Living With ADHD
Published on June 6th, 2018
Updated on January 3rd, 2024
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that affects both children and adults. It is often diagnosed in childhood. ADHD causes a person to have a hard time focusing. This difficulty with focusing can cause an affected person to be inattentive, forgetful, or impulsive. Some people with ADHD can also be hyperactive, over-talkative, and difficult to control.
ADHD causes cognitive and behavioral issues. These issues can be managed with close monitoring from parents and professionals. Often people like family members, teachers, babysitters, and tutors will all need to be involved in managing symptoms of ADHD.
Types Of ADHD
There are specifiers that a person with ADHD will have. These specifiers indicate which type of ADHD a person is suffering from, which helps with learning how to manage the condition. The types of ADHD will involve inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity.
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Click HereA person may have inattentive ADHD, hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, or combined type ADHD. A person with inattentive ADHD will show symptoms of inattention and distractibility. They may not have symptoms of hyperactivity. A person with hyperactive/impulsive ADHD will have some inattentive symptoms, but predominately hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. Combined ADHD causes a person to have a mixture of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms.
Signs Of ADHD
There are telling signs that a person is suffering from ADHD. These signs can be noticed by people like parents/guardians, friends, doctors, and teachers. Signs are most often identified in children, but adults can show signs of ADHD as well.
A person will typically show signs of ADHD before age 12. They will be present in different situations and impact the affected person’s ability to function. Signs that a person with ADHD will show depend on the type of ADHD they have.
Signs of inattentive ADHD include:
- Poor attention to details
- A pattern of careless mistakes
- Difficulty with focusing
- Distractability and wandering thoughts
- Difficulty with completing tasks
- Being easily sidetracked or distracted
- Difficulty with staying organized
- Difficulty with meeting deadlines
- Avoidance of activities that require focus
- Easily losing personal belongings
- Forgetfulness
Signs of hyperactive/impulsive ADHD include:
- Difficulty with staying still
- Fidgeting
- Difficulty with sitting in one place
- Restlessness
- Difficulty with being quiet or engaging in calm activities
- Constantly being “on the go”
- Excessive talking
- Difficulty with waiting for their turn
- Tendency to interrupt in conversation
Causes and Risk Factors of ADHD
ADHD can be caused by different factors. There are circumstances out of the affected person’s control that can increase the risk of a person suffering from the disorder. Understanding the risk factors associated with ADHD can help with the diagnosis and treatment of the condition.
The following are common causes and risk factors for ADHD:
Genetics
ADHD can run in families. Those who have family members, especially parents, with issues relating to ADHD are likely to be diagnosed with ADHD as well. Typically, when ADHD is inherited there are neurological causes. Research supports that there may be a chemical imbalance in the brain of people who suffer from ADHD.
People with ADHD may also be influenced by correlating factors, like:
- Vision and hearing impairments
- Sleep disorders
- Epilepsy
- Nutritional deficiencies
Birth Complications
A baby is at risk if they are born under traumatic circumstances or with complications. Such complications include low birth weight, prematurity, and head trauma. A child is also at risk if they were exposed to harmful chemicals related to substance use, smoking, or environmental toxins.
Environmental Issues
Many children with ADHD are brought up in a chaotic environment. Environments without structure and stability are likely to cause ADHD symptoms in children. Modifying these environmental components can help manage symptoms of ADHD.
ADHD Treatment
Cases of ADHD are often treated with psychiatric medication. Stimulant medication is often prescribed to people with ADHD. These medications affect the chemical composition of the brain. The results allow the affected person to focus more easily.
Behavioral and cognitive therapies are also helpful with treating ADHD. They help the affected person learn how to be aware of and cope with their symptoms. These forms of therapy can also help with treating other mental health issues. This boosts confidence and improves the affected person’s quality of life.
Forms of therapy a person with ADHD may benefit from include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Behavioral therapy
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
- Life coaching
It is important to consider family therapy when dealing with a child or adolescent with ADHD. Having a child who is diagnosed with ADHD can be a challenge for all family members. That is why it is important to consult with a professional to learn how to cope with and manage a child with ADHD. Family therapy will teach parents and family members about what to expect when raising a child with ADHD. Consulting with a mental health professional also helps with developing a plan of action for difficult children.
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