Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Millions of children and adults are affected by Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) across the world. Recurring patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsive reactions interfering with daily life and development are the symptoms of this extremely common neurodevelopmental disorder.
It is important for everyone affected or in contact with someone affected to understand ADHD and the condition to know how to handle it. The article below takes a deep dive into ADHD and everything related to it, including the myths and actionable advice that can help with the disorder.

What Is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is commonly misunderstood as a lack of intelligence or naughtiness, leading to the belief of needing more discipline. It is because the condition affects the ability to focus and be attentive, making the person impulsive.
The condition can hamper those affected's academic, professional, and even social lives if it is not controlled well. ADD vs. ADHD is a common confusion, but both are essentially the same. ADD, which is the Attention Deficient Disorder, is an outdated term for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The onset of ADHD is generally noticed in the early years of childhood, continuing to adulthood, and the reason can be environmental or genetic.

Types of ADHD

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), despite looking like a small and common disorder, can be of several types. The condition and the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms can be affected by the type and require dedicated measures for each type. Here are the types of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder that you or your loved one can be affected with and the symptoms to help you understand each type better:

1. Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
The person suffering from Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) with Predominantly Inattentive Presentation issues is attentive often and gets easily distracted. In other words, the person may be distracted and often needs to be more mindful. They may also need help in following instructions and focusing on doing tasks.

2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
Type 2 of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) causes a hyperactive and impulsive nature. A person suffering from it is restless and needs to move. Sitting idle, being patient, or being still without physical movement is difficult for them. These types of people often act on their impulses and make hasty decisions. They also often interrupt others in a conversation, as being a silent listener or observer can be difficult.

3. Combined Presentation
The most common type of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the third type, where the patient suffering shows the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms of both type 1 and type 2. The patient with the condition has trouble with focusing and acts on impulse. They have the habit of moving their leg while sitting, are forgetful and distracted, and cannot be silent listeners. Either way, their life suffers a lot.

What Causes ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a mental condition, which makes it unclear to know the real root causes of the disorder. However, years of continued research suggest the causes can be one or a combination of the following:

• Genes: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or mental disorders running in the family show the condition may be hereditary.
• Neurological Factors: Brain structure, function, and lacking development can cause attention and impulse regulation.
• Environmental Influences: Several environmental causes impacting brain growth and development may also contribute to the onset and continuity of the condition. For example, low weight at the time of birth, premature birth, exposure to toxins, etc.

What Are The Symptoms Of ADHD?

While we have discussed a few signs and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms above, when discussing the types of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), let us understand the symptoms in detail. Paying attention to the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and understanding the complications of ADHD allow us to understand the condition and when it needs supervision and professional help.

What are the complications of ADHD? Inattentive Symptoms:

People with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often have issues with being attentive and focused, and here is how to know that:

• Cannot focus on one task or a game for a long time.
• Losing items regularly—keys, school supplies, etc.
• Looks distracted often in a conversation.

Hyperactive-Impulsive Symptoms:

ADHD also comes with hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, where one faces difficulty in being calm and patient physically. These are the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms:

• They cannot sit or stand still—they constantly fidget with fingers or feet or move their body.
• They are blurting out randomly without thinking.
• They often break an ongoing conversation in between.
• They interrupt an activity.
• They cannot be silent for long and speak in between.

While these are common symptoms, the intensity and the combination vary with age and condition. Also, children often show both types of symptoms, while adults with adults show symptoms of inattentiveness more than hyperactivity.

Diagnosis

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex mental condition. The diagnosis of ADHD thus involves a comprehensive evaluation. The process involves taking into account:

• Medical History: A medical history confirms that the symptoms are not due to any other medical condition. It helps in ruling out other causes of ADHD symptoms.
• Behavioural Assessments: The people directly in contact with the patient are asked about their opinions. It includes feedback from teachers, parents, or carers on the patient’s behaviour and symptom patterns.
• Standardised Tests: Professionals also use the ADHD rating scale to test the intensity of the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and the stage of the condition. The test majorly evaluates the patient’s attention and impulse.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Treatment Options: How Is ADHD Treated?

ADHD is a behavioural condition with no cure. However, it can be managed well by controlling the symptoms effectively. Professionals help patients manage their attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms using a combination of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder treatment methods, such as:

• Behavioural Therapy: Behavioural therapy aims to develop skills in the patient. The focus is to aid with organisation, time management, controlling impulses, and becoming more patient.
• Parent Training Programs: Training the parents helps them understand and handle the kids with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) better. It equips them with strategies that can help them support and work with their kids better.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Often, mental health professionals emphasise lifestyle modifications such as a nutritious, balanced diet, regular exercise, and a structured routine for brain development and training.
• Medicine: Some medicines can be prescribed by doctors to control impulsive reactions and increase focus depending on the severity of the condition.

Common Myths and Misconceptions

Like any other mental health condition and disorder, ADHD too is surrounded by several myths and misconceptions, and here are a few common ones you may often come across:

• ADHD is not a real condition—often, ADHD is considered to be a lazy person’s excuse, but it is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Awareness can help patients get help, learn the right methods to manage their symptoms and train their brains to be more efficient and focused.
• ADHD only affects children—ADHD or attention-related issues are often considered children's issues. In the case of adults, lack of attention is termed as tiredness, exhaustion, lack of interest, or excuses. The reality is the onset of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may happen in childhood, but it is also very common in adults.
• People with ADHD just need to try harder - The lack of attention is due to a lack of motivation, they correlate it to willpower, inspiration, trying harder, etc. The root causes lie in biological and neurological factors affecting brain functions, resulting in their inability to stay focused or patient. Diagnosis can help the patients know the exact ways to improve efficiency.

Living with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

While ADHD is not a very serious condition, it may affect the social and professional lives of the patients. In the case of children, it affects their academics. Consequently, people with ADHD may get frustrated and need help.
What to do?
Seek help!
You should visit a professional at Jagruti to get a diagnosis and proper training to manage your attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms well. Additionally, you can try following these tips:

• Develop a routine and stick to it. Consistency with zero to minimal distractions can help increase efficiency.
• Big tasks may overwhelm an Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) mind. Break it into small tasks with breaks and rewards to give your mind a break. It's like breaking a book into chapters and a chapter into sections.

How to Support Loved Ones

If you know someone with ADHD or someone with the symptoms of ADHD, you can help them in the following ways:

• Understand and the people understand - Make yourself contact with a person with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to spread awareness and for people to be understanding and empathetic.
• Clear Communication - Make instructions simple and clear with no extra words and difficult language. Instruct properly and avoid talking about the bigger picture or making them multitask.
• Encourage Professional Help - visiting a therapist or geHelp: Encouragerofessional help. Also, normalise therapy and medication to avoid making the patient feel left out or crazy.

Jagruti Treatment and Recovery

At Jagruti Rehab Centre, we have a team of mental health professionals with expertise in treating different conditions and disorders. With a focus on using a combination of treatments like holistic lifestyle, skills development, therapies, and exercise, we offer a completely customised Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) recovery plan for individuals. We use the latest treatments and technology in behavioural therapies and counselling sessions for faster and long-lasting results, helping patients easily manage their symptoms. Get in touch with us for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder treatment and recovery plans.

Statistics and Facts

A study showed that 8% of children and adolescents are affected by ADHD worldwide. The same study highlighted that boys were affected by Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) twice as much as girls. It is also noted that if diagnosed early and proper treatment is provided, the symptoms can be managed well, and results can be impressive.