Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that can affect different aspects of a person’s behavior. People with ADHD may experience hyperactivity, impulsivity and trouble paying attention.
ADHD symptoms typically start during childhood and continue into adulthood. For some people, ADHD is not recognised and diagnosed until adulthood. It can affect different areas of a persons life including; school, work, finances, relationships and mental health.
Symptoms of ADHD
For some people, ADHD can make everyday tasks difficult. Some examples of how ADHD may manifest in different areas of your life include:
Inattentiveness: difficulty staying focused or concentrating
- Difficulty paying attention during a task or activity
- Easily misplacing things
- Making careless mistakes at work or in school
- Difficulty with planning or organizing tasks
- Being easily distracted
Hyperactivity & Impulsiveness
- Difficulty sitting still
- Talking excessively
- Difficulty waiting your turn
- Frequently interrupting others during conversations or during a task
- Constantly fidgeting with hands or feet
- Difficulty performing a task quietly
- Acting without thinking
A person with ADHD may have all or some of these symptoms. You should see a doctor if you think you or your child may have symptoms of ADHD.
Causes of ADHD
There is currently no identifiable cause of ADHD. Research demonstrates a strong genetic influence in the manifestation of the condition. In addition to this, certain environmental factors such as difficulties during pregnancy, premature birth and low birth weight may also contribute to the risk of ADHD.
ADHD Treatment
The treatment of ADHD can involve the use of therapies, medications or both and is dependent on the specific individual circumstances.
- Medication: there are two major types of medications used to treat ADHD; stimulants such as methylphenidate and non-stimulants such as atomoxetine. These medications can help with some of the symptoms of ADHD but may also have some side effects so should be carefully prescribed and monitored by a specialist.
- Therapies: different therapies may also provide significant benefits in the treatment of ADHD. Some types of therapies include behavior therapies, psychoeducation, parental education, cognitive behavioral therapy and social skills training.
Living with ADHD
Although it is not possible to cure ADHD, there are many ways you can reduce the impact on your daily life. If you are an adult with ADHD, you can try setting reminders and making a list to help you keep track of your tasks. If you are a parent of a child with ADHD, you can work with your child’s school to help your child and keep track of how they are doing. Learning about ADHD and connecting with a support group is also a great way to get involved and be an active participant in the management process.
References:
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/adhd.html
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/adhd/what-is-adhd
