ADHD & ADD
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Introduction
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is also known as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), though this is considered an outdated term. It is a neurodevelopmental and mental disorder & is characterized by problems paying attention, excessive activity, or difficulty controlling behavior which is not appropriate for a person's age. These symptoms begin by age six to twelve and persist for more than six months.
ADHD is one of the most common childhood disorders & may result in poor school performance due to problems paying attention. Although many children have a good attention span for tasks they find interesting. The condition can vary from person to person.
Despite being the most commonly studied and diagnosed psychiatric disorder in children and adolescents, the cause is unknown in the majority of cases. The World Health Organization estimated that it affected about 39 million people as of 2013
ADHD is diagnosed approximately three times more in boys than in girls. About 30–50% of people diagnosed in childhood continue to have symptoms into adulthood and between 2–5% of adults have the condition.
There are three types of ADHD:
- Inattentive: This means a person shows enough symptoms of inattention (or easy distractibility) but isn’t hyperactive or impulsive.
- Hyperactive-Impulsive: When a person has symptoms of hyperactivity & impulsivity but not inattention.
- Combined: When a person has symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Symptoms
Any child can be fidgety or have trouble paying attention. But a child with ADHD has these symptoms to an extent that they can become a distraction at home or in the classroom.
The three primary symptoms are:
- inattention
- hyperactivity
- impulsiveness
With each set of symptoms, there are a number of criteria that a child will need to meet in order to be diagnosed. The number of criteria needed for a diagnosis can vary by age. Children up to age 16 must show six or more symptoms. Anyone over the age of 17 only needs five.
Symptoms have to be present for at least six months and must be inappropriate for a child’s developmental level.
Inattention
Inattention, or trouble focusing, is one symptom of ADHD. A child can be diagnosed as inattentive if the child:
- is easily distracted
- is forgetful, even in daily activities
- fails to give close attention to details in school work or other activities, including making careless mistakes
- has trouble keeping attention on tasks or activities
- ignores a speaker, even when spoken to directly
- does not follow instructions, fails to finish schoolwork or chores, and loses focus or is easily side-tracked
- has trouble with organization
- dislikes and avoids tasks that require long periods of mental effort, such as homework
- loses vital things needed for tasks and activities (e.g., books, keys, wallet, phone)
Hyperactivity and Impulsivity
A child can be diagnosed as hyperactive or impulsive if the child:
- appears to be always on the go
- excessively talks
- has severe difficulty waiting for their turn
- squirms in their seat, taps their hands or feet, or fidgets
- gets up from a seat when remaining seated is expected
- runs around or climbs in inappropriate situations
- is unable to quietly play or take part in leisure activities
- blurts out an answer before a question has been finished
- intrudes on and interrupts others constantly
More Criteria
Along with symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, a child or adult must meet the following additional criteria:
- displays several symptoms before the age of 12
- exhibits symptoms in more than one setting, such as school, at home, with friends, or other activities
- shows clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with their functioning at school or work, or impact their ability to socialize with others
- the symptoms are not explained by another condition, such as psychotic, mood, or anxiety disorders
Adult ADHD
Adults with ADHD have typically had the disorder since childhood, but it may not be diagnosed until later in life. An evaluation usually occurs at the prompting of a peer, family member, or co-worker who has observed problems at work or in relationships.
Adults can be diagnosed with any of the three subtypes of ADHD. Adult ADHD symptoms can be somewhat different from those experienced by children because of the relative maturity of adults, as well as physical differences between adults and children.
Symptoms
The symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on a person’s unique physiology and environment. Some people experience mild inattentiveness or hyperactivity when they perform a task they don’t enjoy, but they have the ability to focus on tasks they like. Others may experience more severe symptoms. These can have a negative impact in school, at work, and in social situations.
Symptoms seem to be more severe in unstructured group situations (for example, on the playground) than in more structured situations where rewards are given (in the classroom). Other conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or a learning disability may worsen symptoms. Some people report that symptoms go away with age. For example, an adult with ADHD who was hyperactive as a child may find that they’re now able to remain seated or curb some impulsivity.
Useful Links
- Parenting Tips for ADHD: Do’s and Don’ts: https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/parenting-tips
- Teens with ADHD: Recognizing Signs of Depression: https://www.healthcentral.com/article/teens-with-adhd-recognizing-signs-of-depression
- Creating the Optimal Environment for a Kid with ADHD: https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/creating-the-optimal-living-environment-for-a-child-with-adhd/
- The Importance of Self-Esteem for Kids With Learning and Attention Issues: https://www.understood.org/en/friends-feelings/empowering-your-child/self-esteem/the-importance-of-self-esteem-for-kids-with-learning-and-attention-issues
References
