Symptoms of ADHD
Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the main symptoms of adhd. Some people only have one kind of symptom. A primary care doctor can evaluate and make a diagnosis of ADHD. A specialist, like a developmental-behavioral pediatrician or psychiatrist, may also help with diagnosis and treatment.
ADHD should be diagnosed in childhood (before 12 years of age). The behavior must cause problems in at least two different settings.
Inattention
When you have ADHD, it can be hard to concentrate and remain focused at a given task for long. You might forget about meetings or forget about tasks you need to complete at work or home. You might also have trouble recalling conversations or details such as numbers or names of the people you speak to.
The signs of inattention can impact your ability to be successful at school, at work, and in relationships. However, you can also be able to manage them through treatment. You can take medication, use cognitive behavior therapy, or alter your surroundings to help stay organized and focused.
Inattentive ADHD is more difficult to identify because it is less hyperactive and the ability to be impulsive. Your health care provider will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will review your medical history and conduct an examination. They will also speak to school staff, teachers or family members to confirm your symptoms and determine whether they are affecting you at school, in work and in social situations.
This form of ADHD is marked by a lot of energy, and children who suffer from this condition are difficult to stop or calm down talking. They may also have trouble remembering directions, retaining information or performing their chores. They have a wide range of interests and are often able to switch between different things. They can also become bored easily and want to try new experiences.
A doctor will find that your child has this presentation of ADHD if they have six or more hyperactive and impulsive symptoms for at least six months. They will determine a diagnosis based on the DSM-5 guidelines for ADHD.
Children who suffer from inattentive ADHD can also have difficulties sitting down or paying attention in class, but they don't exhibit the same symptoms as those with the other two presentations of the disorder. Teachers and school staff may be aware that children are often distracted by their thoughts, have difficulty completing homework, or struggle to stay focused during classes. But they might not realize that their problems are due to their ADHD until they are older and have to try to cope with the demands of college as well as careers and their families.
Hyperactivity
Symptoms of hyperactivity include fidgeting, having a hard sitting still, being anxious at school or during other activities and a tendency to talk too much. adhd symptoms adult are also prone towards making decisions impulsively without thinking about the consequences. This kind of ADHD is more prevalent in children and teenagers.
Inattention ADHD is characterized by problems paying attention at schools and other settings. The child is often having difficulty following directions or rules at school, and often loses track of their personal belongings, and has difficulties with reading assignments that are long. They might also appear to be "daydreaming" or tend to be spacy, although they are not. Instead they are unable to stay focused on their tasks and interacting with their classmates.
For a diagnosis of adhd, the symptoms must be present in at least two different settings like school and at home. The signs of adhd must be present before the child reaches age 12 and must significantly impact their functioning.
Many children with inattentive ADHD are diagnosed by their teachers or parents and are typically treated with behavioral therapy which includes counseling or group therapy, as well as parent training. It is also possible to use medication to manage the disorder, however, it should be combined with behavioral treatment.
As children age and become more hyperactive, their signs of impulsivity and hyperactivity could start to affect their schoolwork and social relationships. They might become angry or have an uncontrollable anger, and they may struggle to complete their homework or fulfill their social obligations. They might have difficulty staying employed or adhering to corporate rules, and they might face financial problems frequently due to late payments, unpaid bills, and spending impulsively.
Adults must be aware that ADHD symptoms are not the result of their own actions and that there are effective treatments available. It is also beneficial to have a supportive family and friends who understand the difficulties ADHD can bring. They can help manage impulsive behaviors and promote healthy lifestyle choices like getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet, and managing stress. They can also join support groups to get connected with other people who have the same issues and experiences.
Impulsivity
The most common symptom of ADHD is impulsivity, which is the tendency to act or speak on a whim without considering the consequences. This can lead to issues at school and home. For instance, an impulsive child may shout out answers before the questions are complete or interrupt other children during games or conversations. They might also be in a position of not being able or willing to wait for their turn, or have trouble following the rules.
This symptom is especially common in kids with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, the most prevalent type of this disorder. They are always on the move and fidget, and they have a lot of energy. They are apt to get up when they should remain seated or engage in physical activities that are not appropriate for their age.
This type of disorder is defined by impulsivity and hyperactivity, but not usually problems with attention. They aren't able to sit still, do nothing but talk for a mile and are easily bored. They tend to be very loud, and they often interrupt other people. They can't stop playing and may seem to be oblivious to their surroundings.
The thalamus is an area of the brain that regulates response inhibition. It functions as an electronic gate that sends signals to allow or restrict certain behaviors. Research suggests that for people with ADHD the gate isn't functioning correctly and may contribute to the tendency to be impulsive. This is the reason why people who have ADHD find it difficult to control their impulses in the short term, like eating a handful candy or spending more money than they intended.
This kind of ADHD can also trigger mood swings and difficulties dealing with frustration. They also have a tendency to be awed by themselves and feel very emotionally affected by perceived injustices or negative events.
While impulsivity is a major issue in many situations it can also be an asset in other situations. It can lead to creative solutions and help someone excel in their work or personal life. If it's managed properly the impulsiveness of a person is a powerful skill.
Organization
People suffering from ADHD often struggle to keep their lives organized, both mentally as well as physically. They might lose or forget important items. This can cause mental clutter, which can hinder their ability to prioritize tasks and maintain focus. It can also lead physical clutter. This can result in clutter in the home and make it difficult to find items and poses safety risks.
This lack of organization could cause dissociation, a loss of touch with the world and experiences. This condition is more common in teens and young adults and can occur along with other disorders like depression or anxiety disorders. It's particularly damaging to teens and preteens who are more prone to dissociative disorders as they undergo significant emotional changes.
The disorder can also affect relationships with others as people with ADHD are unable to communicate effectively. They might react too quickly when they receive negative feedback, and may not be able to reassess and respond more carefully. They may also have difficulty to express their emotions which can lead to strained marriages and partnerships.
Emotional reactivity can also impact those 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 sexual sex. This can lead to people feeling bored during sex and looking for more stimulating sexual experiences.
There are many strategies to help those with ADHD improve their organizational skills and reduce their detachment. Establishing a routine with reminders, such as sticky notes or on dry-erase boards, and setting alarms on phones can help keep their attention on the right path. You can also make use of organizational tools, such a shelves or bins, to organize things together to make them easier to find.
Some people with ADHD require counseling, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which teaches them skills to manage their emotions and help them discern when they are feeling overwhelmed or out of control. Adults who experience ADHD are also able to benefit from medication, which enhances executive functioning and can aid in organizing their daily lives.