Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children and, more recently, affecting adults. According to the American Psychiatric Association, an estimated 8.4 percent (more than 6 million) of children and 2.5 percent of adults have ADHD. While often diagnosed at early ages, ADHD can also be found in older adults. Diagnosing ADHD means access to treatment and a greater understanding of your symptoms and limitations.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a disorder of someone’s executive function ability, which affects one’s ability to function in at least two or more settings, including their home life, personal life, academic settings, occupational settings, social life, or other areas. It’s often related to symptoms of fidgeting, hyperactivity, inattentiveness, poor focus, or a combination of symptoms. Symptoms typically cause interference in two or more areas of one’s life.
What are Common ADHD Symptoms?
Screening for ADHD often occurs at a young age. The onset of symptoms typically occurs between the ages of three to six years old. If symptoms persist beyond age seven, there’s a reasonable chance that a child may have ADHD. Symptoms for ADHD can vary, depending on age and several other lifestyle factors (social media usage, physical activity, sleep, diet, and other environmental contributors).
Some common symptoms include:
- Inattention
- Hyperactivity
- Talking too much
- Poor performance in school
- Impulsivity
- Fidgeting, squirming, or tapping constantly
- Trouble maintaining relationships (with friends, family, or significant others)
- Daydreaming
- Loss of productivity at work or school
- Making careless or unnecessary risks
- Forgetting or losing things often
How a person interacts in a social setting can tell you a good deal. For example, in some school-age children, nicknames such as “troublemaker” or “class clown” might indicate signs of hyperactivity or restlessness because those with ADHD often have trouble staying still or quiet. They may even be labeled as “disruptive.” Adults with ADHD have similar issues in settings like movie theaters or office meetings where they are required to sit still and quiet for long periods.
What Risk Factors are Associated with ADHD?
There is a level of genetic predisposition for psychiatric conditions like ADHD, which is why family history is often considered regarding the diagnosis. Early developmental issues can increase your risk, including substance abuse while pregnant, exposure to lead, premature delivery, or low birth weight. Early childhood infection, specifically PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections), can also lead to the development of ADHD and other psychiatric disorders.
How Can I Find Help or Treatment for ADHD?
It’s important to address symptoms of ADHD so that they won’t negatively impact your ability to function. Those with ADHD often struggle in a variety of settings, including social, professional, and academic environments. Without intervention, those with ADHD might encounter difficulty, which can lead to low self-esteem or depression.
Treatment for ADHD can differ depending on preference and what works best for you. Most providers will begin by determining each patient’s goal for treatment. Common forms of treatment include behavioral therapy, medication, combination therapy, or even doing nothing—sometimes the best treatment is to simply understand your condition. Take time to discuss your options with a trusted provider to make sure you’ve found the right approach.
Therapy can take many forms. Oftentimes, behavioral therapy focuses on identifying your symptoms and gaining a deeper understanding of how to modify your behavior in order to minimize those symptoms in your daily life. This may include altering the way you speak, changing your environment, and more. For instance, if you struggle with remaining calm and staying quiet during movies, visiting the movie theater outside of peak hours may be a beneficial behavior modification. There is nothing wrong with going to a Sunday matinee.
Another common treatment for ADHD is medication. Stimulants like Adderall, Concerta, Focalin, and other newer formulations. These medications work by increasing levels of certain chemicals (dopamine and norepinephrine) in your brain, which play a role in your ability to pay attention and to stay motivated. Your provider might also recommend a non-stimulant like Strattera, Clonidine, and Tenex, among others, to treat ADHD. Like other forms of treatment for ADHD, there is no one-size-fits-all medication or dosage to treat the condition. Rather, your provider will likely observe and determine the best treatment or medication that will be a good fit for you or your child.
How Can I Get Started?
Changing circumstances can unearth previously undetected attention issues. Since the COVID-19 lockdown, many people have identified concentration deficits after working from home. If you’re noticing issues with concentration or attention in you or a child, don’t delay. ADHD can be a frustrating and discouraging condition without proper diagnosis and intervention. If ADHD is impacting you or your loved one’s ability to function and live a fulfilled life, don’t delay. Talk to a primary care provider today about testing and treatment for ADHD.
