ADHD: Symptoms and How to Manage This Common Neurological Condition

The human mind is very complex, constantly evolving throughout a person’s entire life. Although, most of the time, it functions correctly, certain imbalances can lead to the onset of conditions from childhood. This is the case with ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, which is a neurological imbalance that is encountered more and more frequently.

What does ADHD mean, why does it occur, and what are its signs? It is one of the neurological disorders that manifests on multiple levels, including the social one. Because its symptoms can often be associated with normal behavior, there are also specific manifestations. What do we do in this case? The best approach is to see a doctor for a correct diagnosis and appropriate management.

The article below presents ADHD in detail: the types of this condition, its signs, and available treatment methods.

ADHD – what it means and what types it has

ADHD (Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder) signifies attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, according to the American DSM IV-TR classification. It is a neurological condition whose main characteristic is excessive activity. Also known as hyperkinesis, it can occur in both children and adults.

ADHD can be of several types, so diagnosing it is important for a correct approach.

Why does ADHD occur?

Among the most frequent questions related to this disorder are why it occurs and if it is curable. The answer to the first question is that it can be genetically inherited, but this theory is not fully verified, and research is ongoing. Also, two other probable causes for its appearance are:

• premature or difficult birth, especially if the fetus suffered from hypoxia (lack of oxygen during pregnancy or birth);
• consumption of alcohol and/or tobacco during pregnancy.

Regarding the second question, the answer is that it is not a curable medical condition. Thus, therapies only help to control its manifestations. Symptoms largely depend on its type.

Although ADHD is, by definition, a condition that cannot be cured, people suffering from this disorder can lead a completely normal life by resorting to appropriate help. These include, of course, specialized psychotherapy, medication (if necessary), but also natural supplements.

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Types of ADHD

Since its discovery, ADHD has been classified into two types. Currently, however, there is also a third type. We must know that the main criteria for creating the two categories were the signs present in children.

ADHD can be:

• predominantly inattentive;
• predominantly hyperactive-impulsive.

The third type is, in fact, a combination of the first two.

Predominantly Inattentive ADHD

This type of disorder manifests, as its name suggests, through inattention. This can occur in relation to the people around or through losing certain objects. Disorganization is another sign of ADHD in both children and adults.

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD

The second type of ADHD is the one in which hyperactive behavior accompanied by impulsivity predominates. It is characterized by restlessness, agitation, and lack of concentration on people or tasks. All these symptoms are often present in children, while in adults, they can manifest moderately.

Combined ADHD

The third type of ADHD is combined type. It manifests through inattention, but also through signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity.

What we need to remember is that the signs of ADHD do not manifest in the same way in all individuals. Also, a child or adult may have only certain symptoms. These two characteristics make the condition more difficult to diagnose.

ADHD – symptoms in children and adults

ADHD can manifest through several signs. Even so, it can be quite difficult to diagnose. This is because the behavior in case of this disorder can often be confused with normal behavior. Its main characteristics are:

• lack of attention to detail;
• difficulties in organizing and/or completing tasks;
• restlessness;
• excessive talking;
• inability to sit still for extended periods.

We should know that these signs can be observed in both children and adults. In the latter case, however, they may be diminished or less evident.
Let’s see, however, what the symptoms of ADHD are in children and adults.

ADHD in Children

ADHD is a disorder that affects infants as well as older children. Unfortunately, however, in younger patients, the signs cannot be detected in the first years of life. For this purpose, careful monitoring by parents is essential for the fastest possible diagnosis.

Signs of ADHD in Infants and Young Children

ADHD can occur from the first years of life. The fact that infants cannot communicate and are in full development makes diagnosing it quite difficult. Nevertheless, research has revealed several symptoms that young children may have. Also, these usually appear within the first 3 years of birth. Among the most common are:

• restlessness;
• excessive talking;
• lack of attention;
• failure to follow instructions;
• difficulty in learning new things.

It has also been observed that boys diagnosed with ADHD have more energy, while girls talk excessively. However, we must know that these behaviors are common in very young children. Therefore, diagnosis requires the manifestation of multiple signs simultaneously. Diagnosis in children is most often made by the age of 7.

Symptoms of ADHD in Older Children

ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood, more precisely between the ages of 3 and 6. This is also when the type of disorder is determined.
In the case of predominantly inattentive ADHD, a child:

• is easily distracted from a task that they cannot complete;
• may seem not to hear when spoken to;
• may lose various objects;
• makes many mistakes;
• quickly forgets received instructions;
• cannot follow simple directions;
• has learning difficulties;
• is disorganized.

In the case of predominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, a child may exhibit the following characteristics:

• is very agitated and seems to be moving all the time;
• runs and climbs everywhere;
• is distracted by playing with their own hands and feet if no other objects are available;
• cannot sit still during activities that require attention;
• talks a lot and fast, interrupts others;
• has no patience and does not wait their turn during activities;
• acts impulsively, without thinking about the consequences.

Regarding the third type of ADHD, a child will manifest signs that encompass the behaviors of the first two categories.

Some of these ADHD symptoms are also present in adults.

ADHD in Adults

Often, ADHD in adults manifests from childhood, and its symptoms persist into older age. Among the signs that may suggest this disorder are:

• inattention and lack of concentration in various activities, whether at work or during leisure time;
• impulsivity in different social contexts;
• excessive talking;
• states of constant alertness.

Most often, ADHD in adults presents the same signs as in children, but more moderately. At this stage, we must know that the disorder can be accompanied by other conditions, such as:

• bipolar or personality disorders;
• anxiety states;
• depression;
• panic attacks;
• sleep disorders;
• alcohol or other substance abuse.

These are the main reasons why diagnosing ADHD is very important.

ADHD and Diagnosis

ADHD is quite difficult to diagnose at any stage of life. This is because certain behaviors are normal at certain times. Regardless of the situation, however, the diagnosis can be made by a psychiatrist or neurologist based on the anamnesis. We must remember the following aspects for this purpose:

• in the case of children, they must exhibit at least 6 of the ADHD signs;
• in the case of adults, the symptoms must have manifested for at least 6 months.

Unfortunately, ADHD is not curable. Therefore, it is very important that the diagnosis is correct, in order to adopt a proper course of action that limits its effects.

To date, much progress has been made regarding ADHD treatment methods. The main goals are to control the signs and improve the quality of life for patients.

ADHD and Treatment Methods

ADHD can give rise to several types of behaviors, so after diagnosis, treatment aims to alleviate the symptoms. These will be treated according to their severity.

The goal of treatment for children and adults suffering from ADHD is:

• to reduce the behavior that creates problems for the person suffering from ADHD;
• to improve school performance in children and professional performance in adults;
• to enable social integration.

All of these can be achieved through behavioral and medication therapy. In some cases, using only one method is possible. This is chosen by the psychiatrist or neurologist, depending on the predominant symptom. Especially for children with ADHD, there are various activities that can help with integration into the community. In addition to these, there are also various dietary supplements that aid neural processes.

Activities for Children with Attention Deficit

For children with ADHD, behavioral therapy is one of the most popular treatment methods. It involves creating a plan based on the predominant type of disorder. For this purpose, the following will be taken into account:

• eliminating factors that can trigger inappropriate behavior;
• rewarding correct behaviors;
• sanctioning inappropriate behaviors.

Both rewards and sanctions must be well-established for the therapy to work.

In addition to behavioral therapy, there are a series of activities for preschoolers and schoolchildren with attention deficit that can improve their behavior. These are carried out both in organized groups and at home with parents.

Among the recommended activities for children with attention deficit are:

• using games, such as doing puzzles and playing with Lego;
• music activities are also recommended for children with ADHD;
• simple sports or team sports can also be part of the methods to improve behavior in children with ADHD;
• educational activities, such as learning a foreign language.

Psychotherapy can also help in controlling ADHD. It is useful for both children and adults.

ADHD and Available Treatments for Adults

When discovered later, as is the case with adults, medication therapy can work for ADHD. Among the medications that can be used to treat this disorder are:

• antidepressants;
• antipsychotics;
• anticonvulsants;
• amphetamines.

These can only be prescribed by a psychiatrist. Also, psychotherapy can be another treatment option for ADHD in adults.

Dietary Supplements That Can Be Taken for ADHD

Because ADHD is a disorder resulting from neurological imbalances, there are certain supplements that can be helpful. For children, two beneficial supplements are zinc and Kids Omega 3 + DHA, chewable capsules that aid in healthy growth and development.

A beneficial supplement for adults and individuals over 18 years of age is Neuro Formula capsules, which are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals essential for proper brain function. Among these, Bacopa Monnieri is a plant used in Ayurvedic medicine that improves memory and concentration. Also, the formula contains Dimethylaminoethanol, or DMAE, a compound found in the human brain. It is responsible for improving concentration, attention, and learning ability.

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In conclusion, ADHD is one of the most common neurological disorders. It usually occurs in childhood and remains undiagnosed until adulthood. For this reason, its main signs manifest in children, while in adults, they can fade over time. Its diagnosis can be made by specialist doctors in psychiatry or neurology, who can also suggest treatments. For children, behavioral therapy and educational and sports activities are the most common approaches. For adults, various medications can be used, but also dietary supplements that improve cognitive functions.

References:

1. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html
2. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/adhd/what-is-adhd
3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/
4. https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd

Cover photo source: image by Marisa Howenstine on Unsplash.com