Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Overview of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a type of neurodevelopmental disorder that consists of overactivity, impulsivity, and the inability to concentrate. This heightened activity and poor concentration lead to impairments in an individual’s social, educational, and/or occupational functioning. It is known to be the most commonly diagnosed brain disorder in childhood.

It usually affects individuals in childhood but can lead to dysfunctionality in adulthood if it remains untreated. Children diagnosed with ADHD exhibit the symptoms of being overly excited, having difficulties paying attention for longer durations, and having difficulties in impulse control. These challenges hamper their ability to make friends, achieve good grades in school, and perform daily tasks. Similarly, adults with ADHD also have poor time management, goal setting, and organization skills.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHD

It also gets difficult for such adults to hold onto a job. Problems with self-esteem and relationships also tend to arise. Moreover, tendencies towards chemical or non-chemical addictions are also exhibited in adults with the symptoms of ADHD. There are a number of contributing factors for the development of ADHD. Studies have suggested that ADHD can be a genetic disorder; however, no specific gene has been identified for ADHD. Apart from genetic reasons, brain damage is also considered one of the leading causes of the development of ADHD.

Moreover, environmental factors have also been considered as one of the triggering factors in the development of ADHD, such as high exposure to toxic chemicals like lead or alcohol/drug use during pregnancy. ADHD is found to be more common in boys than girls. It is often identified by the parents or teachers during the early years of school among the children due to their inability to pay attention to studies or classroom activities. Several comorbid disorders can also develop along with ADHD, including anxiety disorders, conduct disorders, learning disabilities, mood disorders, and substance use disorders.

Symptoms of ADHD  

It is crucial to understand the symptoms of ADHD in order to identify this disorder. The symptoms of ADHD are characterized into three groups, i.e. inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The category of inattention includes lack of persistence, difficulty in sustaining focus and organization problems, the tendency to procrastinate, inability to complete the given tasks related to schoolwork or other household chores, moving from one uncompleted activity to another, and a reluctance to follow the instructions. Moreover, symptoms of forgetting daily activities, getting easily distracted, and poor focus are also present.

The second category of ADHD, i.e. hyperactivity, includes excessive talking, constant movement or increased motor activity, difficulty playing or sitting quietly for a longer period, running or walking around even if it’s inappropriate, and excessive fidgeting or tapping. As an adolescent and adult, hyperactivity can lead to the feeling of extreme restlessness. The third category of impulsivity includes extreme impatience and taking actions at the moment without thinking about the consequences, difficulties in delayed gratification, seeking immediate rewards, interrupting others, and starting arguments at inappropriate times.

Symptoms of ADHD
Chronic Illness ADHD

How to Treat ADHD?

Although ADHD is a chronic illness; however, it is a manageable disorder and can be managed by seeking professional help, which can reduce the symptoms and improve one’s quality of life. A combination of treatment includes medication, psychotherapy, and training along with long-term support groups. The medication works to reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. It improves the ability to focus, learn, and work in a better way. It involves stimulants, sometimes non-stimulants, and antidepressants to manage ADHD symptoms. Monitoring the dose of medication is a crucial step in the management of ADHD.

However, the medication can generate even better results when it is used in combination with psychotherapy. Psychotherapy involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and behavior therapy. CBT is a genre of psychotherapy that attempts to develop insight into one’s feelings and thoughts that help in improving one’s concentration. It also aims to reduce impulsivity by providing certain skills such as being proactive and mindful, along with meditation and breathing exercises. On the other hand, behavioral therapy targets a person’s behaviors that need to be changed. It enables the individual to monitor his or her own behaviors. Behavior therapy encourages the individual to reward the desired behavior.

In addition to individual psychotherapy, awareness among family members especially the parents is of paramount importance. Parenting skills training teaches skills to the parents to encourage and reward their children’s positive behaviors. Parents are taught to establish a reward system in order to enhance children’s desired behaviors and reduce their undesirable behaviors. The concepts of tough love parenting can also be taught to the parents especially about avoiding their enabling and provoking behaviors towards the children. Various support groups can also be helpful in providing empathy and a sense of belongingness. They allow the individuals or their families a platform for catharsis.