Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
It is becoming more common to hear the term attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and many people are curious about it. MEDvidi has many helpful articles all about ADHD, and this page will give you an ADHD overview and point you to your area of interest.
ADHD Explained
The
“… a behavioral condition that makes focusing on everyday requests and routines challenging.“
ADHD is a common childhood neurodevelopmental disorder. ‘Neuro’ means brain or nerve; in kids, it often presents as learning disabilities and naughtiness. However, it can persist into adulthood, impacting daily life, relationships, and work performance.
ADHD vs ADD
Attention deficit disorder (ADD) was
Prevalence of Adult ADHD
ADHD in adults is common; a Center for Disease Control (CDC) survey in 2023 estimated that
ADHD Across the Lifespan
ADHD is often seen as a childhood condition, with an estimated
- Many adults diagnosed with ADHD look back and realize that they have probably had symptoms since childhood, but their parents never sought help; others may have intentionally masked their symptoms in an attempt to ‘fit in.’
- Next, there is the group that might have had their ADHD symptoms
‘masked’ by a high IQ or stable and supportive environments[5] and present them when adult life circumstances become challenging. - Finally, high-functioning ADHD is a term, not a diagnosis, used to describe people with ADHD that function normally and are successful in life, possibly due to effective coping techniques and a protective environment where external stressors were low.
ADHD Symptoms and Signs
- Careless mistakes
- Being easily distracted
- Trouble paying attention
- Avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort
- Poor work quality
- Neglecting chores and health
- Having poor time management
- Losing things
- Often being late
- Daydreaming
- Being messy
- Missing deadlines
- Being restless and agitated
- Frequent fidgeting
- Difficulty waiting their turn in queues and conversations
- Being loud and talking too much
- Doing irresponsible things because of impulsive behaviors
- Being accident prone
- Constantly “on the go”
Learn how ADHD manifests in different ways and what it means for you.
How ADHD Is Diagnosed in Adults
Doctors diagnose ADHD using
- Inattentive
- Hyperactive/Impulsive
The person seeks help from an HCP
After researching and understanding that they might have ADHD, they make an appointment with a healthcare professional (HCP).
This points the HCP in a diagnostic direction; could it be ADHD, another mental health condition, or a physical disorder?
The patient completes questionnaires
The HCP looks for ADHD symptom categories and how many symptoms there are.
To check health conditions with similar symptoms off the list, you might need a referral for medical evaluation and blood tests.
The HCP makes a diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD, the person must:
- Have a certain number of symptoms (≥6 for children; ≥5 for adults)
- Must have persistent symptoms (≥6 months)
- Have a problem with daily functioning in two or more settings
- Not have any other medical reason for the symptoms
Types of ADHD
Inattentive ADHD is diagnosed when there are:
- Five or more symptoms of inattention
- Not enough hyperactivity/impulsivity
Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD is diagnosed when there are:
- Five or more symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity
- Not enough inattention
(
Combined type ADHD is diagnosed when there are:
- Five or more symptoms of inattention
- Five or more symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity
Get a clear breakdown of the different ADHD types and how they present.
Causes and Risk Factors
There are many myths surrounding ADHD causes. However, too much sugar, a lack of micronutrients, excess screen time, and poor parenting practices have not been proven to cause ADHD.
Most risk factors for developing ADHD come down to genetics; basically, it runs in families. However, a person’s circumstances, like exposure while in the womb to toxines, a mother’s trauma or smoking, or having a low birth weight or brain injury at birth, also play a more minor role.
These genetic and environmental factors influence the central nervous system and brain development in some way. Remember, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which means brain or nerve development disorder. The ADHD brain is smaller with some structural differences than the non-ADHD brain, and its messenger chemicals can’t work effectively; therefore, it functions differently.
Prognosis and Outlook
Many children with ADHD symptoms have
Symptom control is key to normal functioning and reducing stress levels, and good outcomes are more easily achieved at all ages if treatment starts early; this usually involves a combination of medication and therapy.
Treatment Options
A healthcare provider will decide on a personalized ADHD treatment plan, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The correct choice might differ depending on specific symptoms, health status, and co-occurring conditions.
ADHD Medication
There are two types of ADHD medication: stimulants and non-stimulants.
Amphetamines and methylphenidates
- Prescription medication
- Controlled
- Work within hours
- Work for 4 to 12 hours
- Often have side effects
- Usually first-line medication
Norepinephrine modulators and alpha agonists
- Prescription medication
- Not controlled
- Take weeks to start working
- Work up to 24 hours
- Fewer side effects
- Usually second-line medication
Therapy
Doctors often combine ADHD medication and therapy for better results.
Living With Adult ADHD
Unfortunately, it is usual that ADHD affects personal and professional daily life to some degree.
Successfully treating ADHD requires not only taking medication or seeing a therapist but also managing symptoms at home and work.
Healthy behaviors, such as exercising more, eating balanced meals, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol intake, are essential for peak brain functioning. Just as important is reducing stress through taking ‘me-time’; this could be anything from hobbies to a long candle-lit bath or a spa day.
For most people, because of difficulty sustaining attention, ADHD means learning to effectively manage task schedules with lists, calendars, apps, reminders, and alarms. Other valuable tactics are breaking overwhelming tasks into manageable pieces and setting clear goals.
When to See a Doctor
ADHD diagnosed in adulthood can be life-changing, so when is it time to seek help?
Anyone who suspects they may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder should make an appointment with a healthcare professional if they have:
- Symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity affecting daily function at work and home.
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
- Anxiety or a depressed mood that has been present most days in the past two weeks.
- Social relationships that are breaking down.
- Loved ones showing concern.
- Poor results from self-help strategies.
- A feeling that their current treatment is not helping.
Far-Reaching Effects of ADHD
Untreated ADHD in adults leaves symptoms uncontrolled, having potentially devastating consequences such as:
ADHD Challenges
- Over-responsivity — being overwhelmed by inputs
- Under-responsivity — not responding to normal inputs
- Craving — seeking out intense sensory experiences
Sensory over-stimulation might be triggered by ADHD-associated anxiety. Learn more
ADHD is not a disability by definition; it is a mental health condition that falls under brain development disorders. In some cases, if ADHD permanently affects someone’s ability to work, learn, or socialize, it might be classified as a disability. The person might qualify for special work or learning conditions in these circumstances.
In adults, ADHD is most commonly mistaken for
Yes, you can overcome ADHD symptoms with the help of therapy and medication. Some people do ‘outgrow’ it or do not need medication anymore if they experience a change in life circumstances.
Absolutely, people with ADHD can live a normal life by seeking help and getting onto a personalized treatment plan.
Nordby ES, Guribye F, Nordgreen T, Lundervold AJ. Silver linings of ADHD: a thematic analysis of adults’ positive experiences with living with ADHD. BMJ Open. 2023;13(10).
For some people, ADHD gets better with age; about 4 out of 10 children with ADHD ‘outgrow’ their condition, and for older adults, symptoms might settle when life circumstances get more manageable.
It is challenging to prevent attention deficit hyperactivity disorder itself because it is mainly genetic, even though some environmental risk factors might be controllable. It is, however, possible to prevent ADHD symptoms from causing problems in daily life by getting help from a healthcare professional.
Learn more about ADHD
Sources
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