what to take along with the medication.
Therapy For ADHD:-
Different types of therapies are provided to the patient dealing with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. These are psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and behavior therapy. Psychotherapy provides an opportunity to open up about the issues of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and it also helps in exploring the behavior patterns of the patients which will help to establish relationships of the patient with their family, friends, and colleagues. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a short-term therapy for a particular issue like changing thinking patterns or time management. Behavior therapy provides strategies to behave properly in different situations. But make sure that Psychiatrist and Psychologist are not same, you have to go to the Psychiatrist for the treatment.
Coexisting Conditions With ADHD:-
People dealing with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may also experience some other psychological issues such as learning disorders, behavior disorders, depression, and anxiety. As mentioned above people with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are not able to organize things and manage relationships so they are more prone to anxiety disorders in comparison to normal people. According to research, more than half of people dealing with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are also dealing with depression issues. Due to hyperactivity people also face behavior disorder.
Conclusion:-
ADHD is a lifelong neurological disorder that mostly affects in childhood. Due to ADHD daily life of an individual is affected and a person faces difficulty in focusing, organizing things, maintaining relationships, and jobs. If you are facing symptoms of ADHD, visit a doctor because a person can ADHD can also live a good life with proper treatment and support.
FAQs
Is Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder A Disability?
Yes, ADHD is considered a neurological disability as it affects the thinking process, behavior, and concentrating power of the brain. You can also claim disability if you are suffering from ADHD as it has a huge effect on your daily life.
What Are The Signs Of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder In Kids?
The signs of ADHD in kids are related to inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. If you notice these symptoms, take your child to the doctor.
How Do You Know If You Have Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?
If you are facing difficulties in being organized, not being able to focus, or forgetting things easily, then you should make an appointment with a doctor because these are symptoms of ADHD, and if you do not get medical assistance it may become severe with time.
What Do I Do If I Have Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?
You should try to deal with ADHD symptoms. Make some changes in your lifestyle that will help to combat ADHD. You should eat healthy food and do regular exercise. Meditation may help in increasing your focus. You should get help from your family and friends to deal with ADHD.
Do Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder People Overthink?
Yes, people with ADHD deal with unwanted ideas and thinking. Overthinking is one of the issues that they face regularly. Their brain works fast and they deal with racing thoughts in their mind, they think about their past mistakes, and this results in sleeplessness.
Is Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Hard To Live With?
Yes, life with this condition is not easy because the symptoms of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder affect daily life routines and behavior. People dealing with this issue are not able to stick to their jobs and relationships.
Do People With Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Do Well In Life?
People with ADHD do well in life for sure. It is a manageable condition with treatment and therapy. With the right support and treatment people with this condition can also achieve their goals in life.
Can Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Get Worse With Age?
Generally, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder does not get worse with age. If you are getting proper support and treatment then you can live life like a normal person. The peak time for ADHD is childhood, with age the symptoms can be less noticeable.
What Are The 4 F’s of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?
The 4 f’s of ADHD are fight, flight, freeze, and fawn. These are the normal reactions of the human brain in different scenarios but in the case of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, a person performs these functions differently.
Are there any advantages of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?
People with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have different abilities beyond those of people with common brains. Some organizations deliberately hire people who are dealing with this issue because of these advantages. These abilities include factors such as nonlinear thinking and problem-solving resiliency, creativity, spontaneity, and ample energy.