Like a kaleidoscope, the life of someone with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) twists and turns with chaos. But it also creates beauty in discovering unique patterns and views of the world.
Understanding that ADHD doesn’t always look like a noisy kid who can’t sit still is essential to removing the stigma. It’s time to adjust the lens of feeling like a square peg in a round hole. Through increased awareness and ongoing research, many people can find recovery for ADHD.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a brain development condition. ADHD impacts how a person pays attention, controls their impulses, and how active they are. Approximately 10 million adults have ADHD.
ADHD is a complex disorder with various subtypes and severity levels. ADHD usually starts in childhood and can continue into adulthood. People with ADHD have trouble staying focused, keeping still, and controlling their actions. It can affect school, relationships, and daily life. Someone with ADHD might appear careless or scattered.
Some adults who have ADHD don’t know they have it. These cases stay under the radar until they get older. The demands of adulthood make the signs more noticeable.
Other disorders can occur with ADHD. This includes learning disabilities, anxiety disorders, conduct disorders, depression, and substance use disorders (SUD). This is called a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis.
ADHD Stats in the U.S.
- About half of the children with ADHD have a behavior or conduct problem.
- About 3 in 4 US children with current ADHD receive treatment.
- About 3 in 10 children with ADHD have anxiety.
- The average age of ADHD diagnosis is 7 years old.
- About 4% of American adults over 18 years old deal with ADHD daily.
- Kentucky has the highest ADHD diagnosis rate at 14.8%, and Nevada is the lowest at 4.2%.
- ADHD diagnoses among adults are growing four times faster than in children. That accounts for a 26.4% increase among children compared to 123.3% among adults.
Subtypes of ADHD
ADHD has three main types based on the main symptoms:
- Inattentive (known as ADD) is when you struggle with paying attention. It’s hard to stay focused, get organized, and follow instructions. You may also get distracted and jump from task to task.
- Hyperactive-impulsive displays hyperactivity and acting without thinking. This includes feeling restless, having trouble sitting still, interrupting others, and acting without thinking.
- Combination is the most common type of ADHD. People experience signs of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive. This blends difficulty with focus, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity simultaneously.
It’s important to remember that these subtypes are not fixed categories. Individuals with ADHD can have a mix of symptoms from both types. Receiving a diagnosis from a healthcare professional is essential.
Symptoms and Signs of ADHD
Signs of ADHD are more common in males than females. Females with ADHD are more likely to have inattention symptoms. ADHD can occur with other disorders, so it’s vital to have a clear review by a medical professional.
People with ADHD experience an ongoing pattern of the following types of symptoms:
- Inattention is having difficulty paying attention
- Hyperactivity is having too much energy or moving and talking too much.
- Impulsivity means acting without thinking or having difficulty with self-control.
Some people with ADHD exhibit inattention. Others have symptoms of hyperactive-impulsive. Some people have both types of symptoms.
People with signs of inattention include the following:
- They tend to overlook and miss important details. This makes it look like careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
- Many individuals have a hard time paying attention in life. Challenges include holding conversations, listening to lectures, or reading lengthy materials.
- Some experience trouble starting and organizing tasks and activities, including following steps, managing time, and meeting deadlines.
- Some people with ADHD try to avoid activities requiring ongoing thinking and processes. This includes homework projects, completing forms, or reviewing lengthy papers.
- Getting distracted by unrelated thoughts or their surroundings is common.
- Being forgetful about daily activities, such as chores, errands, returning calls, and keeping appointments, is typical.
Some common signs of hyperactivity-impulsivity include:
- Trouble sitting still, fidgeting, or squirming when sitting
- Leaving their seats even when they’re expected to stay seated, like in the classroom or at work
- Running around or climbing
- Difficulty engaging in hobbies or playing without disrupting others
- Constantly moving or feeling like a motor is driving them to go
- Growing impatient at things like waiting their turn or talking a lot. Not letting others finish asking a question or speaking before jumping in
Danger and Physical Health Problems
ADHD disrupts learning, relationships, and functioning in society.
Kids with ADHD are at a higher risk of experiencing severe injuries. Not paying attention and acting without thinking increases the risk of accidents and injuries.
Individuals have increased odds of mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders, such as:
- Behavior disorders, which may increase the risk of interpersonal violence and delinquent behavior
- Mood disorders, including anxiety and depression
- Being the victim of bullying
- Using tobacco and other high-risk substances
- Suicide
- Sexually risky behavior
An early diagnosis and effective treatment can overcome the adverse side effects.
Find Recovery for ADHD – The Importance of Treatment
It’s never too late to seek treatment for ADHD. The basic facts about ADHD treatment and diagnosis are the same regardless of age. Receiving a diagnosis as an adult is life-changing for many people.
Medication and behavioral therapy treatment reduce symptoms. Using medication with therapy improves symptoms in children. The same ongoing treatment applies to adults.
Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) makes individuals aware of attention and concentration problems. It improves their organization and time management. They can break down tasks more easily to manage their daily lives.
CBT builds confidence and controls impulsive behavior. Individuals with ADHD gain confidence and can control impulsive and risky behaviors.
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) helps individuals participate in their therapy. Professionals recommend DBT as a treatment for ADHD because of its effectiveness.
DBT combines CBT, mindfulness, and acceptance strategies. DBT teaches essential skills for managing emotions, impulsive behavior, and relationships. Individuals set goals, track progress, and make decisions about their treatment.
Family therapy helps treat ADHD. It provides understanding, support, and education for family members. Family therapy strengthens relationships by addressing the impact of ADHD on family dynamics.
Mindfulness-based practices may involve meditation, stress-reduction training, and attention training. They help you self-regulate your attention and focus. A therapist or ADHD coach helps provide support for daily functioning.
Other factors work alongside therapy to improve well-being. Those include the following:
- Having a routine brings balance, a sense of purpose, and structure to chaos
- Practicing healthy habits like eating less sugary foods and adding omega-3 fatty acids helps brain function.
Medication
A practical approach is to combine medication with education and counseling. Both stimulant and non-stimulant medications treat ADHD. Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed type.
This combination can serve as a foundation for adults to achieve new accomplishments. The goal of medication is to provide the necessary support for self-control. It’s important to note that medicine doesn’t take over control of the individual. Their efforts are still crucial for success.
Outpatient Mental Health Facilities
The structure of an outpatient program helps to build healthy patterns and routines. Clinicians monitor to ensure it is safe and effective.
Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) provide intensive therapy, medication management, and support services. This involves a team of professionals that address specific aspects of ADHD. Individuals learn strategies for improving organization, time management, planning, and problem-solving.
The program also focuses on behavioral techniques, coping mechanisms, and stress management tailored to their unique needs.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) provide a structured and focused treatment setting. This program is more intense than regular outpatient therapy but has more freedom than inpatient care.
IOPs offer a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, and education on ADHD. This program teaches managing thoughts, actions, and behaviors. Tackling the challenges associated with ADHD in their daily lives is vital.
Inpatient Mental Health Facilities
Inpatient or residential treatment is a structured and supportive environment. This is vital to have a stable setting to learn skills. A team of specialists gives around-the-clock care. A dual treatment facility covers all areas of treatment.
Staying in a controlled setting helps individuals learn coping skills for daily life. Patients gain strategies to manage their symptoms and therapies tailored to their needs. Inpatient is a break from outside distractions and everyday stress. This makes focusing on meaningful progress in managing their ADHD symptoms easier.
Seek the Help You Deserve
Dealing with ADHD symptoms can be stressful and overwhelming. Having a brain wired differently doesn’t make a person a failure. Individuals with the disorder are capable of regaining control. Don’t let ADHD define you. Find out what recovery feels like once and for all.