Understanding ADHD

Learn About Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

We all know that life is one great balancing act, but when an individual finds that they are chronically late, hopelessly disorganized, forgetful, and overwhelmed by daily responsibilities, this may be the result of ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder). ADHD was once considered to be a disorder of childhood, however, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that it affects many adults. The wide variety of symptoms can affect every aspect of an adult’s life. Fortunately, ADHD is an eminently treatable condition and can be managed with the proper treatments and therapies.

Many times, ADHD goes unrecognized and untreated throughout childhood, especially in the past when the disorder was not well-understood or considered to be a problem. Rather than focus on the issue – ADHD – and symptoms as a part of a larger picture, individuals were labeled as troublemakers, slackers, or goof-offs. Some individuals were able to correct some of their symptoms as children only to discover greater problems as responsibilities increased. The more things that an individual has to balance, the greater the responsibilities have become, the more likely that the compensation mechanisms used in childhood are no longer effective. This can make life seem impossible to manage.

ADHD isn’t simply a matter of willpower or “mind over matter,” it’s a real condition that requires action to properly manage. The challenges of this disorder can feel overwhelming and daunting; however, with the proper education, treatments, and support, most individuals who are struggling to manage their attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder are able to lead productive and happy lives.

Statistics

ADHD Statistics

While once considered simply a disorder of childhood, it has now been recognized that the challenges of ADHD can persist throughout adulthood. Approximately 60% of children who had childhood ADHD go on to experience adult ADHD. This means that about 4% of the adult population – 8 million adults – in the United States are struggling with ADHD.

Co-Occurring Disorders

ADHD and Co-Occurring Disorders

ADHD often occurs with other mental illnesses. The most common co-occurring disorders include the following:

Eating disorders
Oppositional defiant disorder
Conduct disorder
Intermittent explosive disorder
Personality disorders
Antisocial personality disorder
Anxiety disorders
Depressive disorders
Alcoholism

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes and Risk Factors for ADHD

ADHD is not thought to be the result of one factor; rather it is believed to be the result of a number of factors working together. The most common causes for ADHD include the following:

Genetic: ADHD is known to have a strong genetic component, which means that individuals who have a family history of ADHD are at greater risk of developing the disorder themselves.

Brain Chemistry: Studies have shown that children and adults who are diagnosed with ADHD have dysregulation of neurotransmitters – most notably dopamine – in the brain. In addition, there tends to be abnormal functioning of the nerve pathways that regulate behavior.

Environmental: Prenatal exposure to cigarette smoke and alcohol, in addition to other obstetrical complications, is linked to the development of ADHD. Babies who are born at a low birth weight and children who have experienced injuries to the frontal lobe of the brain are also at greater risk of developing ADHD.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms of ADHD

The symptoms of ADHD will vary wildly among individuals who are diagnosed with this disorder. The most common symptoms of ADHD may include the following:

Inattention/concentration symptoms:

Extreme distractibility
Wandering attention
Difficulties staying on task
Zoning out without noticing it, even in the middle of an interesting conversation
Difficulties paying attention or focusing, especially while reading or listening to others
Struggling to complete even simple tasks
Overlooking details, which can lead to incomplete or error-ridden work
Poor listening skills
Challenges in recalling conversations
Difficulties following directions
Hyperfocus – the tendency to focus on tasks that are rewarding or stimulating to the exclusion of everything around the individual

Disorganization/forgetfulness symptoms:

Tendency toward procrastination
Chronic tardiness
Underestimating time needed to complete a task
Frequently forgetting appointments, deadlines, or commitments
Consistently losing items such as keys, wallet, cell phones
Difficulties starting and finishing projects
Poor organizational skills
Difficulties sorting out information relevant to the task
Challenges prioritizing
Poor time management skills
Difficulties keeping track of responsibilities

Impulsivity symptoms:

Difficulties inhibiting behaviors and responses
Acting without thinking
Reacting without considering consequences
Frequently interrupting others
Talking over others
Exclaiming comments in the midst of a conversation
Inability to remain patient
Risky behaviors
Quickly finishing tasks without instructions
Poor self-control
Addictive tendencies
Difficulties behaving in socially appropriate manners

Hyperactivity/restlessness symptoms:

Risk-taking behaviors
Easily bored
Racing thoughts
Craving excitement
Talking excessively
Doing many things at one time
Trouble sitting still
Feeling restless
Agitation

Emotional symptoms:

Difficulties staying motivated
Short – somewhat hot – temper
Low self-esteem
Insecurity
Feeling like an underachiever
Difficulties with frustration
Easily stressed out
Mood swings
Irritability
Hypersensitivity to criticism

Effects

Effects of ADHD

The long-term effects of untreated or undiagnosed ADHD may lead to devastating consequences for individuals who are struggling with this disorder. The most common effects of untreated ADHD may include the following: