Guide : ADHD Symptoms, Diagnosis, And Treatments

ADHD also known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity is a serious mental illness. ADHD Symptoms include hyperactivity, difficulty focusing, fatigue, and inattentiveness.

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a mental health condition that can cause abnormal levels of hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors. People suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to focus their attention on any single task or sit still for a longer period of time.

Many people suffering from this disease may experience inattention and changes in energy levels. For a patient suffering from this condition ADHD symptoms may occur more frequently and to a greater extent as compared to those who don’t have this condition.

It can affect their life adversely.

ADHD Symptoms

A variety of behaviors are related to ADHD. Some of the ADHD Symptoms include:

1. Difficulty focusing or concentrating on tasks.
2. Being forgetful about completing the assigned tasks on time.
3. Being distracted very easily.
4. Having trouble sitting still.
5. Interrupting other people while they are busy talking.

The signs and symptoms of ADHD can be specific depending on different aspects like hyperactivity, difficulty focusing or impulsivity.

A person suffering from impulsivity and hyperactivity may:

1. Have difficulty sitting still for a longer period of time.
2. Can’t play or carry out any task quietly.
3. Have the habit of talking extensively.
4. Find it hard to wait for their turn.
5. Interrupt others in their tasks.

Someone who has problems with focus might:

1. Miss out on details while working.
2. Make small and silly mistakes.
3. Have trouble staying organized.
4. Lose their belongings frequently.
5. Being distracted easily by small things taking place around them.

If someone is suffering from ADHD then they may experience these symptoms. The symptoms may vary depending on the type of ADHD you have.

Types Of ADHD

To make the diagnosis of the condition easier the condition has been divided into three categories.These are the three primary forms of ADHD:

1. Predominantly Inattentive

People suffering from this type of the condition may suffer from ADHD symptoms including:

1. Extreme difficulty in focusing.
2. Trouble in finishing tasks and following instructions.

Experts suggest that children suffering from this type of ADHD may not get diagnosed with the condition easily because they usually don’t usually disrupt others.

2. Predominantly hyperactive impulsive type

People suffering from this type may show hyperactive and impulsive behaviour. The behavioural symptoms include:

1. Fidgeting.
2. Interrupting others while they are talking.
3. Not being able to wait for their turn to arrive.

However, people suffering from this type of ADHD may not show symptoms of inattentiveness but they may still find it difficult to focus on day-to-day activities.

3. Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive type

This is the most common of all three types. People with the combined type showcase both inattentive and hyperactive symptoms. These include difficulty in paying attention, tendency towards impulsiveness and abnormally elevated levels of activity.

Causes of ADHD

In Spite of being a very common disorder the sure short cause of ADHD is still unknown. It is believed to have originated neurologically. Genetics could also be a significant factor.

Some research suggests that reduction in dopamine is a great factor contributing to ADHD.(Dopamine is a chemical or the hormone in the brain that is responsible for sending signals to the nerves).

Other studies are related to the difference in the structure of the brain. People who have ADHD have less grey matter volume. Grey matter volume in the brain includes the parts of brain that help with:

Speech

Control on self

Decision making ability

Muscle control  

ADHD Diagnosis

There is not any single test available to assess whether you or someone close to you suffers from ADHD.

So in order to diagnose the disease your doctor may check your behavior and symptoms you have from the last six months.

They can also order a physical health exam to rule out  other health issues.

ADHD Treatment

Treatment for ADHD includes both therapies and medications.

Various types of therapies include:

Psychotherapy 

It is also known as talk therapy. It will help you discuss the problems caused by aADHD and how it is affecting your life.

Behavior therapy

This therapy tends to help you monitor and manage your behaviour accordingly.

Other than therapies, medications can also prove to be helpful in treating ADHD.

Home Remedies for ADHD

Several natural ways and home remedies can also be used to reduce the symptoms of ADHD.

Some of the tips to improve the symptoms are:

1. Develop Healthy Eating habits.
2. Take time to do physical exercise at least 60 minutes a day.
3. Getting plenty of sleep.
4. Mindfulness meditation is a great way to decrease ADHD.

The Bottom Line

ADHD if left untreated can have serious consequences. It can interfere with your day-to-day life and activities. Treatment is very important to lessen the effects and damage caused to you and your life.