Globally, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD in short, affects millions of children and adults. Generally speaking, ADHD is diagnosed in childhood, however, the symptoms continue into adulthood. There is no cure for ADHD, thus, the only option left is effectively management through a combination of medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and support. Early diagnosis and treatment, both are essential for effective management of ADHD.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that can disrupt everyday life of a person. Some of the common symptoms in ADHD are persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ADHD is also usually associated with additional symptoms or co-occurring disorders like anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. These additional symptoms complicate the diagnosis and treatment process.
Generally speaking, ADHD is classified into three types:
- Predominantly inattentive presentation,
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation, and
- Combined presentation
The exact reason why ADHD occurs in human beings is unknown, however, studies have shown that genetics, environmental factors, and neurological development play significant roles.
Symptoms of ADHD
People diagnosed with ADHD show three main symptoms:
- Inattention: Difficulty in staying focused, forgetfulness, poor organization skills, and frequent mistakes in tasks.
- Hyperactivity: Constant fidgeting, restlessness, talking excessively, and struggling to stay seated or quiet.
- Impulsivity: Interrupting conversations, inability to wait, risky behaviors, and impatience.
ADHD in Children
Unlike most mental disorders that can occur at any age in human life, ADHD usually occurs during the childhood. If a child has difficulty in focusing, sitting still, and regulating impulsive behaviours, it is very likely that he has ADHD. Some of the common symptoms in children are:
- Inability to focus or be attentive on academic and non-academic activities
- Inability to stay still, constantly moving and changing positions when seated
- Taking impulsive actions and responses, frequently interrupting other people
ADHD will heavily affect curricular and extracurricular in kids. Usually, they will fail to follow instructions, complete assignments, and do well in exams. They are also unable to make friends, perform in team activities or involve in social activities. They are often isolated and lonely. ADHD will hinder learning process in children.
ADHD in Adults
Symptoms of ADHD in adults can be little different than in children. When kids with ADHD become adults, they might be slightly less hyperactive, however, they will continue to have inattention and impulsiveness, which affects their personal and professional life negatively. Some common symptoms of ADHD in adults are:
- Procrastination, lack of interest
- Unable to manage time
- Making impulsive decision without thinking seriously
Adults with ADHD will have challenged relationship, they will frequently change jobs, and will struggle with their daily routine. Sadly, ADHD is misdiagnosed in adults or it is entirely overlooked. Thus usually happens when they were not diagnosed when they were kids. ADHD diagnosis can be challenging in adults because the symptoms are frequently mistaken for other mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact causes of ADHD are unknown, however, several factors have been pointed for the development of ADHD:
- Genetic factors: Studies have shown that ADHD can be genetic.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to toxic environment, low weight during the birth, and the food eaten by the mother during the pregnancy have shown to increase the risk of ADHD.
- Neurological factors: Studies suggest that neurochemical imbalances and brain structure also contribute to ADHD.
- Triggers: Symptoms of ADHD increases when the person is in stressful situations or are over stimulated. Lack of concentration can also make things worse.
Managing and Treating ADHD
As mentioned earlier, there is no cure for ADHD, however, the symptoms of ADHD are manageable and people with ADHD can live a normal life through the combination of medications, therapies, lifestyle modifications, and friends and family support.
- Medication: Stimulants and non-stimulants are used to treat ADHD. A common stimulant used in ADHD is methylphenidate. However, when stimulants do not respond or has the adverse effect non-stimulant such as Clonidine or Atomoxetine are commonly prescribed for ADHD.
- Behavioral Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has proven to be highly effective in reducing the symptoms in children as well as. Family therapy, parent raining programs, and care giving and supportive environments have proven to be highly effective for children.
- Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise has proven to be highly effective in managing mental health disorders, including ADHD. Likewise, a balanced diet, proper sleep, and a routines life are also highly effective in managing ADHD. Reducing screen time for children has proven to be effective in managing ADHD in kids
- Support Systems: Children need support from teachers, parents and other family members, and ADHD coaches. Likewise, adults need peer support, spouse support, and counselling. Community support groups where people with ADHD can share their experiences are also helpful.
Living with ADHD
You or your child has ADHD does not mean it is end of life, you can actually live a normal life if you know how to manage your symptoms.
- Children: As a parent you need to establish a structured routine for your kids. Break down tasks into smaller ones and offer positive reinforcement. Limit screen time for your kids. Channelize their emotions into creative actions like arts, music, etc.
- Adults: Avoiding multi tasking and focusing on smaller goals instead of bigger goals can significantly make a difference in an adult with ADHD. Instead of working long hours and losing focus frequently, you should set realistic goals and taking breaks between tasks. Regular exercise and relaxing techniques like deep breathing or meditation can help you overcome the symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsiveness.
- Building a Support System: Whether you or your kid has ADHD, it is very important to build a supportive environment, in school, workplace, and family.
