Symptoms of ADHD
Hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are the main symptoms of adhd. Some people only have one kind of symptoms. A primary care doctor can assess and make a diagnosis of ADHD. A specialist, like a developmental-behavioral pediatrician or psychiatrist, may also help with diagnosis and treatment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must manifest in childhood (before age 12). The behaviors must be troublesome in at least two different environments.
Inattention
When you have ADHD, it can be difficult to concentrate and focus at a given task for long. You might forget about meetings or forget tasks you need to complete at work or home. You may also have difficulty keeping track of conversations or recalling specific details, such as the names or numbers of the people you speak to.
Inattention-related symptoms can hinder your ability to be successful in school, work and in relationships. However, you can be able to manage them through treatment. You can take medication, engage in cognitive behavior therapy or change your surroundings to help you remain focused and organized.
Inattentive ADHD is more difficult to recognize due to its lower levels of hyperactivity and impulsivity. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will examine your medical history and perform a physical examination. They will also speak to teachers, staff at the school or family members in order to confirm your symptoms.
This form of ADHD is marked by a lot of energy, and children who suffer from this condition are difficult to calm down or stop talking. They may also have difficulty following directions, remembering their tasks or doing their chores. They typically have a wide range of interests and tend to move from one thing to another. They can also become bored easily and want to try new experiences.
A doctor will find that your child has this type of ADHD when they exhibit six or more symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity for at least six months. They will then make an assessment based on the DSM-5 guidelines for ADHD.
Children who have inattention ADHD might also have difficulty being still or paying attention to class. However they do not display the same signs as children with the two other types of ADHD. Teachers and school personnel might notice that they frequently think about other things, are slow to finish their work or struggle to stay on track during class. They might not even be aware of their ADHD symptoms until they are adults and are faced with the demands of their careers, family and college classes.
Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity symptoms include fidgeting, having a hard time sitting still or being agitated in other settings and a tendency to talk too much. They are also susceptible to making decisions impulsively without thinking about the consequences. This type of ADHD is more prevalent in children and teens.
Inattention ADHD manifests itself as a lack of attention at school or in other settings. The child has trouble following school rules or guidelines. They also have difficulty keeping their possessions in order and are not able to complete long reading assignments. They may also appear be "daydreaming" or tend to be spacy, although they are not. Instead, they have difficulty staying focused on their work and engaging with their peers.
For a diagnosis of adhd, the symptoms must be evident in at least two settings like school and at home. The child's symptoms should start before age 12, and must be seriously impairing their functioning.
Teachers and parents often diagnose children with inattentive ADHD, and they are treated with behavioral therapies like counseling, group therapy and parent education. The use of medication can also be utilized to manage the disorder, however, it must be paired with behavioral therapy.
As kids get older and more active, their symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity could start to affect their social interactions and schoolwork. They might become angry, or have a low tolerance for anger. They may also have difficulty to finish their work or meet their social obligations. They might have difficulty staying employed or adhering to corporate guidelines, and they might face financial problems frequently due to late payments, unpaid bills and spending impulsively.
It is essential for adults to realize that their ADHD symptoms are not the result of their own responsibility and that effective treatments are available. It is also helpful to have supportive family members and friends who can appreciate the difficulties ADHD creates. They can also help encourage healthy lifestyle choices such as getting enough sleep eating a healthy meal, and managing stress. They can also join a support group in order to meet with others who share similar experiences and worries.
Impulsivity
A primary symptom of ADHD is an impulsiveness, which is the tendency to speak or act in a hurry without thinking about the consequences. This can lead to problems at home and at school. An impulsive child might give answers before the questions are finished or disrupt other children during conversations or games. They also may not be able to wait their turn or find it difficult to follow rules that require them to do so.
This symptom is especially common in kids with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, the most prevalent type of this disorder. They are always on their feet, fidgeting, and have excess energy. They tend to quit their seats even when they are supposed to sit or engage in sports that aren't appropriate for their age.
Children with this type of the disorder tend to exhibit hyperactivity and impulsivity but don't usually have trouble paying attention. They can't stay still, do nothing but talk for a mile and get bored easily. They are usually very loud and often interrupt other people. They are never bored and may seem to be in complete disbelief of their surroundings.
The thalamus area of the brain regulates response inhibition and works like a gate, releasing signals to allow or restrict behaviors. This gate might not be functioning properly in people suffering from ADHD and contribute to impulsivity. This is the reason why people with ADHD struggle to control their short-term impulses like eating a handful of candy or spending more money than they had planned.
This type of ADHD can also cause mood swings and difficulties dealing with frustration. They tend to be very emotional and are prone to think highly of themselves.
The good news is, while impulsivity can be a big problem in many situations but it can also be a unique asset in some situations. The impulsivity of a person can result in innovative solutions that can help someone excel at work or in their personal life. If it's well managed, impulsiveness is a superpower.
Organization
People suffering from ADHD frequently struggle to keep their lives organized, both mentally and physically. They might lose or forget important items. This can result in mental clutter that can affect their ability to prioritize tasks and keep focus. It can also lead physical clutter. This can result in a messy home environment which makes it difficult to find things and posing safety concerns.
This lack of organization can result in dissociation - an inability to connect with the environment and one's experiences. It is more prevalent among teens and young adults, and can occur in conjunction with other conditions such as depression or anxiety disorders. It can be especially harmful for preteens and teens who are typically more vulnerable to symptoms of dissociation when they undergo significant emotional changes.
Disorganization can also impact relationships with others, as people with ADHD may have trouble communicating effectively. They may overreact when they receive negative feedback, and not be able calm down to think about their responses and react more thoughtfully. They may also have difficulty to express their feelings, which can contribute to strained marriages and partnerships.
Emotional reactivity can also impact those with ADHD and their sexual lives, since they may be more likely to skip sexual activities prior to sex, such as foreplay, and immediately jump into intercourse. This can lead to people feeling bored during sex and looking for more stimulating sexual experiences.
There are many strategies to help those with ADHD improve their organizational skills and detachment. Setting adhd in adults signs for phones and creating a routine using sticky notes, or a dry-erase board, can help them stay on track. They can also use organization tools, such a shelves or bins, to organize items together to make them easier to find.
Some people suffering from ADHD need help from a counselor like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which teaches them skills to manage their emotions and helps them be aware of when they feel overwhelmed or out of control. Adults with ADHD may also benefit from taking medication that improves executive functions and helps organize their daily life.