November 28, 2023
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ADHD
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurotype that is usually first diagnosed during childhood though diagnoses in adults have surged in the past few years. More than six million children in the U.S. between the ages of 3 and 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD.1 It is characterized by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that make it difficult for people to function in a way that’s deemed “standard” or neurotypical.
ADHD is lifelong. While traits do change with time, they can still interfere with an adult’s functioning. Relationships, health, work, and finances are just a few areas that may be impacted. There are management options, including medications and therapies, as well as helpful strategies that can help you live well with ADHD.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What causes ADHD?
The exact causes of ADHD are not known but experts believe there are a number of factors at play. Genetics are thought to play a significant role in causing ADHD, but environmental factors also contribute and often interact with genetic predispositions. Factors that can increase the risk of ADHD include certain illnesses such as meningitis, exposure to toxins such as lead, and nutrition deficiencies or substance use during pregnancy.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
There is no simple lab test or questionnaire that can determine if a person has ADHD. Mental health professionals conduct an evaluation and can use a variety of tools including IQ tests, interviews, measures of attention, rating scales, and other assessments to evaluate symptoms and determine if they meet the criteria for diagnosis.
Is ADHD a mental illness?
ADHD is classified as a mental illness, but can also be described as a neurotype. It is important to recognize that mental illness is a broad term that refers to any type of condition that impacts a person’s thoughts, moods, or behaviors. Because the three primary symptoms of ADHD—inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity—all impact these areas, ADHD is considered a form of mental illness.
Is ADHD genetic?
There is a strong genetic component to ADHD. Estimates suggest that the genetic heritability of the condition is over 70%. However, having a genetic predisposition does not necessarily mean that you will develop ADHD. Research has found that there are several genes that play a role and it is the interaction of these genes along with environmental influences that may cause the disorder.
Is ADHD considered a disability?
ADHD may be considered a disability according to the guidelines established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) if you have impairments that limit one or more major life activities (such as work or school). There must be a record of this impairment or others must be able to perceive these challenges. This means some people who have ADHD may request accommodations at work or school.
What is the difference between ADD and ADHD?
ADHD has gone through several name changes over the years and one of these former names was attention deficit disorder (ADD). While the term no longer represents an official diagnosis, it is still sometimes used to describe the inattentive presentation of the condition without hyperactivity.
KEY TERMS
Neurobehavioral Disorder
Neurobehavioral disorders are a group of conditions that involve behavioral issues that accompany brain-related conditions or injuries. ADHD is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders to affect children.2 Other examples include autism spectrum disorder and traumatic brain injury.
Behavior Therapy
Behavior therapy utilizes techniques such as conditioning and reinforcement to teach desired behaviors and eliminate unwanted ones. For children with ADHD, this approach can often help improve behavior and self-control. Techniques used in behavior therapy include praising or rewarding good behavior and allowing people to experience the logical consequences of negative behaviors.
Impulsive Behavior
Impulsive behaviors are those that are unplanned, risky, premature, and sometimes inappropriate for the situation. Such behaviors can seem unpredictable and, because they are not well-conceived, can lead to poor outcomes. Impulsivity is a trait of ADHD that is often caused by a lack of focus and difficulties with controlling behavior.
Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
This presentation of ADHD is characterized by inconsistencies with attention and focus. Symptoms include having trouble focusing and/or paying attention to details, difficulty organizing tasks, being easily distracted, difficulty following instructions, frequently forgetting or misplacing things, avoiding activities that require sustained focus, and trouble following what others are saying.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
This presentation of ADHD is marked by hyperactive and impulsive behaviors without the traits of inattention. Characteristics often include moving frequently, squirming, fidgeting, and talking excessively. People with this presentation struggle to stay seated, move on to new tasks without completing previous ones, interrupt others, and blurt out things impulsively.4
Combined Presentation
In this presentation of ADHD, people exhibit traits of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. Characteristics include trouble focusing on tasks, fidgeting, talking excessively, and saying things impulsively. Children and adults may be diagnosed with a combined presentation if they experience six or more traits of inattention and six or more traits of hyperactivity and impulsivity.
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November 28, 2023
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November 28, 2023
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November 28, 2023
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Unraveling ADHD: Understanding the Complexities of Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
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November 28, 2023
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