ADHD, kids, distraction, energy, focus

What Is ADHD? Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common behavioral disorder. It often starts during childhood but doesn’t only affect children, but teenagers and adults of all ages as well.

In this article, I will discuss what ADHD is, its symptoms in adults, diagnoses, and treatment options.

What is ADHD?

People with ADHD have a difficult time focusing. They get easily distracted and have a more difficult time controlling what they are doing or saying. They tend to be restless or impulsive. Being inattentive, restless, or impulsive is particularly apparent in young children.

ADHD affects about 6.4 million children between ages 4 and 7 in the US alone. From 2003 to 2016 the number of ADHD cases have increased by 7.8% and are continuing to be on the rise.

Many mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety, tend to affects female more than male, this is not the case with ADHD. ADHD affects about 13.2% of boys versus only 5.6% of girls.

Types of ADHD

There are several types of ADHD, including:

  • Predominantly Inattentive Type: Those who fit into this category have a need to finish tasks and organize things. They have a difficult time to pay attention to details and to follow instructions.
  • Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: Those who fit into this type have a hard time keeping it still. They may fidget or talk a lot. Children may end up jumping, running, or climbing, and interrupting other constantly.
  • Combined Type: Those who show symptoms of both categories equally have a combined type of ADHD.

ADHD Symptoms in Children

  • Being restless, overactive, or fidgety
  • Constantly interrupting others
  • Difficulty concentrating for a long time on specific tasks
  • Talking constantly
  • Being inattentive
  • Having a hard time standing still, standing in line, waiting for their turn

While these symptoms are normal for all children, in children with ADHD they become more pronounced and constant and may interfere with their school work or social life.

What Causes ADHD?

It is not known what exactly causes ADHD. Current evidence suggests that the following may play a role in developing ADHD:

  • Genetics
  • Food additives and coloring
  • Processed sugar
  • High fructose corn syrup
  • Mercury exposure during pregnancy

Risk of ADHD May Increase due to:

  • Smoking or alcohol during pregnancy
  • Premature birth
  • Exposure to toxins
  • Genetics

Complication of ADHD

  • Poor school or work performance
  • Unemployment
  • Poor self-image
  • Social difficulties
  • Poor mental health
  • Poor physical health
  • Alcohol or drug abuse
  • Trouble with the law
  • Suicide attempts

Co-existing conditions

ADHD may present itself as a stand-alone condition or may co-exist with other conditions. It is the most frequently seen to co-exist with:

  • Mood disorders
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Personality disorders
  • Substance abuse
  • Learning disabilities

ADHD Diagnosis

There is no blood test, urine test, scan, or other physical tests that can diagnose ADHD. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health specialists can make the diagnosis of ADHD based on observation and recognizing the child’s behavior, through parents’ description of the child’s behavior or self-reporting for adult patients.

When Does ADHD Start? Does It Last Forever?

In most cases, ADHD symptoms start before age 7. Though in 75% of the cases, symptoms continue into adulthood. However, hyperactivity and possibly other symptoms decrease with age. Some people don’t get diagnosed until their adulthood.

Adult ADHD

Since adults tend to experience less hyperactivity than children or none at all, it may be more difficult to recognize ADHD in adults. However, about 8 million adults in the US have ADHD. Many received their diagnoses as children. Undiagnosed and/or untreated ADHD in adults can lead to chaotic and disorganized lifestyles, as well as, work and social difficulties. Behavioral therapy and medication can make a tremendous difference for adults with ADHD.

ADHD Symptoms in Adults

  • Impulsiveness
  • Disorganization
  • Poor time management skills
  •  prioritizing
  • Trouble multitasking
  • Trouble completing a task
  • Restlessness
  • Trouble focusing on a task
  • Poor planning
  • Excessive activity
  • Hot temper
  • Low frustration tolerance
  • Trouble coping with stress
  • Mood swings

ADHD Treatment – Conventional & Natural Methods

The combination of medication, therapy, lifestyle, and dietary changes can bring about the best result for ADHD. Always work together with a mental health professional or team of specialist to find the best treatment possible for you or your child.

Common ADHD Medications:

  • Adderal (two strengths, one for short period, one for longer periods)
  • Dexedrine (lower dosage – taken several times a day)
  • Methylphenidate
  • Ritalin
  • Ritalin LA (will last up to 12 hours)
  • Methylin
  • Focalin
  • Focalin XR (will last up to 12 hours)
  • Metadate CD
  • Other medications
  • Atomoxetine HCI (Strattera)
  • Bupropion (Wellbutrin XL)
  • Benzphetamine
  • Clonidine
  • Provigil

Best forms of therapy for ADHD:

  • Behavioral therapy
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Social skills groups (especially for children)

Lifestyle and Dietary Factors That Can Improve ADHD:

  • Regular physical exercise
  • Outdoor activities
  • Mindfulness and meditation
  • Avoiding artificial ingredients, high fructose corn syrup, and processed sugar
  • Eating a healthy, whole foods diet with lots of greens, vegetables, and fruits
  • Supplements, including omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil), zinc, melatonin, magnesium, ginseng, ginkgo, valerian, and primrose oil

Parenting Tips for Children with ADHD

  • Create structure
  • Break tasks into manageable pieces
  • Simplify your child’s life
  • Organize your child’s life well
  • Limit distractions
  • Encourage exercise
  • Regulate sleep patterns
  • Limit wait times
  • Encourage out-loud thinking
  • Talk things through
  • Take breaks
  • Believe in your child
  • Calm yourself
  • Don’t lash out
  • Be positive
  • Don’t let your child’s ADHD take control of your or their life

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. What does ADHD do to a person?

Those with ADHD have trouble concentrating. Many children may also be hyperactive.

Q. Is ADHD a mental illness?

ADHD is classified as a mental disorder.

Q. Is ADHD a disability?

Usually not, however, in severe cases it may become a disabling condition. Adults with severe ADHD may be able to receive social security checks.

Q. Can ADHD be cured?

There is no cure for ADHD, however, with proper treatment, symptoms can be well-managed and one can live a full life with ADHD.

Q. Is ADHD a bad thing?

No, there is nothing bad about ADHD or to be ashamed of.

Q. Is ADHD the same as autism?

No. ADHD is not the same as autism. Symptoms of ADHD and autism can overlap, and some children with autism may develop ADHD as well.

Q. Does ADHD run in families?

ADHD can run in the family.

Q. Can ADHD go away?

ADHD symptoms can greatly improve through treatment. Symptoms of hyperactivity tend to decrease with age as well.

ADHD is a common mental disorder that affects your ability to focus and be still. Though there is no cure, with proper treatment, including therapy, medication, lifestyle and dietary changes, symptoms can be managed. People with ADHD can lead to a successful, happy, and healthy life.

I hope you’ve found this article helpful. If you have any questions or feedback, let us know in the comments.

References:

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html
  2. https://www.additudemag.com/just-diagnosed-with-adhd-next-steps-for-adults/
  3. https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/vitamins-supplements-adhd#1
  4. https://www.additudemag.com/what-is-adhd-symptoms-causes-treatments/
  5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adult-adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350878
  6. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/behavior-therapy.html
  7. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/add-adhd/when-your-child-has-attention-deficit-disorder-adhd.htm
  8. https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd#1
  9. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml
  10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3955126/
  11. https://adhd-institute.com/assessment-diagnosis/diagnosis/dsm-5/
  12. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/diagnosis.html
  13. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html

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