Table of Contents
What is a simple definition of ADHD?
Overview. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. ADHD affects brain functioning in several ways. The condition has links to abnormal cognitive, behavioral, and motivational functioning. ADHD can affect the regulation of moods, emotions, and brain cell connections. It can also affect communication between different areas of the brain. ADHD symptoms start before age 12, and in some children, they’re noticeable as early as 3 years of age. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe, and they may continue into adulthood. ADHD occurs more often in males than in females, and behaviors can be different in boys and girls. Treatment recommendations for ADHD For children 6 years of age and older, the recommendations include medication and behavior therapy together — parent training in behavior management for children up to age 12 and other types of behavior therapy and training for adolescents.
Is ADHD a disorder or disability?
Yes, ADHD is considered a disability. Learn how to receive disability benefits and other accommodations. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common mental health condition that affects the way people think, behave, and navigate everyday life. ADHD can’t be prevented or cured. But spotting it early, plus having a good treatment and education plan, canhelp a child or adult with ADHD manage their symptoms. There is no cure for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, natural treatments may help people cope with the condition. Doctors typically diagnose ADHD in children who demonstrate hyperactive and impulsive behavior and have difficulty focusing. However, ADHD can also affect adults. ADHD tends to run in families and, in most cases, it’s thought the genes you inherit from your parents are a significant factor in developing the condition. Research shows that parents and siblings of someone with ADHD are more likely to have ADHD themselves. For older children, the best treatment is often a combination of behavior therapy and medication. But for children under 6 years of age, experts recommend that ADHD be treated with behavior therapy first, before trying medication. Behavior therapy is the recommended treatment for ADHD in children under 6 years of age.
How ADHD is diagnosed?
There’s no simple test to determine whether you or your child has ADHD, but your specialist can make an accurate diagnosis after a detailed assessment. The assessment may include: a physical examination, which can help rule out other possible causes for the symptoms. a series of interviews with you or your child. ADHD primarily causes symptoms related to inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, or a combination of both. With ADHD, someone may experience difficulties paying attention and staying organized, excess fidgeting or restlessness, and trouble with self-control or impulsive behaviors. Individuals with ADHD can be very successful in life. However, without identification and proper treatment, ADHD may have serious consequences, including school failure, family stress and disruption, depression, problems with relationships, substance abuse, delinquency, accidental injuries and job failure. A healthy diet and regular doctor visits are important. So is avoiding the use of alcohol and drugs. Children whose mothers smoked while they were pregnant are twice as likely to develop ADHD. Some studies suggest a pregnant woman’s exposure to lead, as well as lead exposure in early childhood, may be linked to ADHD. Answer: Using caffeine, either in a drink or in an over-the-counter preparation, is not recommended by medical experts as a treatment for ADHD. Although some studies have shown that caffeine may improve concentration in adults with ADHD, it is not as effective as medication.
Is ADHD mental or neurological?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder that affects a person’s ability to control their behavior and pay attention to tasks. Ask your personal physician for a referral to a health care professional in your community who is qualified to perform ADHD evaluations for adults. It may also be helpful to call a local university-based hospital, a medical school or a graduate school in psychology for recommendations. Methylphenidate. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine for ADHD. It belongs to a group of medicines called stimulants, which work by increasing activity in the brain, particularly in areas that play a part in controlling attention and behaviour. Standard treatments for ADHD in children include medications, behavior therapy, counseling and education services. These treatments can relieve many of the symptoms of ADHD , but they don’t cure it. It may take some time to determine what works best for your child. ADHD cannot be diagnosed by a blood test. Share your symptoms with your doctor who can conduct a physical exam, review your medical history, and rule out other causes of your symptoms. You may be referred to an ADHD specialist for further testing after an initial consultation with your doctor. The brain’s frontal lobes, which are involved in ADHD, continue to mature until we reach age 35. In practical terms, this means that people with ADHD can expect some lessening of their symptoms over time. Many will not match the emotional maturity of a 21-year-old until their late 30’s.
Is ADHD a mental illness?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children. Living with ADHD is about monitoring your symptoms and actively working toward finding what works best for you. With the right support and treatment, you can create a life that allows you to reach your greatest potential. A psychologist, a psychiatrist, or a neurologist is best equipped to diagnose ADHD in adults. A master level therapist is recommended only for the initial screening. Only a psychiatrist, neurologist, or family physician can prescribe medication for adults with ADHD. A person with ADHD will also become better at self-regulating over time, but will typically remain delayed compared to other people of the same age. For example, a 16-year-old with ADHD will have more self-control than he did when he was 5, but probably won’t have as much self-control as the next 16-year-old.
Is ADHD a brain defect?
ADHD is a brain disorder. Scientists have shown that there are differences in the brains of children with ADHD and that some of these differences change as a child ages and matures. ADHD can affect a student’s ability to focus, pay attention, listen, or put effort into schoolwork. ADHD also can make a student fidgety, restless, talk too much, or disrupt the class. Kids with ADHD might also have learning disabilities that cause them to have problems in school. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been associated with large magnitude impairments in working memory, whereas short-term memory deficits, when detected, tend to be less pronounced. ADHD medications produce side effects and come with risks like any other medical treatment. Behavior therapy is a proven, effective treatment for ADHD and is ideal for those with this condition who want to avoid taking medications.
What age is ADHD diagnosed?
Symptoms of ADHD tend to be noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable when a child’s circumstances change, such as when they start school. Most cases are diagnosed when children are under 12 years old, but sometimes it’s diagnosed later in childhood. The AAP now recommends evaluating and treating children for ADHD beginning at age 4. Earlier guidelines, released way back in 2001, covered children ages 6 through 12. The new 2011 guidelines, which extend through age 18, also recommend behavioral interventions, especially for younger children. ADHD develops when the brain and central nervous system suffer impairments related to the growth and development of the brain’s executive functions — such as attention, working memory, planning, organizing, forethought, and impulse control. Differences. The symptoms of ADHD are slightly different from those of anxiety. ADHD symptoms mainly involve issues with focus and concentration. Anxiety symptoms, on the other hand, involve issues with nervousness and fear.
What age is ADHD diagnosed?
ADHD can be diagnosed as early as four years old. To be diagnosed between the ages of four and 16, a child must show six or more symptoms for more than six months, with most signs appearing before age 12. Barkley, PhD. “Children diagnosed with ADHD are not likely to grow out of it. And while some children may recover fully from their disorder by age 21 or 27, the full disorder or at least significant symptoms and impairment persist in 50-86 percent of cases diagnosed in childhood. ADHD does not get worse with age if a person receives treatment for their symptoms after receiving a diagnosis. If a doctor diagnoses a person as an adult, their symptoms will begin to improve when they start their treatment plan, which could involve a combination of medication and therapy. How long will I have ADHD? ADHD does not go away but many people learn to manage it successfully in their adult lives. ADHD is a lifelong condition, and behaviors are often successfully managed with medicine and behavioral treatment. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), one of the most prevalent childhood disorders today, is generally more likely to be diagnosed and treated in boys than in girls.