Symptoms of ADHD
Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the main symptoms of adhd. Some people only have one kind of symptom. A primary care provider may be able to diagnose ADHD after reviewing the patient. A specialist, like a developmental-behavioral pediatrician or psychiatrist, may also help with diagnosis and treatment.
ADHD should be diagnosed in childhood (before the age of 12). The behavior must be challenging in at least two different environments.
Inattention
If you suffer from ADHD it can be difficult to concentrate and remain focused on a task for long. You might forget appointments or lose track of tasks at work or home. You may also have difficulty remembering conversations or particular details, like the names or numbers of people you speak to.
Inattention issues can hinder your ability to perform at work, school and in relationships. However, you can also be able to manage them using treatment. You can take medication, utilize cognitive behavior therapy or even change your surroundings to help you stay organized and focused.
Attention-deficit ADHD is more difficult to identify because it is less hyperactive and the ability to be impulsive. Your doctor will ask you to describe your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They will examine your medical history and perform a physical examination. They will also talk to teachers, school staff or family members to verify your symptoms and determine whether they affect you at school, in the workplace, or in social situations.
Children with this form of ADHD are full of energy and are hard to control or stop talking. They may also have difficulties following directions, remembering things or doing their chores. They are interested in a variety of things and often switch between different things. They also tend to get bored quickly and want to try new experiences.
A medical professional will find that your child has this form of ADHD if they have six or more impulsive and hyperactive symptoms for at least 6 months. My Site -5 guidelines are used to determine ADHD.
Children with inattentive ADHD can also have a difficult time sitting still or paying attention during class, but they don't show the same symptoms as those with the other two manifestations of the condition. Teachers and school staff may notice that they tend to think about other things, are slow to complete their homework, or struggle to stay on task during classes. However, they may not realize that the cause of these issues is caused by their ADHD until they reach adulthood and try to manage the demands of college as well as careers and families.
Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity symptoms include fidgeting, having a difficult to sit still or being agitated in school or other activities and talking too much. They also have a tendency of making decisions on the spur of the moment without considering the consequences. This kind of ADHD is more common in adolescents and children.
Inattentive ADHD manifests as difficulty paying attention in school or other settings. The child is often having difficulty following directions or rules at school, frequently loses the track of their personal belongings, and is often having difficulties with reading assignments that are long. They may also appear be "daydreaming" or have a tendency to be calm, even though they're not. Instead, they have difficulty staying focused on their task and interacting with their classmates.
It is important to keep in mind that adhd symptoms must occur in two or more settings like school and home, in order to be able to diagnose. The child's symptoms must begin before the age of 12 and must be seriously impairing their functioning.
Teachers and parents often diagnose children with inattentive ADHD, and they are treated by using behavioral therapies, like group therapy, counseling and parent education. The disorder can be controlled with medication, but it must always be accompanied by with behavioral therapy.
As children age, their symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity may become a problem for schoolwork and social interactions. They may become irritable or have a low tolerance for anger. They may also have difficulty to complete their work or meet their social obligations. They may struggle to keep their job or adhering to corporate guidelines. They may also have frequent financial problems due to late payments or unpaid bills.
It is important for adults to recognize that their ADHD symptoms are not their fault and that effective treatment options are available. It is also helpful to have supportive family and friends members who understand the challenges of ADHD. They can also help to manage impulsive behaviors and encourage healthy lifestyle choices, for example, getting enough rest and eating a healthy diet, and reducing stress. They can also join a support group to meet with others who share similar experiences and worries.
Impulsivity
Impulsivity is a primary symptom of ADHD. It is the tendency to act on a whim or speak without thinking about consequences. This can cause trouble at home and school. For example an impulsive child might shout out answers before the questions are completed or often interrupt other children in games or conversations. They may also be in a position of not being able or willing to wait for their turn, or have trouble following 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, fidget and have lots of energy. They often take a step up or engage in activities that are not appropriate for their age.
Children with this type of the disorder are more likely to exhibit hyperactivity and impulsivity but aren't typically having trouble paying attention. They can't stay still, talk a mile-a-minute and get bored easily. They are usually very loud and often interrupt other people. They don't cease to play and appear in complete disbelief of their surroundings.
The thalamus region of the brain controls response inhibition and works like a gate, sending signals to allow or block actions. Research suggests that in people with ADHD, this gate isn't functioning properly, and could contribute to the tendency to be impulsive. This is the reason why people with ADHD struggle to control their short-term urges, such as eating a handful of candy or spending more money than they intended to.
This kind of ADHD can also trigger mood swings, and difficulty handling frustration. They also tend to think highly of themselves and are very emotional about perceived injustices or events that are negative.
The good news is that although impulsivity can be a big problem in many situations but it can also be an asset in certain situations. It can lead to creative solutions and help someone achieve their goals in their work or personal life. In fact, if handled properly, a person's impulsiveness can change from kryptonite into superpower!
Organization
People with ADHD have trouble being organized both mentally as well physically. They might forget where they put something or misplace important items. This can result in mental clutter which hinders their ability prioritise tasks and remain focused. It can also result in physical clutter, which can create clutter in the living space that makes it difficult find items and may cause security risks.
In some cases, this lack of organization may cause dissociation, which is the process of losing touch with one's surroundings and experiences. It is more prevalent among teens and young adults, and can occur in conjunction with other conditions such as depression or anxiety disorders. It can be especially harmful for teens and preteens, who are often more prone to experiencing dissociative symptoms as they go through significant emotional changes.
The disorder can also impact interpersonal relationships, as those who suffer from ADHD may have trouble communicating effectively. They can often overreact to negative feedback and may not be able to relax enough to think about the situation and respond in a more rational manner. They may also be unable to express their emotions, which can contribute to tensions in marriages and relationships.
Emotional reactivity can also impact people with ADHD and their sex lives, as they may be more likely to skip the pre-sex activities, like foreplay, and then jump straight into intercourse. This can cause them to feel bored while having sexual activity, which leads them to seek out more stimulating sexual experiences outside of their relationship.
For people who experience ADHD, there are many strategies available to aid in improving their organization and detachment. Establishing a routine using reminders such as sticky notes or on dry-erase boards, and setting phone alarms can all help keep them on the right track. You can also make use of organizing tools, like bins or shelves to organize items and make them easier to locate.
Some people with ADHD benefit from counseling like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which helps them manage their emotions and helps them discern when they are feeling overwhelmed or out of control. Adults who suffer from ADHD can also benefit by taking medication that enhances executive functions and aids them to manage their lives.