Symptoms of ADHD
The symptoms of adhd include inattention, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. Some people only experience one kind of symptom. A primary care doctor can assess and make the diagnosis of ADHD. A specialist, like a developmental-behavioral pediatrician or psychiatrist, may also help with diagnosis and treatment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be evident in the early years of childhood (before age 12). The behaviors must create difficulties in at least two settings.
Attention
It can be difficult to stay focused and on task when you suffer from ADHD. Our Home Page may forget meetings or lose track on things at home or at work. You might also have trouble remembering conversations or specific details, such as the names or phone numbers of people you speak to.
Inattention issues can hinder your ability to perform at work, school and in relationships. You can overcome these symptoms by seeking treatment. You may take medication, engage in cognitive behavioral therapy or even alter your surroundings to help you remain more focused and organized.
Inattentive ADHD generally has less issues with hyperactivity and impulsivity and is therefore more difficult to identify than the other two presentations of the disorder. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will review your medical history and perform a physical examination. They will also discuss your symptoms with teachers and staff at the school or family members in order to verify your symptoms.
Children with this form of ADHD are full of energy and find it difficult to quiet down or stop talking. They may also have trouble remembering directions, or doing their chores. They have many interests and are often able to move between different things. They can also get bored quickly and want to try new experiences.
A health care professional may determine ADHD in this way if your child has six or more hyperactive symptoms or impulsive behaviors for at least six months. They will then make a diagnosis based on the DSM-5 guidelines for ADHD.
Children with inattention ADHD are also prone to having a difficult time sitting still or paying attention during class, but they don't exhibit the same signs as children with the other two manifestations of the disorder. Their teachers and school staff may notice that they often think about other things, are slow to finish homework or struggle to stay on track during classes. They may not realize their ADHD symptoms until they are adults and must deal with the demands of work, family, and college classes.
Hyperactivity
The signs of hyperactivity are fidgeting, having a difficult to sit still or being agitated in other settings and talking too much. They are also prone to making decisions impulsively without thinking about the consequences. This type of ADHD is more common in children and teenagers.
Inattention ADHD manifests as a difficulty paying attention in school or other places. The child may have difficulty following directions or rules at school, and often loses the track of their personal belongings and has difficulties with reading assignments that are long. They may also appear be "daydreaming" or tend to be slow-moving, but they are not. Instead they struggle to stay focused on their work and engaging with their peers.
It is crucial to remember that the symptoms of adhd should be seen in two or more settings, such as home and school, to be able to diagnose. The signs of adhd have to be present before the child reaches 12 years old and will significantly impact their functioning.
Teachers and parents often diagnose children with inattention ADHD and they are treated by using behavioral therapies, like counseling, group therapy, and parent education. The use of medication can also be utilized to treat the disorder, however, it should be paired with behavioral therapy.
As children grow older, hyperactivity and impulsivity can hinder their academics and relationships. They may become irritable or have an inability to tolerate frustration, and they may struggle to finish their assignments or fulfill their social obligations. They may struggle to keep their job or adhering to the corporate rules. They could also face frequent financial issues because of late payments and unpaid bills.
Adults must understand that ADHD symptoms are not the result of their own actions and that there are effective solutions available. It is also helpful to have supportive family and friends who are aware of the challenges ADHD can bring. They can also encourage healthy lifestyle choices like getting enough rest and eating a balanced food, and managing stress. They can join support groups to get connected with other people who share the same experiences and concerns.
Impulsivity
Impulsivity is a primary symptom of ADHD. It is the tendency to act on impulse or talk without thinking about the consequences. This can create problems at home and in school. For example, an impulsive child may be quick to answer questions before they are complete or interrupt others during conversations or games. They may also be unable or unwilling 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 their feet, fidgeting, and have excess energy. They often take a step up or engage in activities that aren't appropriate for their age.
Kids who have this presentation of the disorder tend to show impulsivity and hyperactivity but they aren't often having difficulty paying attention. They are unable to sit still and speak at a pace that is higher than the speed of light. They also get bored easily. They are often very talkative and frequently interrupt people. They are always having fun and seem to be completely unaware of their surroundings.
The thalamus region in the brain regulates response inhibition and works like a gate, releasing signals to allow or restrict behaviors. Research suggests that for people with ADHD the gate isn't functioning properly and could contribute to the tendency to be impulsive. This is why people who suffer from ADHD struggle to restrain impulses in the short term, such as eating a few pieces of candy or spending more than they intended to.
This type of ADHD can also cause mood swings and difficulties handling frustration. They also tend to believe in themselves and can be extremely emotionally affected by perceived injustices or negative events.
While impulsivity can be a problem in many instances, it can also be an asset in others. It can lead to innovative solutions that can help someone succeed in their job or personal life. If it's managed well enough an individual's impulsiveness may transform into a superpower!
Organization
People suffering from ADHD have a hard time staying organized both mentally as well physically. They may forget where something is or misplace important items. This can cause mental clutter that can affect their ability to prioritize tasks and keep focus. It can also create physical clutter. This can create a messy home environment and make it difficult to find items and posing safety issues.
This lack of organization could cause dissociation, losing touch with the surrounding environment and experiences. This type of disorder is more prevalent among young adults and teens and may be associated with other issues like anxiety disorders or depression. It's particularly damaging to teens and preteens, who are more susceptible to dissociative disorders because they experience significant changes in their emotional state.
The disorder can also affect interpersonal relationships as those with ADHD struggle to communicate effectively. They might react too quickly when they receive negative feedback and not be able calm down to reassess and respond more carefully. They may also have difficulty expressing their feelings. This can lead to strained relationships and marriages.
People with ADHD are also more likely to avoid pre-sex activities, such as foreplay and then jump right into intercourse. This could cause them to feel bored while having sex, leading them to look for more stimulating sexual experiences outside of their relationship.
There are many strategies that can assist people with ADHD improve their organization abilities and decrease their disengagement. Making a regular schedule using reminders such as sticky notes or on a dry-erase board, and setting alarms on phones can all help keep their attention on track. They can also use organizational tools, such a bins or shelves to store items together to make them easier to find.
Some people suffering from ADHD need help from a counselor like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which helps them manage their emotions and help them learn to discern when they are feeling overwhelmed or out of control. symptoms of adhd adults suffering from ADHD are also benefited by taking medications that help improve executive functions and helps organize their lives.