Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD: What is it? A Brief Overview

A Quick Guide

ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, often diagnosed in childhood and persist into adulthood. It can impact various aspects of a person’s life, including academics, relationships, and daily activities, and there is no definitive cure. The causes of ADHD are not fully understood but may involve factors such as brain chemistry imbalance, brain damage, genetics, and environmental influences during brain development. It has three subtypes: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive, and combined type. Diagnosis is typically done through a comprehensive evaluation of symptoms and history.

Understanding ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is very common in children. It is a chronic condition. Initially, it is diagnosed in childhood or teenage and it goes well into adulthood. This condition affects a person’s behavior. Its symptoms include inattention (not being able to focus on one thing), Hyperactivity (not being able to stay still for any amount of time), and impulsivity (acting without thinking at any moment). 

It can affect all aspects of a person’s life like their academic or professional achievements, their interpersonal relationships, and their daily life activities. You cannot prevent ADHD and there is no definite cure. What you can do is have a good treatment plan and learn to manage its symptoms early on. 

What causes ADHD?

It is unclear to experts what causes ADHD. It could be caused by a number of factors, such as:

• Chemicals: There may be an imbalance in the brain chemistry of those who have ADHD.
• Either a brain disorder or damage: Problems with impulse control and mood regulation can result from damage to the front of the brain, also known as the frontal lobe.
• Genes: There is a familial tendency for ADHD.
• Brain changes: In children with ADHD, the brain’s attention-controlling regions are less active.
• The growth of a baby’s brain may be impacted by several factors like toxins, including lead, infections, inadequate nutrition, smoking, drinking, and substance abuse when pregnant. They might impact a child’s cognitive growth,

Common Symptoms 

Some common ADHD symptoms include the following:

• Commit thoughtless mistakes or take inappropriate risks
• Daydream frequently
• Experience issues being along with other people
• Experiencing difficulty avoiding temptation
• Frequently lose or forget stuff
• Have a hard time waiting for their own turn
• Talk excessively
• Wriggle or fidget

Types of ADHD 

It has 3 types which are the following:

• Predominantly inattentive type
• Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive type
• Combined type

Based on your history and how long the symptoms have been presenting themselves, a diagnosis is given. The symptoms should be observable and present for the past 6 months. They should be present before the age of 12 and interfere with a person’s daily life functioning. 

Inattentive Type

Frequent symptoms of the inattentive type include the following:

• Avoids or hates tasks requiring mental effort, such as writing reports and filling out forms.
• Difficulty planning assignments and work (eg. no time management, disorganized work; missing deadlines).
• Frequently misplaces items necessary for activities or day-to-day living, including books, keys, wallets, cell phones, and eyeglasses.
• Not paying close attention to details or committing casual mistakes when performing tasks at work or in school.
• Tends to be quite prone to distraction.
• Tends to forget to complete chores and run errands, among other daily responsibilities. Adults sometimes fail to maintain appointments, pay bills, and return calls.
• Trouble maintaining concentration during conversations, lectures, or prolonged reading.
• Unable to carry out orders, finish tasks, or perform job responsibilities.
• When spoken to, doesn’t appear to be listening.

Hyperactive/impulsive type

Some of the following symptoms occur frequently:

• Always moving, as if propelled by a motor.
• Answers questions hastily (for example, by finishing other people’s sentences or by being impatient to talk in conversations).
• Has trouble waiting their turn, such as when standing in line.
• Interrupts or interferes with others (for example, starts utilizing another person’s property without their permission or interrupts games, conversations, or activities). Adults and teenagers may take up other people’s tasks.
• Is unable to play or enjoy quiet hobbies.
• Moves their hands, feet, or seat while fidgeting.
• Runs around or climbs inappropriately.
• Talks excessively.
• Unable to remain sitting (in the classroom, workplace, etc).

Combined type

The combined type is diagnosed when both the criteria for the inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive types are met. Learn How To Provide Support To Children With ADHD As A Parent?

Diagnosis

Typically, mental health professionals or general practitioners will diagnose the condition. A full psychiatric and medical history, family medical history, and details about education, environment, and upbringing are required. In order to rule out some other medical issues, it could also include a recommendation for a medical evaluation.

Learn more about Is It Really Zoning Out Or Dissociation With ADHD?  

We hope you found this article useful in understanding what ADHD actually is, its causes, types, symptoms, and diagnosis. Learn more about Why People With ADHD Are More Focused At Night?

To know more about the treatment and management of ADHD, check out our article: ADHD: Treatment & Management