Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has become seemingly more common in recent years. You may have heard about it or know people who have ADHD. But what is ADHD? ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder with an ongoing pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity. Symptoms of ADHD vary, but may significantly interfere with an individual’s daily life. This blog post aims to explore the basic symptoms, diagnosis factors, and treatment for ADHD to help you better understand this condition.
Symptoms
The most well known symptom of ADHD is having a short attention span and getting distracted easily. This falls under the umbrella of inattentiveness which is a broader category that includes:
- Being unable to concentrate on tasks
- Seeming unable to follow instructions
- Being forgetful or often losing things
The second category of symptoms is called hyperactivity and impulsivity which include:
- Being unable to sit still or constantly fidgeting, especially in calm or quiet surroundings
- Excessive physical movement or feeling restless
- Excessive talking
- Interrupting conversations
- Having trouble waiting their turn
It is important to note that while most individuals with ADHD experience both categories of symptoms, some only experience one or the other. For example, around 2 to 3 in 10 people with the condition have problems with inattentiveness, but not with hyperactivity or impulsiveness. This form of ADHD is also known as attention deficit disorder (ADD).
Diagnosis
Healthcare providers use the guidelines in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth edition (DSM-5)1, to help diagnose ADHD. This involves a comprehensive assessment that considers the individual’s history, behavior/symptoms, and cognitive functioning.
ADHD is more often diagnosed in boys than girls. Girls are more likely to have symptoms of inattentiveness only, and are less likely to show disruptive behavior that makes ADHD symptoms more obvious. This means girls who have ADHD may not always be diagnosed.
Most ADHD patients are diagnosed as children, however some cases appear unnoticed until adulthood. To be diagnosed as an adult, individuals need to have experienced several symptoms of ADHD before the age of 12. Additional criteria include experiencing at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must be present in multiple settings and interfere with their social, school, or work life.
Treatment
Treatment of ADHD usually involves a combination of behavioral therapy and medication. Good treatment plans will include close monitoring of whether and how much the treatment helps behavior, as well as making changes as needed along the way.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy helps teach how to manage behaviors that might be disruptive to others. Some actions that might help manage ADHD include:
- Creating a routine – try to follow a similar schedule day to day
- Staying organized – keep things in the same place to prevent losing items
- Manage distractions – limiting distractions can help with focus
Medication
Medication is not recommended for very young children, but it can definitely help manage ADHD symptoms for children ages 6 and above. Stimulants are the best-known and most widely used ADHD medications. The majority of patients have fewer ADHD symptoms when taking these medications. Another option is nonstimulants, which was recently approved for ADHD treatment.
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