Understanding ADHD – Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder explained.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a psychological disorder identified by an individual’s difficulty paying attention and controlling their behaviour. Individuals diagnosed with ADHD often portray hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour. It is primarily diagnosed in children and teens, which may remain present during adulthood as it cannot be cured. ADHD does not have any cure or prevention; rather, it is controllable with appropriate treatment and guidance. The symptoms of ADHD is different for different age levels.

Symptoms in children/teens:

  • They get easily distracted.
  • They cannot remain attentive for a long time.
  • They do not listen properly, ending up making silly mistakes.
  • Forgetful about daily activities.
  • Cannot organise and work accordingly.
  • Cannot remain seated steadily.
  • Face difficulties in concentrating and staying focused.

Symptoms in adults:

  • Forgetful about deadlines/tasks.
  • Low self-esteem.
  • Stress, anxiety, depression.
  • Short-tempered gets angry quickly.
  • Faces difficulty concentrating on things.
  • Substance abuse.
  • Poor social life.

The major causes of ADHD are still unknown, but certain factors can result in an individual having ADHD, including:-

  • Genetical reasons- Family members are having it and it carryforwards to later generations.
  • Neurological causes- Certain chemicals imbalances in the brain, certain parts of the brain not working efficiently or inactive, an injury to the brain.
  • Lifestyle- The mother had a poor diet, or into the habit of smoking/drinking alcohol/tobacco use or any other substance usage during pregnancy, any toxins which entered the mother.

The symptoms, causes and intensity of ADHD differ from person to person. To understand each case more precisely, the “American Psychological Association” has come up with three types of ADHD: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type and combined- hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive. 

Predominantly inattentive- This is where individuals cannot pay attention and stay concentrated on things, follow instructions and complete tasks. It is mainly seen among girls because they are mostly quiet in classrooms, for which it is also challenging to look for symptoms and diagnose them.

Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type- This is where individuals portray hyperactivity, impulsive behaviour, and have difficulty focusing. Behaviours displayed by them include: not being able to stay quiet and steady.

Combined- hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive – This is where individuals are hyperactive, show impulsive behaviour and are inattentive. This is known as the most common type of ADHD, which is indicated by many symptoms.

Diagnosis

ADHD can be challenging to diagnose because no specific test identifies it or no particular symptoms. American Psychological Association has published a set of guidelines that describe the number of symptoms, their duration and intensity needed to be present to understand whether the individual has ADHD or not. Psychologists have a conversation with the child and family for a long period, also observe the child over time to identify symptoms of ADHD, its intensity to suggest the ideal treatment.

Treatment

  • Treatments ideal for ADHD is medication and therapy. Stimulant medicines such as Amphetamine, Dexmethylphenidate control hyperactive and impulsive behaviour. These stimulant medicines are most effective for teens and adults. Non-stimulant medication such as Clonidine, Guanfacine are often prescribed to children. They have minor side effects which improve after a while, like sleep disturbance, headache etc.
  • Psychotherapy/Counselling- Psychologists spend time with the individuals to help them learn different ways to control their behaviour, strategise ways to improve their concentration etc.
  • Sometimes family members are also given therapy sessions to learn how to support their children or any other family member with ADHD.

Psychologists also suggest few home remedies which can also help individuals with ADHD, such as: having a balanced diet, enough sleep and a good sleep cycle, reduced screen time, regular exercise, give rewards for good behaviour, talk openly to them.