ADHD

ADHD stands for - Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. It is a neurological condition that impairs your capacity for sustained focus, stillness, and behavioral restraint. It is defined as: "Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition that can cause unusual levels of hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors" (Healthline, 2020). Children and teenagers experience it, and it can last throughout adulthood. ADHD is well spotted during the early school years of a child, where they have problems paying attention in class. According to reports, boys are more likely to have the disorder than girls.

Inattentiveness and fluctuations in energy are common. This occurs more frequently and to a larger extent for someone with ADHD compared to those without the disorder. Their schooling, employment, interpersonal interactions, and family lives may all be significantly impacted.

Both prevention and treatment are not possible for ADHD. A kid or adult with ADHD can control their symptoms if they are diagnosed early and have a strong treatment and education plan. Adults who have ADHD also seem to have other problems and disorders arising - such as sleep problems and anxiety disorders.

Types of ADHD

This disorder is grouped or diagnosed into 3 areas:

1. Inattentive - this is where a child with ADHD may experience: distractedness, may not be able to follow tasks or directions, forgetfulness, often loosing things, have problems focusing, and tends to daydream.
2. Hyperactive-impulsive - this is where a child may experience: squirming, fidgeting, having trouble playing quietly, talks excessively, and interrupt others.
3. Combined - in this type of ADHD, the person has both the symptoms of Hyper-active and Inattentive types of ADHD. Among them include a lack of concentration, a propensity for impulsivity, and an excess of energy and activity.

Symptoms

The symptoms sometimes differ from how an adult has ADHD and how a child has ADHD. A child's symptom includes:

1. Talk excessively,
2. Fidget and squirm ,
3. Be in constant motion,
4. Impatient,
5. Interrupt others,
6. Trouble focusing,
7. Daydream frequently,
8. Forgetful,
9. Difficulty processing information quickly.

An adults symptoms include:

1. Impulsiveness
2. Difficulty focusing
3. Restlessness
4. Frequent mood swings
5. Poor time management and planning skills

Causes

There may be many causes to how a person gets ADHD. There are some that increase the risk of ADHD and their symptoms. However, it is still unknown what causes the disorder to form, according to the researchers. There are some that have been suggested by the scientists which have been the main causes of ADHD. These include:

1. Genetics - it has been thought by scientists that it is more likely for a child to have ADHD if one of the parent has the disorder. According to research, people with ADHD are more likely to have ADHD in their parents and siblings. Despite this clear genetic correlation, having ADHD does not ensure that a kid will inherit the gene for the disorder. This is due to the fact that a child's propensity for ADHD is influenced by both environmental and genetic variables.
2. Brain function and structure - although it is unclear exactly what these changes mean, research has shown some potential distinctions between the brains of persons with ADHD and those without the disorder. According to several other research, persons with ADHD may have an unbalanced level of neurotransmitters in their brains or have a malfunctioning of these substances. For example, studies deduce that the brain scans of people without ADHD have smaller brains, whereas people with ADHD seem to have larger brains.
3. Toxins - childhood exposure to some environmental contaminants can raise a child's chance of developing ADHD. Studies show that lead exposure, even at low levels, can cause hyperactivity and inattention. Lead may be present in a variety of locations, including gasoline from the past or the paint on houses constructed before 1978.

Diagnosis

It is quite hard to diagnose a child, as it will be hard to notice the symptoms in a child. A youngster may undergo a series of exams to evaluate their neurological and psychological condition in order to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD or learning difficulties. An expert in identifying and treating ADHD who is a pediatrician or other mental health practitioner should administer the tests. The test may include:

• A medical and social history of the family and the child.
• A physical and neurological exam including screenings of vision, hearing, and verbal and motor skills.
• An assessment of one's processing abilities, personality, aptitude, or intellect.

Treatment

There are many ways of treating a person with ADHD. Through research, the scientists have suggested the multimodal approach, where there are several treatment methods for the people to control their symptoms. And these symptoms seem to work together in the favor of the severity of the disorder. Many symptoms of ADHD can be managed with medication and therapy.

Medication

When it comes to treating ADHD, there are two types of medication: Stimulants and Non-Stimulants.

The most often recommended ADHD drugs are central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. Dopamine and norepinephrine, two brain chemicals, are produced in greater amounts as a result of these medications. The drugs include - such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based stimulants (Adderall) and many more.

If the stimulants do not work, due to the medications causing other side effects to the person with ADHD, then the doctor may prescribe non-stimulants. Increased norepinephrine levels in the brain is how certain non-stimulant drugs function. The drugs used for the non-stimulant medication include - such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and some antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin).

Therapy

• Behavior modification - this is where the child with ADHD is taught on how to keep their impulsivity in check. Teaching them on how to control their impulses and not interrupting others is a good way to help them reduce their symptoms' severity.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - according to research, people with ADHD can benefit from CBT for their core symptoms and deficits. It was created especially for individuals with ADHD. These tackle difficulties with planning, organizing, and managing time on a daily basis. Stress management, impulsive control, and emotional self-regulation are some other areas of emphasis.
• Psychotherapy - getting people to talk openly about their thoughts about managing their ADHD might be helpful in psychotherapy. Problems with peers and authoritative figures may result from ADHD in certain individuals. People can also be able to examine their recurring patterns of conduct in psychotherapy and discover ways to go forward with more wholesome decisions.
• Occupational Therapy - supports individuals with the needs necessary for participation in activities of daily living, such as self-care, employment, or recreation. To improve the person's ability to participate, this may entail skill development and/or making changes to their job or surroundings. This therapy seems to help people with ADHD. In adults, this form of therapy seems to help in - organization, social interaction, stress management technique, monitoring and regulating sensory stimulations.

Summary

ADHD most likely has a number of underlying causes. For instance, someone who is genetically predisposed to ADHD may experience environmental circumstances that also have a role in the development of the disorder. Untreated ADHD may have a significant impact on your life, both for children and adults. It can impact relationships, job, and school. Treatment is crucial and can help the condition's symptoms be lessened.

Although medication is frequently the primary line of treatment for adult ADHD, some patients may also choose to seek counseling. Otherwise, with the help of the healthcare professional it can be decided whether or not therapy should add to the package of medication. Which may help lower the disorder's symptoms.

Monitoring the symptoms and seeing the doctor frequently are crucial. When they were previously successful, medications and therapies occasionally lose their effectiveness. The patient's treatment regimen may have to be modified. Early in adulthood, some persons have symptom improvement, and others are able to quit using medication.

References:

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Healthline (2021). ADHD Treatment Options: Therapy, Medication, and More. [online] Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/treatment-overview#11 [Accessed: 10 Jun. 2023].

Lynn Marks, J. (2023). ADHD Symptoms and Diagnosis. [online] EverydayHealth.com. Available at: https://www.everydayhealth.com/adhd/guide/symptoms/#:~:text=In%20adults%2C%20according%20to%20Mayo%20Clinic%20experts%2C%20ADHD [Accessed: 10 Jun. 2023].

Low, K. (2022). The Truth About What Actually Causes ADHD. [online] Verywell Mind. Available at: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-causes-adhd-20465 [Accessed: 10 Jun. 2023].

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NHS (2021). Causes - Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). [online] NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/causes/ [Accessed: 10 Jun. 2023].