Symptoms of ADHD
Symptoms of adhd include hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. Some people have only one kind of symptoms. A primary care physician can evaluate and make an assessment of ADHD. A specialist, like a developmental-behavioral pediatrician or psychiatrist, may also help with diagnosis and treatment.
ADHD should be diagnosed in the early years of childhood (before 12 years of age). The behaviors must cause difficulties in at minimum two environments.
Inattention
When you have ADHD it can be hard to concentrate and keep your mind at a given task for long. You may forget meetings or forget about tasks at work or home. You may also have difficulty keeping track of conversations or remembering specifics, such as numbers or names of the people you talk to.
The signs of inattention can impact your ability to be successful in school, at work and in relationships. But you can also be able to manage them using treatment. You may utilize medication, cognitive behavioral therapy or even alter your environment to help stay more organized and focused.
Inattentive ADHD is more difficult to recognize because it has less hyperactivity and the ability to be impulsive. Your health care provider will inquire about your symptoms and how they interfere with your daily life. They will examine your medical history and conduct an examination of your body. They will also talk to teachers, school staff or family members to verify your symptoms and determine if they affect you at school, at workplace or social situations.
This kind of ADHD is characterized by a lot energy, and children suffering from this disorder are often unable to calm down or stop talking. They may also have difficulties following directions, remembering things or doing their chores. They usually have a range of interests and often jump from one activity to another. They also tend to get bored easily and look for new experiences.
A health care professional will find that your child has this presentation of ADHD if they have six or more impulsive and hyperactive symptoms for at least six months. The DSM-5 guidelines are used to determine ADHD.
Children who suffer from inattention ADHD may also have difficulty sitting still or paying attention in class, however they don't show the same signs as children with the other two presentations of the disorder. Teachers and school staff might notice that they frequently think about other things, are slow to finish their work or have trouble staying on task in class. They might not even be aware of their ADHD symptoms until they are adults and have to deal with the demands of work, family, and college classes.
Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity is characterized by excessive talking, fidgeting, and an inability to sit still. They are also prone towards making impulsive choices without considering the consequences. This kind of ADHD is more prevalent in adolescents and children.
Inattentive ADHD manifests as difficulty paying attention in school or other settings. The child may have difficulties following instructions or rules at school, frequently loses the track of their personal belongings, and has trouble with long reading assignments. They may also experience often sluggishness or appear to be "daydreaming," although they aren't actually doing it or even thinking about it, but are having difficulty staying focused and engaged with their tasks and their classmates.
To be diagnosed with adhd, the symptoms must be evident in at least two settings like school and at home. The child's symptoms must begin before the age of 12, and they must be impairing their performance.
Teachers and parents often diagnose children with inattention ADHD and they are treated with behavioral therapies like group therapy, counseling and parent education. The disorder can be treated by medication, but it must always be accompanied by with behavioral therapy.
As children get older, hyperactivity and impulsivity can affect their schoolwork and relationships. They might become angry or have a low tolerance for frustration, and they may struggle to complete their homework or meet their social obligations. They might have difficulty keeping a job or following corporate rules, and they may have frequent financial difficulties due to missed payments, unpaid bills, and spending impulsively.
Adults must understand that ADHD symptoms are not their own fault and that there are effective solutions available. It is also beneficial to have supportive friends and family members who understand the difficulties of ADHD. They can also help encourage healthy lifestyle choices like taking enough rest and eating a balanced meal, and reducing stress. They can also join support groups to connect with other people who share the same issues and experiences.
Impulsivity
Impulsivity is one of the main symptoms of ADHD. It is the tendency to act on impulse or speak without thinking about consequences. This can create problems at home and school. A child who is in a hurry may give answers before the questions are completed or disrupt other children during games or discussions. They might also be unable or unwilling to wait for their turn, or have trouble adhering to rules.
This symptom is especially common in kids with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, the most prevalent type of this disorder. They are always in motion and fidget. They also have a lot of energy. They often take a step up or engage in activities that are not appropriate for their age.
This presentation of the disorder is defined by impulsivity and hyperactivity and impulsivity, but it is not usually accompanied by problems with attention. They can't stay still, do nothing but talk for a mile and can easily become bored. They are typically very talkative and often interrupt others. They're always playing and seem to be completely unaware of their surroundings.
The thalamus is a part of the brain which controls the inhibition of responses. It acts like gates and transmits signals to permit or block certain behaviors. The gate may not be functioning properly in people with ADHD and contribute to impulsivity. i thought about this is why people who have ADHD find it difficult to control their impulses in the short term, like eating a handful candy or spending more than they intended.
In addition, people with this kind of ADHD experience a constant sense of anxiety and restlessness which can cause mood swings and difficulty coping with frustration. They are typically very emotional and are prone to believe in themselves.
While impulsivity is a problem in many situations it can also be a benefit in other circumstances. This impulsivity may result in innovative solutions that can aid someone in their work or in their personal life. If it's well managed it can be a superpower.
Organization
People with ADHD struggle with being organized both mentally as physically. They may forget where they put something or misplace important objects. This can cause mental clutter, which can hinder their ability to prioritize tasks and maintain focus. It can also result in physical clutter, which can create an unorganized living space that makes it difficult to find items and may cause safety concerns.
This lack of organization can lead to dissociation - an inability to connect with the environment and one's experiences. This is more prevalent among young adults and teens and may be associated with other issues like depression or anxiety disorders. It is particularly harmful for teenagers and preteens, who are often more susceptible to dissociative symptoms as they go through significant emotional changes.
The disorder can also affect relationships with others as people who suffer from ADHD struggle to communicate effectively. They might react too quickly when they receive negative feedback and not be able calm down to reflect and respond more thoughtfully. They might also have difficulty communicating their feelings. This could lead to tension in relationships and marriages.
People who suffer from ADHD might also be more likely to avoid pre-sex activities such as foreplay, and then jump right into intercourse. This can cause them feel bored while having sexual activities, which can lead them to seek out 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 like sticky notes or on dry-erase boards, and setting alarms for phones can help keep their attention on track. They can also use organizational tools, such as bins or shelves that can be used to store things together and make them easier to locate.
Certain people suffering from ADHD may benefit from therapy such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which is a type of counseling that teaches people how to manage their emotions and helps them recognize the signs that they are overwhelmed or out of control. Adults with ADHD can also benefit by taking medication that enhances executive functions and aids them to manage their lives.