ADHD Basics: What You Need to Know

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that starts in childhood and continues into adulthood. Sometimes, childhood symptoms are difficult to discern or diagnose, leading to a diagnosis in adulthood.

Awareness of ADHD is crucial because it helps individuals and families identify early signs, reduce stigma, and foster understanding of the challenges those with ADHD face. With the right knowledge, families can seek timely interventions that improve the quality of life for those affected.

What is ADHD?

ADHD was previously known as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). The term ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is an outdated diagnosis that is no longer used by medical professionals. Today, all forms of attention-related challenges are classified under the umbrella of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

ADHD is a mental health condition characterized by a range of symptoms that can vary in severity. These symptoms often include emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, and restlessness. ADHD is typically classified into three subtypes:

1. Inattentive Type

Symptoms of the inattentive type may include difficulty concentrating, disorganization, trouble completing tasks, forgetting to text someone back or pay bills, poor time management, and being easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or stimuli.

2. Hyperactive-Impulsive Type

Symptoms can include fidgeting, difficulty with self-control, feeling restless, talking excessively or interrupting others, and difficulty waiting.

3. Combined Type

Symptoms can include both hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive traits, often appearing equally.

Common Symptoms of ADHD: Children vs. Adults

Some Adults with ADHD may not be aware they have it. They may be aware that certain tasks or aspects of life can be challenging, but they do not recognize these symptoms as ADHD. The Mayo Clinic states “Adults with ADHD may find it difficult to focus and prioritize, leading to missed deadlines and forgotten meetings or social plans. The inability to control impulses can range from impatience waiting in line or driving in traffic to mood swings and outbursts of anger.” Other symptoms of ADHD in adults can include low frustration tolerance, difficulty handling stress, problems focusing, disorganization, or impulsivity. Although everyone may experience some of these from time to time, the symptoms generally need to be ongoing and traceable back to childhood to warrant an ADHD diagnosis.

Symptoms of ADHD in children will start before the age of 12. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can carry into adulthood. There is a chance the symptoms can lessen with age, but that is not always the case. Estimates for childhood ADHD range between 3% and 7%, with a male-to-female ratio of 3:1 in population-based studies. Research has shown that girls tend to be underdiagnosed with ADHD due to differences in the expression of the disorder. For example, boys may have more hyperactive-impulsive symptoms while girls may exhibit more inattentive symptoms.

Some specific ADHD symptoms in children include: appearing not to listen, having difficulty following instructions, being easily distracted, forgetting to do daily activities such as chores, being in constant motion, having difficulty waiting their turn, and interrupting or intruding on others’ conversations or activities.

If you are concerned your child may have ADHD, please consult their Pediatrician or a Psychologist for evaluation.

How is ADHD Diagnosed

ADHD is diagnosed through an evaluation process which may include personal and family medical history, behavioral assessments, or input from teachers or family members.

ADHD can be evaluated by several types of healthcare professionals, including:

Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) – Family doctors or pediatricians can assess and diagnose ADHD, especially in children, but they may refer patients to specialists for further testing or treatment.
Psychiatrists – These medical doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, including ADHD. They can prescribe medications and offer comprehensive evaluations.
Psychologists – Clinical psychologists can conduct psychological testing and evaluations for ADHD. While they cannot prescribe medications, they often collaborate with physicians or psychiatrists to develop treatment plans.
Neurologists – Some neurologists, particularly pediatric neurologists, may evaluate ADHD, especially in cases where there may be concerns about neurological conditions related to attention and behavior.
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) – NPs and PAs working in primary care or behavioral health settings can assess, diagnose, and manage ADHD in collaboration with supervising physicians.
Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) – These mental health professionals may help identify ADHD symptoms through counseling and assessments, though diagnosis typically requires collaboration with a medical doctor.
Educational Psychologists – In school settings, they may evaluate ADHD as part of broader learning and behavioral assessments, though medical diagnosis often requires a healthcare provider.

Testing for ADHD typically involves clinical interviews, questionnaires, and behavioral assessments, and can include cognitive testing to rule out other conditions.

Treatment Options for ADHD

Treatment options for ADHD can include medication and specific therapies. The most common ADHD medications are stimulants such as Adderall or Ritalin or non-stimulants such as Straterra. Therapy can include counseling for children, adults, couples, or families. Behavioral therapy is another option. Please consult your trusted healthcare provider for a plan that fits your needs.

Tips for Managing ADHD in Adults:

Break down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.
Stay organized by using an app or planner to keep track of tasks. Set aside time each day to review this.
Prioritize what is most important and the order in which you will complete your tasks.
Create a routine. Establish a consistent sleep schedule, and morning/nighttime routines.
Take a break: Go on a walk for 10 minutes, or practice meditation/ yoga.

Tips for managing ADHD in Children:

Encourage a healthy lifestyle by promoting a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a consistent sleep schedule.
Set simple, clear rules and expectations that are easy for your child to understand and follow. Post them in a visible place as a reminder.
Establish clear time frames for work and play to help your child stay focused and organized.
Limit choices by providing only a few options to reduce overstimulation. An example of this would be “Do you want to wear the blue jacket or the black jacket?”
Lastly, build resilience by helping your children understand that ADHD is not their fault and they can manage the challenges it brings with the right strategies.

Myths and Facts About ADHD

Fact: ADHD tends to run in families. ADHD is genetic, although it is not related to a single gene.
Myth: Everyone has ADHD. Everyone tends to exhibit behaviors/symptoms of ADHD at some point, but that does not mean everyone has it. Individuals with ADHD tend to have genetic or physical differences in their brains.
Myth: ADHD is caused by bad parenting. ADHD results from an accumulation of genetic and environmental risk factors and there is no evidence that “bad parenting” causes ADHD.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ADHD is a complex and often misunderstood neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. With symptoms ranging from inattentiveness to hyperactivity and impulsivity, ADHD can impact many areas of life. However, with proper diagnosis and management, individuals can lead fulfilling lives. Whether it’s through medication, therapy, or lifestyle changes, there are effective treatments available to help manage symptoms.

At Revere Health, we are committed to offering comprehensive Behavioral Health services. From diagnosis to personalized treatment plans, we tailor our care to each individual’s unique needs. By fostering awareness and addressing misconceptions about ADHD, we can reduce stigma and support those impacted by the condition. If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms of ADHD, seeking professional help is the first step toward better management and improved well-being.