written by Sarah Doleschal (nuts&needles)
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a common mental developmental disorder. It has been diagnosed in children and adults, but can affect people of any age.
ADHD is characterized by difficulty paying attention or concentrating on tasks, impulsive behavior (acting before thinking), and hyperactivity (fidgeting, restlessness). These symptoms must be present for at least six months and cause problems at school or work. Symptoms often first appear before age 7, but can persist into adulthood.
ADHD is a neurobiological abnormality that affects how people process information. People with ADHD are often hyperactive, impulsive and inattentive. They may have a hard time focusing on a task or even staying seated for long periods of time. As a result, they may have difficulty completing tasks in school and fail to reach their academic potential.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (USA), about half of all children with ADHD still have symptoms as adults. However, many adults manage their ADHD symptoms with therapy and medication.
There are three types of ADHD: the predominantly inattentive type, the predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type, and the combined type.
How does ADHD develop?
The exact cause of ADHD is unknown. However, research shows that it is likely a combination of genetic factors, environmental influences, and brain chemistry.
Genetic factors: research shows that ADHD is highly heritable, meaning it runs in families.
Environmental influences: Environmental factors such as diet, stress, toxins in the home, and chemicals in certain foods can affect the development of ADHD symptoms.
Brain chemistry: brain chemistry has also been shown to play a role in the development of ADHD symptoms. The brain does not get enough dopamine to function properly.
What challenges do people with ADHD face?
If you have ADHD, you know that it is not just a disorder, but a way of life.
The challenges of ADHD are in the brain as well as the body. The neurological aspects of ADHD include:
- Impulsivity - the inability to control actions or thoughts.
- Hyperactivity - the inability to sit still for long periods of time.
- Inattention - the inability to focus on one thing at a time.
These behavioral characteristics can make it difficult to manage everyday tasks such as completing homework, paying bills on time, or maintaining relationships with friends and family members. But there are also physical symptoms associated with ADHD:
- Agitation - a constant feeling of restlessness or agitation.
- Coordination difficulties - difficulty with fine motor skills, such as writing by hand or typing on a keyboard.
- Sleep disturbances - difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep due to racing thoughts that keep you awake at night.
People with ADHD may have difficulty controlling their behavior and focusing on tasks for long periods of time. They may also have a hard time controlling their feelings and relationships with others. These difficulties can make it harder for adults with ADHD to succeed in school or at work, which can make them feel like a failure and even ashamed.
Below are some of the most common challenges people with ADHD face:
- They are easily distracted by things like other people's conversations or background noise.
- Difficulty completing tasks on time or starting them at all
- Forgetting important dates and events, such as birthdays or appointments
- Difficulty sitting still for long periods of time or getting bored quickly when there is not enough going on around them
How can ADHD be treated?
The good news is that there are many treatment options available to help sufferers manage their symptoms. Treatment can include medications and behavioral therapy. Treatment depends on your symptoms and how old you are when you start treatment.
One option is medication. Medication can help patients focus, control their emotions, and improve impulse control.
The most common medication for ADHD is methylphenidate (Ritalin), which increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This can help people with ADHD focus better, but it's important to know that Ritalin is not a cure for ADHD - it only helps with symptoms such as impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention.
Another option for treating ADHD is therapy. In behavioral therapy, patients can learn to improve their social skills and develop better coping mechanisms when struggling with their symptoms.
Other treatment options for ADHD include neurofeedback therapy, which uses electrical signals to increase activity in specific parts of the brain; neurotherapy, which uses brainwave training to improve concentration; and neuroplasticity training, which helps improve brain function by strengthening neural pathways responsible for attention or controlling emotions.
DOs in dealing with ADHD sufferers
When dealing with people who have ADHD, it's easy to get frustrated. They seem to have trouble concentrating, they are often late and disorganized, and they seem to have no sense of time and space. The truth is, however, that these people are simply doing the best they can - they just don't always find it easy to do what comes so easily to others.
Here are some tips for dealing with people with ADHD:
- Make sure your expectations are realistic. If you expect someone with ADHD to be able to focus on something for an extended period of time without a break, you will be disappointed. Instead, try setting shorter goals and taking frequent breaks during longer tasks.
- Don't take tardiness personally! If they say they want to meet you at 2:30 p.m., don't get upset if they don't show up until 3 p.m. - they probably meant 2:30 p.m. but got distracted on the way and forgot!
- Understand that it can be difficult for people with ADHD to organize their lives in a way that works for everyone. If someone with ADHD invites you to dinner at 5:00 p.m., don't immediately assume that person is inconsiderate or rude - just ask if another time would be feasible.
DON'Ts in dealing with ADHD sufferers
- Don't get defensive
- Do not patronize them
- Do not be impatient with them
- Do not talk down to them
- It is not your job to defend your loved one's behavior. Your job is to love and support them even when they are acting difficult. So don't get defensive when someone questions your loved one's behavior or accuses them of being lazy or irresponsible. Instead, try to respond by saying something like, "That's really interesting" or "That's an interesting perspective." This will stimulate conversation instead of shutting down the conversation.
- Don't use labels
- People with ADHD are not their diagnosis - they are human beings who deserve respect regardless of the circumstances. Avoid using labels like "ADHD" or "ADD" when talking about them, as these terms can further stigmatize those diagnosed with the condition.