Symptoms of ADHD
Hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are the main symptoms of adhd. Some people only have one type of symptoms. A primary care doctor will evaluate and give a diagnosis of ADHD. A specialist, like a developmental-behavioral pediatrician or psychiatrist, may also help with diagnosis and treatment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must manifest in the early years of childhood (before age 12). The behavior must cause problems in at least two settings.
Inattention
It can be challenging to stay focused and on task when you have ADHD. You might forget appointments or lose track of things at home or at work. You may also have difficulty following conversations or remembering particular details, like the names or numbers of the people you talk to.
Symptoms of inattention can affect your ability to perform in school, at work, and in relationships. You can learn to manage these symptoms with treatment. You may take medication, engage in cognitive behavioral therapy, or alter your environment to help remain more focused and organized.
Inattentive ADHD typically has fewer issues with impulsivity and hyperactivity and is therefore more difficult to recognize than the other two manifestations of the disorder. Your health care provider will inquire about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will look at your medical history and conduct a physical exam. They will also discuss your medical history with school staff, teachers or family members to confirm your symptoms and determine if they affect you at school, at the workplace, or in social situations.
Children who suffer from this type of ADHD have a lot of energy and are hard to control or stop talking. They may also have trouble following directions, remembering their tasks or doing their chores. They often have a variety of interests and often jump from one activity to another. They also tend to get bored easily and look for new experiences.
A health professional can diagnose ADHD in this way if your child has six or more hyperactive symptoms or an impulsive behavior for at least six months. The DSM-5 guidelines can be used to diagnose ADHD.
Children who suffer from inattention ADHD may also have a difficult time sitting still or paying attention in class, however they don't show the same signs as children with the other two presentations of the condition. Teachers and school staff might be aware that children are more likely to drift off into a daydream, have difficulty completing homework, or struggle to stay focused in classes. But they might not realize that the cause of these issues is due to their ADHD until they are older and have to try to manage the demands of college classes as well as careers and their families.
Hyperactivity
The signs of hyperactivity are fidgeting, having a difficult time sitting still or feeling restless in school or other activities and talking too much. They also have a tendency of making impulsive decisions without considering the consequences. This type of ADHD is more prevalent in teens and children.
Inattention ADHD is characterized by difficulties paying attention at schools or in other places. The child often has difficulties following instructions or rules at school, often loses the track of their personal belongings and has difficulty with lengthy reading assignments. They may also have frequent spaciness or appear to be "daydreaming," although they are typically not actually daydreaming and are simply having difficulty staying focused and engaged with their tasks and their classmates.
It is crucial to remember that the symptoms of adhd must occur in more than one setting like school and home, in order to be able to diagnose. signs of adhd adults must also begin before the age of 12 and must be seriously impairing their functioning.
Many children suffering from inattentive ADHD are diagnosed by their teachers or parents and are typically treated by a behavioral therapy program like counseling, group therapy, and parent training. Medication can also be used to treat the disorder, however, it should be used in conjunction with behavioral therapy.
As children age and more active, their symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity may begin to interfere with social interactions and schoolwork. They may become irritable or have a low threshold for frustration. They may also struggle to finish their work or fulfill their social obligations. They may have difficulty keeping their job or adhering to corporate guidelines. They may also have frequent financial difficulties due to late payments or unpaid bills.
Adults must be aware that ADHD symptoms are not their own fault and that there are effective solutions available. It is also beneficial to have a supportive family and friends who are aware of the challenges ADHD creates. They can also assist in manage impulsive behavior and encourage healthy lifestyle choices, like getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet, and managing stress. They can join support groups to connect with others who have the same concerns and experiences.
Impulsivity
A primary symptom of ADHD is an impulsiveness, which is a tendency to speak or act at the whim of a moment without thinking about the consequences. This can lead to problems at school and home. A child who is impulsive may answer questions before they are completed or disrupt other children during games or discussions. They might also be unable to sit and wait their turn or find it hard to adhere to the rules that require them to do so.
This symptom is especially common in kids with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, the most prevalent type of this disorder. They are always in motion and fidget, and they have a lot of energy. They often get up from their seat or engage in activities that are not appropriate for their age.
Kids who have this presentation of the disorder tend to show impulsivity and hyperactivity but aren't typically having trouble paying attention. They aren't able to sit still, talk for hours and are easily bored. They are often very talkative and often interrupt others. They are never bored and appear in complete disbelief of their surroundings.
The thalamus region in the brain regulates response inhibition and works like a gate, sending signals to permit or prohibit actions. This gate may not be functioning properly in people with ADHD and can cause an increase in impulsivity. This is the reason why people with ADHD struggle to control their short-term impulses such as eating a few pieces of candy or spending more money than they intended.
This type of ADHD can also cause mood swings and problems managing anger. They tend to be extremely emotional and have a habit to think highly of themselves.
The good news is, although impulsivity can be an issue in a variety of situations however, it can also turn into an advantage in certain situations. It can lead to innovative solutions that can help someone excel in their work or personal life. In fact, if managed well enough an individual's impulsiveness may change from kryptonite into superpower!
Organization
People suffering from ADHD often struggle to keep their lives organized, both mentally and physically. They may forget where they put something or lose important items. This can result in mental clutter that can affect their ability to prioritize tasks and keep focus. It can also lead to physical clutter, which can lead to clutter in the living space that makes it difficult to find items and may cause security risks.
In some instances, this lack of organization could result in dissociation, which means that one loses contact with the world around and experiences. This condition is more common in young adults and teens and can occur along with other issues like depression or anxiety disorders. It can be especially harmful for preteens and teens who are typically more susceptible to dissociative symptoms due to significant emotional changes.
Disorganization can also affect relationships with others, as people who suffer from ADHD may have trouble communicating effectively. They are often prone to reacting too quickly to negative feedback, and might not be able calm down enough to reassess the situation and respond in a more rational manner. They may also have difficulty to express their feelings and this can cause tensions in marriages and relationships.
Emotional reactivity can also impact people with ADHD and their sex lives, as they could be more likely to miss sexual activities prior to sex, such as foreplay, and then jump straight into a sexual encounter. This can lead to people feeling bored in sex and looking for more stimulating sexual experiences.
For those with ADHD There are various strategies that can aid in improving their detachment and organization. Establishing a routine with reminders, such as sticky notes or a dry-erase board, and setting phone alarms can all help to keep their attention on track. They can also use organizational tools, such a shelves or bins to keep items together to make them easier to find.
Some people who suffer from ADHD may benefit from therapy such as dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), a form of counseling that teaches people how to manage their emotions and helps them recognize the signs that they are overwhelmed or out of control. Adults who experience ADHD are also able to benefit from medication, which improves executive function and may aid them in organising their daily lives.