ADHD does not go away with age. Some symptoms may disappear over time, but more often they persist for the rest of your life. An adult child learns to live with them or disguise them so that his behavior seems normal and does not burden others.
Girls and women may find it more difficult to cope with poor concentration and excessive impulsivity due to hormonal changes at different stages of development. Symptoms that were not so pronounced before becoming noticeable during puberty and pregnancy interfere with education, career, and personal relationships. However, it is mandatory to know everything about ADHD to cope with this order effectively.
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What Disorder Is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Such disorders can affect many different brain functions, including learning, communication, movement, emotion, and attention.
Neurodevelopmental disorders begin in childhood and for most people continue throughout life. This means that such people cannot be “cured.” Instead, people with a neurodevelopmental disorder can improve their condition with support and changes in their environment.
People who have one neurodevelopmental disorder are more likely to have another disorder, for example:
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Difficulties with coordination
- Speech, language, and communication disorders
- Tourette's syndrome
- Dyslexia
- Dyscalculia.
If a person has ADHD that is not identified or treated appropriately, it can negatively impact their mental and physical well-being.
People with ADHD are often diagnosed with other mental or physical disorders. This can make it difficult to detect underlying ADHD.
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Signs Of ADHD
Inattention
The child is easily distracted when doing activities. If a new toy appears, there is a loud noise or movement in the environment, their attention disappears and they stop what they were doing to look at other things. Inattention can also occur when doing schoolwork or completing simple household tasks.
Motor Agitation
Hyperactive children cannot sit still. They run, drum, move, and touch objects around them, all of this including the need to always be busy with something. These children never seem to be bored and require constant attention from their parents. People generally confuse this type of problem with a lack of education and scold them, criticizing the behavior shown.
Mental Agitation
Hyperactivity also occurs in the mind, when the brain does not stop and thoughts are constant. Children with ADHD may talk nonstop, give many opinions, and be creative in coming up with new ideas and talking about things. Mental agitation, together with impulsivity, can make the child unable to wait, “running over” classmates and activities.
Impulsivity
Act without measuring consequences. Children with ADHD have difficulty waiting their turn, practicing activities together, or waiting for the teacher to explain before asking questions. The attitudes are thoughtless and the action occurs before she understands the situation. In adult life, if undiagnosed, inconsequential actions caused by the disorder can cause harm in different areas of life.
Anxiety
In some cases, an anxiety disorder can be associated with ADHD, causing children to be unable to calm down, wait too long, or do too many stationary tasks. If they ask questions, they answer before anyone else and do not carry out school activities calmly. This symptom can also be misinterpreted as an inconvenience.
Personal Difficulties
Children and adults with ADHD have difficulties with organization, keeping track of time, and meeting deadlines and schedules. Dealing with emotions, criticism, and self-regulation is also a challenge for a brain that processes information differently. Attention is maintained only in contexts of interest and hyper-focus.
School Difficulties
ADHD can be one of the factors that contribute to difficulties at school, such as low grades, little interest in classes, and failure to complete tasks. It is generally during the school period that many characteristics of the disorder are identified and, the quicker the diagnosis, the sooner it is possible to understand the best ways to help the child develop, enjoy school learning, and adapt as necessary.
Professional Difficulties
In childhood, a hyperactive child does not follow instructions to complete or carry out tasks because they cannot understand everything that is being said. The disorder, if not identified at this stage, causes the child to become an adult with difficulties at work, such as not being able to understand instructions, perform tasks, or focus on a certain activity.
Main Causes Of ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is one of the most studied disorders in the world.
Therefore, today it is considered that the causes of ADHD are a combination of genetic factors, changes in the brain, and environmental factors.
Learn more about each of the risk factors:
Genetics and Heredity
It is now known that the chances of having ADHD are much higher in children and family members of people with this disorder. In other words, the average heritability of ADHD is estimated at 76%.
Additionally, studies have found that 60% of children with ADHD had a parent with the disorder. Therefore, the likelihood of a child having ADHD increases by up to eight times if their parents also have the problem.
Furthermore, the risk of having the disorder is five times greater among family members of people with ADHD than among people without the disorder in the family.
Brain Changes
Many studies have found that ADHD causes changes in the brain.
In other words, there are changes in the brains of people who suffer from this disorder that reflect a reduction in the thickness of the gray matter (where the cell bodies of neurons are located) and changes in the white matter.
For example, in ADHD, changes can be noticed in the frontal region, which is responsible for attention, organization, memory, and self-control.
Some other affected regions would be
- Corpus callosum – the structure that connects the two cerebral hemispheres
- Cerebellum – linked to balance, fine movements
- Striatum – helps control emotions
- Amygdala – one of the most important areas of the brain, responsible for emotional responses related to social behavior.
Environmental Factors
Studies have indicated that the fact that a child has a low birth weight (less than 1,500 g) creates a 2 to 3 times greater risk of developing ADHD, although the majority of children born with low birth weight do not develop this disorder.
Furthermore, other factors that can cause ADHD are the history of childhood abuse, family neglect, exposure to neurotoxins such as leads, infections, and exposure to alcohol during pregnancy.
Types Of ADHD
There are 3 different ways in which hyperkinetic disorder manifests itself, depending on the symptoms that predominate in the case of each individual
The Predominantly Inattentive Type
The defining characteristic of this type of ADHD is the inability to focus and complete tasks. People with this type of ADHD often have challenges following directions, difficulty organizing their work, and often make careless mistakes.
Another common characteristic of these individuals is the ease with which their attention can be distracted.
As a rule, this form of ADHD is more common among girls and can often go undiagnosed because it does not directly interfere with the activity of others, as it does when hyperactivity predominates.
Predominant Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
Most of the specific manifestations of this type of ADHD belong to the sphere of impulsivity and poor self-control. This category includes people who find it difficult to sit still for a long time (for example, children during classes, when they tend to get up often, which leads to disturbing the class).
Other characteristics often encountered in the case of people with this type of ADHD are the presence of tics (e.g. leg shuffling), a permanent state of agitation, lack of patience (manifested including by frequent interruptions of interlocutors), the need for instant gratification, etc.
Combined Type
This type of ADHD is the most common and includes manifestations of both typologies described previously: excess energy, tendency to impulsivity, and difficulty concentrating. Specific symptoms and manifestations may vary over time, and there may even be a transition to a specific type of ADHD.
ADHD: Myths and Reality
1. ADHD Is A Made-Up Diagnosis.
Scientific research into attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has linked the condition to an imbalance of neurotransmitters. Those. the brain of a person with this syndrome does not have access to a sufficient amount of the necessary substances, which leads to symptoms such as inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is noted in international classifications of diseases.
2. Only Boys Have ADHD During Childhood.
Girls can also suffer from this syndrome, and show symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity. However, due to the existence of this myth, difficulties in girls are diagnosed much less frequently. ADHD symptoms are the same in adolescents and adults, regardless of gender, race, or social background.
3. Children Who Are Said to Have ADHD Are Simply Active and Energetic.
All children can be inattentive or restless at times. But when we talk about ADHD, the frequency and strength of these manifestations is such that it interferes with the normal existence and development of the child, it is difficult for him to study and make friends.
To make a diagnosis, remember the following: symptoms begin to appear at an early age, last more than 6 months, and appear in different situations (not only at school or only in music lessons, for example).
4. Hyperactivity Is the Main Manifestation Of ADHD
There are 3 “types” of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive, and mixed. Children with type 1 ADHD experience enormous difficulty concentrating, but may not be hyperactive at all (this option is more often observed in girls, and often leads to their problems being ignored). Many adults with the second and third variants of the syndrome learn to cope with impulsivity and restlessness but continue to have difficulty paying attention.
5. The Child Will Outgrow ADHD
Sometimes. According to studies by Western colleagues, 70% of children with ADHD have the same problems in adolescence. Half of them will have difficulty concentrating as adults.
6. ADHD Is A Newfangled Diagnosis.
Manifestations describing this developmental feature were first published by an English pediatrician in 1902. The name of the syndrome itself has changed, but its main symptoms remain the same as in the first publication by George Frederick Still.
7. ADHD Is Caused by Poor Parenting.
ADHD is not caused by poor parenting. When a child with ADHD jumps up and shouts, it is due to difficulty regulating his behavior, not a lack of discipline. Neurological studies note a decrease in the activity of areas of the brain responsible for controlling attention, as well as an imbalance of neurotransmitters that transmit signals between brain cells. Currently, scientists are looking at both genetic and environmental influences. Often children with ADHD have close relatives with similar difficulties.
Should You Be Afraid of Being Diagnosed With ADHD?
When a psychiatrist diagnoses a psychomotor behavior disorder, some people perceive it negatively. The other sees the cause of all problems. It turns out that the child is not spoiled, and does not have evil intentions when he interferes with the work of teachers and the education of other children. His difficulties in assimilating information and excessive motor agitation arise due to disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system.
A diagnosis of ADHD does not end a positive future. Research by American scientists in 2010 showed that schoolchildren and students with ADHD are inattentive, do not remember information well, but can be quite smart and creative. They solve many problems intuitively and can concentrate better than other children when they are deeply involved in an activity that is meaningful to them.
Timely correction of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder will help balance areas of the child’s life that have been disturbed and develop useful skills. These include
- Ability to control emotions - excitement, irritation, joy, anger
- Self-soothing, for example, using breathing techniques
- Setting small goals and mandatory rewards for achieving them
- The ability to use your energy as a strength to achieve results in sports, work, study
- The skill of organizing your life, clear planning, and prioritization, so as not to be late for classes
- Not to miss important events, to put things in order in the room, to run errands
How Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Affects My Life?
ADHD may present differently in adulthood than it did in childhood. For example, over time my hyperactivity has smoothed out - I no longer want to climb trees, and it has become easier to sit in one place.
However, most aspects associated with inattention are just as problematic as they were in childhood. These are the main features that I notice in myself and consider to be manifestations of ADHD.
Restless Brain
If I'm doing something and it requires concentration, then I inevitably get distracted at least every ten minutes. The reasons can be various external stimuli - for example, a bird flying outside the window. But internal incentives also interfere. Visual images, music, and thoughts are constantly flashing through my head - and this also negatively affects my attention.
Inability to Do Something Uninteresting
If I'm not interested in something, then no amount of rational arguments will bring back motivation - I physically cannot do it. For example, I'm bored with throwing out trash and washing dishes. It seems like a small thing, but trying to force myself to do such uninteresting things sometimes causes me muscle pain.
Impulsiveness
First of all, this is when you sit and do something, and then suddenly lose interest - and abruptly switch to something else that now seems more interesting. It is impossible to control this process and force yourself to return to what you were doing and lose interest. Because of this, it is very difficult to do anything systematically, every day, including work and study. And in general, plan something - for example, what to do on a day off.
Lack of Priorities
There are no important things for my brain, only interesting ones. Let's say we - me and my crazy brain - decided at two in the morning to paint a table or sew a toad using a pattern from Pinterest, I would do it, even if I had to get up at six in the morning or study for an exam. It usually doesn’t work to force yourself to interrupt and put off an interesting task for a while.
ADHD Paralysis
This is a special condition that occurs in a person with ADHD due to physical, emotional, or intellectual overload. The brain cannot cope with stress - and this translates into an inability to start doing something, complete a task, or concentrate on anything at all.
It's not just procrastination like someone without ADHD. Procrastination is a more controlled, goal-oriented state. It is impossible to control the paralysis of the will - the brain has exhausted its resources.
Hyperfocus
Just like when I was a child, I tend to procrastinate on uninteresting or too difficult tasks that cause ADHD paralysis until the last minute and do them quickly. For example, six months ago I couldn’t bring myself to sit down to work for a month, and the night before the deadline I did everything I needed.
This kind of productivity is a manifestation of what is called hyperfocus. This is a state of extraordinary concentration that occurs in some people with ADHD.
Understanding the Link Between ADHD And Vision Problems
Although the relationship between ADHD and vision problems is not yet fully understood, research suggests that children with ADHD are more likely to experience vision problems than their peers without the disorder.
A study published in the Journal of Attention Disorders found that more than half of children with ADHD also have vision problems, such as difficulty focusing, eye grouping, and tracking moving objects.
Another study published in the Journal of Optometry and Vision Science found that children with ADHD have shorter fixation times and less accuracy in identifying objects compared to children without ADHD.
Even though the connection between ADHD and vision problems is still a developing field of study, some experts believe the two may be related due to similarities in how the brain processes visual and cognitive information.
Because, ADHD is a disorder that affects attention and executive control, which are necessary skills for reading, writing, and learning. Likewise, vision is a complex process that involves the integration of sensory, motor, and cognitive information to interpret the world around us.
Therefore, vision problems in children with ADHD may be a manifestation of broader cognitive processing problems. It makes sense, doesn't it?
Problems in Pregnancy
Some points during pregnancy can affect the baby's neurological formation, making him more predisposed to having ADHD.
Substances Ingested by The Mother
The use of alcohol and nicotine by the mother is one of them. There is a higher proportion of children with ADHD when the mother uses substances during pregnancy.
However, it is worth highlighting that the studies that state this do not detail the biological aspects that link the substances to the child with the disorder.
Studies only point to the cause (mothers who smoked and drank during pregnancy) and the effect (children with ADHD).
Birth Problems
Other points that have no specific connection, as they do not affect genes, are problems during childbirth. Mothers who have experienced this tend to have children with ADHD.
Children who are born prematurely are more likely to develop the disorder than those born at the appropriate time. This becomes more likely in those conceived before 36 weeks. The study was published in 2018 by Jama Pediatrics.
Furthermore, according to research results published in the journal Pediatrics, a lack of oxygen to the brain, while still in the womb, increases the child's chance of developing ADHD by 16%.
Family Problems
Family issues are certainly not a cause of the disorder, but an unstable environment can make it worse.
What Does NOT Cause ADHD?
One of the main causes of ADHD is genetic predisposition. Therefore, it is worth listing several factors that do not cause the disorder. Look:
- Cultural factors
- Educational methods
- Psychological conflict
- Aspartame
- Yellow dye
- Artificial light
- Lack of hormones and vitamins
Is ADHD A Disability?
To answer this question, it is necessary to remember the concept of neurodiversity, created in 1998, which states that diverse neurological conditions among human beings are normal.
This means that they should not be seen as illnesses, disabilities, or something disabling. And this goes for ADHD.
While a neurotypical person does not have neurological or neurodevelopmental changes and, therefore, their functioning in this sphere is considered “normal”, the neurodivergent person has neurological or neurodevelopmental changes, that is, they present a pattern outside what is expected by society.
In addition to ADHD, other examples of neurodivergent people are those who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), dyslexia, dyspraxia, and Tourette syndrome.
Nowadays, neurodiversity is seen as a social movement in search of inclusion so that people have their rights respected and are seen on an equal footing.
ADHD-An Epidemic or Too Many Misdiagnoses?
More and more children are being diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, some doctors and parents believe many children are misdiagnosed. A high level of activity may be completely normal and simply be a more pronounced manifestation of normal child temperament. On the other hand, there can be many reasons for such behavior, including emotional disorders or abnormalities in brain function, which include ADHD.
As a rule, children aged 2 years are active and rarely calm. Children often remain active and noisy until they are 4 years old. In these age groups and children functioning socially in this age group, this behavior is normal. Active behavior can lead to conflicts between parents and children and make parents worry. In addition, this behavior can cause problems for other people who supervise the child, including teachers.
The decision about whether a child's activity level is abnormally high should not depend solely on how easily the person supervising the child tolerates the behavior. However, there is no doubt that some children are more active than average. If a high level of activity is combined with poor concentration and impulsivity, then this behavior can be characterized as hyperactivity and considered a component of ADHD.
If a child with a high activity level is scolded or punished, it has the opposite effect and increases the child's activity level even more. Avoiding situations in which the child needs to sit quietly for long periods, as well as finding a teacher who has the skills to handle such a child, can sometimes help achieve a beneficial effect. If simple measures do not help, medical or psychological testing may be done to rule out a disorder that may be causing the problems outlined above (such as ADHD).
Diagnosis Of ADHD
The diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is based on the clinical assessment of symptoms by mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, child psychiatrists, psychologists, and neurologists.
Diagnosis involves a thorough evaluation of the patient's medical history and symptoms, as well as observations and assessments from family members, teachers, and other caregivers.
The diagnosis of ADHD is based on specific criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM, published by the American Psychiatric Association. According to the DSM-5, the diagnosis of ADHD requires that a person exhibit symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity to a degree that is disproportionate to their age and developmental level.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must present at least six of the nine symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity listed in the DSM-5, in addition to presenting symptoms in two or more different places, such as at home, school, or work.
In addition to clinical evaluation, diagnosing ADHD may also involve neuropsychological testing, IQ testing, and other psychological tests to help assess cognitive function and detect any other conditions that may be contributing to ADHD symptoms.
It is important to remember that an accurate diagnosis of ADHD is essential for the appropriate treatment of the disorder and for minimizing the negative impacts of symptoms in everyday life.
ADHD Treatment
The treatment of children and adolescents with ADHD is multidisciplinary and is based on intervention with professionals from various areas, such as those in the medical, mental health, and pedagogical fields. Assessments with a psychologist, speech therapist, psychomotor specialist, otorhinolaryngologist, and other specialists may be necessary.
Furthermore, people with ADHD and their families should attend psychoeducational support groups about ADHD, in which the health professional tells them everything about the disorder with clear and objective information so that they can learn to deal with the symptoms and can also exchange experiences and experiences with other carriers and family members.
Guidance for parents is essential, as it instructs them about the disease, facilitates family life, and teaches them how to deal with the child and how to prevent future relapses.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For ADHD
Regarding psychotherapeutic interventions, the most studied and with the greatest scientific evidence of effectiveness for the cardinal symptoms of ADHD is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Children with ADHD who are very maladaptive require behavioral techniques that can help a lot. Not every child with the disorder needs psychotherapy, the condition always requires family guidance.
In more complex cases, with functional impairment in several areas, the presence of comorbidities, and parents with conflicting opinions, we must begin treatment with family psychoeducation and educational support. In families where ADHD is common, great care must be taken with environmental variables that may serve as a trigger for those who are predisposed to the disorder.
Medicines
The most commonly used medications for treating ADHD contain methylphenidate, such as Concerta and Ritalin. Medications such as Effexor XR, which contains venlafaxine as an active ingredient, can also be prescribed by the treating doctor.
Only a specialist can tell you which medication is best suited for your case, as well as the correct dosage and duration of treatment. Always follow your doctor's instructions strictly and NEVER self-medicate. Do not stop using the medicine without consulting a doctor first and, if you take it more than once or in much larger quantities than prescribed, follow the instructions on the leaflet.
Prevention
Neuroscience still cannot say for sure how it is possible to prevent the occurrence of ADHD. What is known today are ways that help reduce the risk of your child developing the disorder. Check out some examples:
- During pregnancy, avoid using substances that could harm fetal development. Do not drink alcoholic beverages, and avoid cigarettes and other drugs. Also, avoid exposure to environmental toxins
- Protect your child from exposure to pollutants and toxins, including cigarette smoke, agricultural or industrial chemicals, and lead.
Living Together (Prognosis)
One of the first techniques taught to the family is the suspension of reprimands and punishments. People with ADHD must be praised, recognized, and valued for what is good about them, whenever they do something correctly. This positive reinforcement increases the child's self-esteem and prevents future problems.
Interventions at the school level are essential and psycho-pedagogical support and school reinforcement are often necessary - as they facilitate these children's coexistence with their peers and try to prevent them from becoming disinterested in school, which is very common in cases of ADHD.
Not only are many schools still unaware of ADHD, but they also do not have the opportunity to participate in the treatment of these children, for a variety of reasons. The school must receive all the information support relevant to ADHD, its mechanisms, and its manifestations at different ages.
The school needs to know its importance as one of the main sources of referring students for medical evaluation. Increasingly, more children and adolescents are coming to doctors' offices on the recommendation of their school.
Tips for Dealing with Someone Who Has ADHD
Living with someone who has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can present unique challenges, but it can also be an enriching experience.
However, here are some important considerations for living with someone who has ADHD:
1. Understanding and Education
It is essential to learn about ADHD to understand how it affects the individual in terms of attention, organization, focus, and impulsivity. This way, by knowing the symptoms and associated challenges, you will be better prepared to deal with situations that may arise.
2. Patience
People with ADHD may have difficulty concentrating, following detailed instructions, or remembering tasks. Therefore, patience is essential when dealing with repetitions, forgetfulness, or delays.
3. Open Communication
Maintain clear and open lines of communication. Allow the person with ADHD to express themselves about their needs, frustrations, and successes. This helps build an environment of support and empathy.
4. Establishing Routines and Structure
Creating consistent routines can help people with ADHD feel more organized and in control. Furthermore, planning activities and tasks, with clear steps and achievable objectives, can make day-to-day management easier.
5. Encouragement and Positive ReinforcementRecognizing and praising the efforts and achievements of people with ADHD is essential to increasing their self-esteem and motivation. However, positive reinforcement can help overcome challenges and cultivate a more positive mindset.
6. Flexibility
It's important to recognize that ADHD affects people in different ways. However, be open to adjusting your expectations and finding flexible approaches to addressing challenges that may arise.
7. Professional Help
In some cases, cognitive behavioral therapy, supportive therapy, and even medication may be indicated to help manage ADHD symptoms. Therefore, encouraging the search for professional help when necessary is an important gesture of support.
8. Focus on Qualities
ADHD also brings with it many positive aspects, such as creativity, enthusiasm, and energy. In this sense, focusing on the person's qualities can strengthen bonds and improve coexistence.
9. Self-Care
If you are the caregiver or partner of someone with ADHD, remember to take care of yourself too. Dealing with daily challenges can be tiring, so set aside time for rest and activities that bring you joy and emotional support.
Fake News About ADHD
In this era of fast information, many people end up sharing fake news.
This disorder has been one of the main ones affected by fake news, causing a series of misinformation and unnecessary concern among many people.
Among the main fake news being spread about ADHD, the main ones are:
- Removing tags from clothes is a sign of ADHD
- Suddenly remembering something from the past is a sign of ADHD
- Feeling very exhausted is a sign of ADHD
- Having different hobbies is a sign of ADHD, etc.
Having any of the items mentioned above is not a factor in determining whether you have ADHD!
Therefore, before self-diagnosing yourself through false messages posted on the internet, seek out a trusted professional to make a correct diagnosis.
Possible Complications
If not treated properly, ADHD can have several consequences on the daily life of a child, teenager, or adult with the condition. In children and adolescents, the disorder is associated with higher rates of early feelings of failure, social rejection, and bullying, in addition to lower rates of school performance index and academic success.
In adults, the disorder is associated with low performance and success in the professional field, higher unemployment rates, and interpersonal conflict. Additionally, individuals with ADHD are significantly more likely to develop Antisocial Personality Disorder, obesity, and other problems.
In Conclusion
Each child can be affected by ADHD differently. It is important to know the symptoms of ADHD to be able to identify them in time and start therapy as early as possible. The most common symptoms are concentrated in the areas of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and attention deficit. In some cases, with appropriate treatment and therapy, some children manage to improve their symptoms and have a low level of symptoms. In the case of other children, they can persist even into adulthood.
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