What is ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)?
ADHD is a developmental disorder associated with an ongoing pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity. ADHD begins in childhood and can continue into the teen years and adulthood. The symptoms of ADHD can interfere significantly with an individual’s daily activities and relationships.
What causes ADHD?
Researchers are not sure what causes ADHD, although many studies suggest that genes play a large role. Like many other disorders, ADHD probably results from a combination of factors including possible environmental factors, brain injuries, nutrition, and social environments.
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
People with ADHD experience an ongoing pattern and/or combination of the following symptoms:
Inattention: Having difficulty paying attention to details, sustaining attention for long tasks, listening closely when spoken to directly, losing things such as keys, wallets, and phones, being easily distracted and being forgetful in daily activities.
Hyperactivity: Having too much energy or moving and talking too much, extreme restlessness, fidgeting with or tapping hands or feet or squirming in seat, talking excessively.
Impulsivity: Acting without thinking or having difficulty with self-control, answering questions before they are completely asked and having difficulty waiting one’s turn, such as when waiting in line, as well as interrupting or intruding on others.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
ADHD is a disorder that begins in childhood and continues into adulthood. Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD have commonly experienced several symptoms of ADHD before the age of 12. Patients usually experience at least five persistent symptoms of inattention and/or five persistent symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must be present in two or more settings (for example, home, work, or school; with friends or relatives; in other activities) and interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, school, or work functioning.
What are the treatments for ADHD?
Treatment for ADHD includes medication and psychotherapy.
Medication
Stimulants are prescribed by a specialist and may include Adderall or Mydayis (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) are the most common type of medication used to treat ADHD. Nonstimulant medications such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine) are also available.
Psychotherapy and Support
Adding psychotherapy to an ADHD treatment plan may help individuals better cope with daily challenges. Therapy is especially helpful if ADHD co-occurs with other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression. Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, might help patients with ADHD become more aware of attention and concentration challenges and work on skills to improve organization and use of time in completing daily tasks. For example, they might help individuals break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Psychotherapy also can help patients with ADHD gain confidence and control impulsive and risky behaviors. Some adults also may find it helpful to get support from a professional life coach or ADHD coach who can help with different skills to improve daily functioning.
References
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic