Many of us feel hyper, distracted or not fully focused sometimes. It is also not abnormal to wonder if your child is abnormal. But how do you know for sure when a behavior is caused by a condition, such as attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) disorder and requires treatment?
ADHD is associated with symptoms including difficulty focusing, exercising self-control, sitting still and paying attention. A person who is diagnosed with ADHD typically has trouble with academic, work or social performance and relationships as a result of the disorder.
Once upon a time, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was diagnosed as ADD or ADHD. Symptoms including trouble listening or managing time fell under the “ADD” category while symptoms involving impulsivity and hyperactivity were associated with “ADHD”. Today the symptom is just called ADHD.
ADHD is of the most researched areas on adolescent and child mental health. Despite this, the precise cause of ADHD remains unknown.
It is known that ADHD is a biological disorder that is brain-based and is characterized by low levels of dopamine, which is a brain chemical. Dopamine is a type of neurotransmitter that is common in people with ADHD.
Researchers have found several factors that can contribute to ADHD to include:
ADHD is more commonly found in males than females. It has also been determined that females with ADHD more commonly battle difficulty with inattention.
People with ADHD commonly have problems with other conditions, such as anxiety disorder, learning disabilities, depression, conduct disorder and substance abuse.
According to the DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5), ADHD is broken down into three different types: primarily hyperactive-impulsive, primarily inattentive and combined. Each of these presentations is set apart by specific behavioral symptom criteria (listed in the DSM-V) that are used by physicians to diagnose patients.
People who have hyperactive ADHD often feel the urge to be in motion constantly. They often squirm and fidget, struggling to stay in one place. They often appear to have had “too many coffees” and run around and/or talk in excess. They often blurt out answers, interrupt others and battle self-control. Children are more commonly diagnosed with this disorder, with men being next in line.
In order for a person to be diagnosed with Primarily Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD, they must fit at least 6 of the 9 descriptions from the DSM-V:
People with this type of ADHD tend to make mistakes that seem to be poorly thought out. They often have trouble following detailed instructions while paying attention as well as organizing activities and tasks. They are more often distracted by external stimuli and are easily forgetful. Adults and girls are more commonly diagnosed with this condition, which was formerly known as “ADD.”
Physicians are able to diagnose patients with Primarily Inattentive ADHD if they fit into 6 of the 9 descriptions for this category, as listed in the DSM-V:
Those who are diagnosed with combined type ADHD have six or more symptoms of inattention in combination with six or more symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Physicians diagnose patients with Combined ADHD if they meet the guidelines for Primarily Inattentive ADHD in addition to Primarily Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD, showing 6 of the 9 symptoms listed for each subtype.
Although there is no cure for ADHD, there is hope for managing the symptoms of the disorder while improving the quality of life. People with ADHD have experienced improved professional, academic and social performance as a result of treatment.
ADHD treatment is usually a team approach, involving school personnel, families, therapist, healthcare providers and coaches.
Treatment options are often based on several factors, including:
Treatments may include:
If you think you or a loved one has one of the above types of ADHD, it is advised that you see a medical professional for an official diagnosis and treatment, better improving the quality of life experienced overall.
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Nick is a 3x entrepreneur with ADHD. He is passionate about leveraging his ADHD to engineer a more rewarding life, and maximizing daily productivity. For tips on how to leverage your ADD check out How To Save Your Time From Yourself.