ADHD Full Form

According to the United Nations, an estimated one in four people worldwide suffer from a mental health condition in their lifetime. These figures drove the recognition of mental health as a valid concern for improved daily life. ADHD is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder affecting approximately 5% of children and 2.5% of adults. Furthermore, it can be identified by three problems, including hyperactivity, impulsive behaviour, and difficulty in concentrating. Scientists conduct extensive research into the clinical nature and physical effects of ADHD to refine their comprehension of ADHD for improved diagnosis and treatment. ADHD is normally treated using drugs designed to address the symptoms.

Symptoms of ADHD

A tendency to daydream and difficulty in concentrating are common traits in younger children. However, what distinguishes a child with ADHD is that these traits may never go away and worsen over time. ADHD symptoms usually occur together. At seven years or younger, hyperactivity symptoms are identified, while attention-deficit behaviour is usually noticed once elementary school starts.

Common symptoms displayed in children with ADHD that professionals focus on while diagnosing include:

• Difficulty in focusing on one activity at a time

• Difficulty in following instructions

• Forgetting things easily

• Being easily distracted

• Not listening when being spoken to

• Constantly fidgets and is restless

• Has a habit of interrupting others and talking too much

• Blurts out answers without hearing the end of the question

• Difficulty waiting or taking turns

• Runs about even when it is inappropriate

These symptoms should have been evident from six years for a definite diagnosis. These behaviours must also happen everywhere. Parents and teachers should have observed these symptoms in school and at home.

Types of ADHD

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) proposed the categorization of ADHD into three groups to represent diagnoses better. The types are predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. These different types give insight into the symptoms strongly presented by the individual in the respective categories.

Predominantly inattentive ADHD

These individuals have a short attention span. They find it hard to concentrate, complete tasks, and comply with instructions. This type of ADHD affects their ability to learn new academic and practical skills. Children with inattentive ADHD may be wrongly diagnosed as they do not disrupt classroom activities. Further studies also suggest that this is the most common type of ADHD in girls.

Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD

These individuals feel restless, find it hard to sit still for long, and fidget a lot. Their impulsive behaviors may include talking a lot, interrupting others, grabbing things from people, and speaking at inappropriate times. They also have difficulty waiting their turn.

Combined ADHD

Combined ADHD is the most common type. These individuals display inattentive and hyperactive behaviors such as difficulty paying attention, inclination towards impulsiveness, and high energy and activity levels.

ADHD symptoms may vary with age. Thus, the type of ADHD also varies, and treatment is adjusted according to the type.

Causes of ADHD?

Psychologists and researchers are yet to ascertain the causes and risk factors of ADHD. Various studies link genetics, neurological changes, and brain structure with ADHD. Possible causes and risk factors include:

• Genetics. Researchers conduct studies to determine the specific gene responsible for ADHD or if a single gene or multiple genes are involved.

• Reduction in dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical agent found in the brain that initiates emotional responses and movements.

• Heavy alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy. Pregnant women who drink alcohol during certain key points of pregnancy are more likely to have a child with fetal alcohol syndrome, which causes various mental disabilities, including ADHD.

Diagnosis of ADHD

Various beneficial tests have been established, but scientific professionals reject them. They adamantly believe that a single test cannot achieve an accurate ADHD diagnosis. Instead, there are several steps in this process. Numerous criteria are considered to rule out other mental health conditions with similar characteristics, such as anxiety, depression, and learning disorders.

The process begins with assessing any symptoms over a minimum six-month period. The psychiatrists obtain a behavioral history from family, educators, and sometimes the child. Checklists are commonly used to analyze and rate symptoms. Furthermore, the psychiatrist does a physical evaluation, including hearing and vision tests.

Treatment for ADHD

Treatment encompasses therapies or medication. These options are combined in some cases. Various therapies implemented in ADHD treatment include talk therapy and behavioral therapy. Talk therapy involves conversations discussing the effect of ADHD on daily life and ways to manage it. However, behavior therapy focuses on monitoring and managing behavior. ADHD medications alter various brain chemicals such as dopamine to enhance control of impulses and actions. Furthermore, these medications are categorized as stimulants and non-stimulants, depending on their brain effects.