Topics on this page:
What is ADHD?
Characteristics
Diagnose
causes
therapy
transcendence
Panorama
Counseling for people with ADHD
Advice for loved ones
reducing the risk
Related topics
What is ADHD?
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a disorder that often leaves you very busy and easily distracted. This can cause problems in a number of ways.
ADHD in children
It is a problem when, as a child, you are no longer able to attend classes well. Children with ADHD sometimes learn less quickly because they are easily distracted. Or the teacher is often annoyed because his child doesn't always sit in the same place. Other children sometimes think your child is crazy because they often play a little wilder. It's the behavior that comes with ADHD. It's not your son's fault, but it makes a lot of things pretty difficult.
ADHD in adults
ADHD occurs in adults too, it doesn't always go away with age. However, you can learn to manage it better so that it affects you less in your daily life.
Sometimes you don't find out you have ADHD until later in life. For example, because you are having more and more problems at work. This may be because you are having a hard time keeping track. Or you have relationship problems, for example with friends or with your partner. When you have ADHD, you can sometimes react very violently, which can upset others.
Types of ADHD
There are all sorts of traits associated with ADHD. That you're busy, for example, but also that you're not always paying attention. You are easily distracted and have difficulty listening to others. There are 3 types of ADHD, each with their own characteristics:
1. ADHS-I(Inattentive): You find it particularly difficult to pay attention to things. Often you are in your own world, for others it seems as if you are daydreaming. It used to be called ADD, Attention Deficit Disorder.
2. TDAH-H(Hyperactive/Impulsive): You are very busy, move a lot, and find it difficult to sit still. They also tend to do and say things without thinking about them first.
3. ADHS-C(Combined): has characteristics of the other two species. So you're busy and having trouble paying attention. This form of ADHD is the most common.
Recognize ADHD
When you have ADHD, you can notice it yourself, but so can those around you. Some things you can see for yourself, there are also things that others notice.
- problems with attention
To you it feels like I'm always busy in your head. You have many thoughts and ideas flying in all directions. This makes it difficult to draw attention to things. For example in class at school, so you don't hear everything the teacher says.
Or at work, which makes it seem like you're not doing it right. It doesn't always have to be like this. It may also be because you need to do the same thing for a long time. This is usually much more difficult when you have ADHD. Dividing tasks into small parts can be very helpful.
You also find it difficult to get and keep an overview. For example, you are often late because you do not know the time. For example, thinking about what you're going to do for the rest of the week is extremely difficult. It's also about money, which sometimes means spending more than is reasonable. It is difficult to make decisions because you often doubt things.
- hyperactivity problems
When you're hyperactive, you move around a lot and there's almost nothing you can do about it. This is very difficult for children in school, where you often have to sit still. Or at work, for example during a long meeting. These movements can be small, like swinging your foot or playing around with your hands. But sometimes you start to swivel in your chair, stand up, or start walking when you shouldn't.
You also notice this rush in other ways. In your head, for example, because you are always thinking of everything and everyone. But also in the way of speaking. Sometimes you can keep talking when you should be quiet because a friend or colleague is saying something.
- problems with thinking
Most people think before they act. If you want to cross the street, first look carefully to the left and right. If nothing arrives, they calmly cross. This is much more difficult when you have ADHD. Then you cross the street without looking closely.
You can also suffer from this when making important decisions. For example, you suddenly buy an expensive car without first thinking about whether you need the money for other things.
- Problems with feelings and behavior.
The same applies to your feelings. You can be happy one moment but suddenly be sad. You don't have much control over it either, sometimes you suddenly get very angry, for example. You can see that in their behavior. Children with ADHD, for example, play wild. Adults with ADHD also have trouble controlling their behavior. For example, they are more prone to addictions.
- problems with attention
- hyperactivity problems
- problems with thinking
- Problems with feelings and behavior.
To you it feels like I'm always busy in your head. You have many thoughts and ideas flying in all directions. This makes it difficult to draw attention to things. For example in class at school, so you don't hear everything the teacher says.
Or at work, which makes it seem like you're not doing it right. It doesn't always have to be like this. It may also be because you need to do the same thing for a long time. This is usually much more difficult when you have ADHD. Dividing tasks into small parts can be very helpful.
You also find it difficult to get and keep an overview. For example, you are often late because you do not know the time. For example, thinking about what you're going to do for the rest of the week is extremely difficult. It's also about money, which sometimes means spending more than is reasonable. It is difficult to make decisions because you often doubt things.
When you're hyperactive, you move around a lot and there's almost nothing you can do about it. This is very difficult for children in school, where you often have to sit still. Or at work, for example during a long meeting. These movements can be small, like swinging your foot or playing around with your hands. But sometimes you start to swivel in your chair, stand up, or start walking when you shouldn't.
You also notice this rush in other ways. In your head, for example, because you are always thinking of everything and everyone. But also in the way of speaking. Sometimes you can keep talking when you should be quiet because a friend or colleague is saying something.
Most people think before they act. If you want to cross the street, first look carefully to the left and right. If nothing arrives, they calmly cross. This is much more difficult when you have ADHD. Then you cross the street without looking closely.
You can also suffer from this when making important decisions. For example, you suddenly buy an expensive car without first thinking about whether you need the money for other things.
The same applies to your feelings. You can be happy one moment but suddenly be sad. You don't have much control over it either, sometimes you suddenly get very angry, for example. You can see that in their behavior. Children with ADHD, for example, play wild. Adults with ADHD also have trouble controlling their behavior. For example, they are more prone to addictions.
2,9%
of people under the age of 18 have ADHD, according to a 2009 population study in the Netherlands.
2,1%
of people between the ages of 18 and 44 have ADHD, according to a 2009 population study in the Netherlands.
Diagnosis ADHD
If you think your child has ADHD, the first thing you should do is see a doctor. This is also possible if you have problems yourself later in life and suspect you have ADHD. If the doctor thinks you have ADHD, then go to a specialist for a check-up. This can be a pediatrician, a psychologist or a psychiatrist.
Investigation
Research often begins with a questionnaire. This should give a better picture of their behavior. A conversation then takes place to see what the causes of the behavior might be. For example, the doctor will ask about the situation at home and your state of health. Something can look like ADHD but have a different cause. If you have poor hearing, this can also be due to hearing problems, for example.
Or when you are very absent or busy. This can be due to ADHD, but also, for example, to the fact that you sleep poorly. The characteristics of ADHD are very similar to the characteristics of a sleep disorder. When the psychiatrist is testing your child for ADHD, they will often see a pediatrician or sleep specialist (somnologist) as well. A sleep disorder needs to be treated differently than ADHD.
Characteristics and Diagnosis
When there are no other explanations for his behavior, the doctor can diagnose ADHD. This is possible if you have multiple traits associated with ADHD. According to the guidelines, children have 6 or more characteristics. You must have this before your 12th birthday.
If you look at it in adulthood, it's 5 or more functions. You have been suffering from these traits for more than 6 months. These also make you perform worse at work or school. They also have trouble connecting with other people.
There is some debate about these guidelines. Nor are they always strictly followed. Therefore, it is very likely that a child will be diagnosed with ADHD even if they only have 3 or 4 characteristics. The doctor also looks at other things. For example, the situation at home and how the child is developing. With all this information together, a diagnosis is made.
Causes of ADHD
Much research is still being done on the causes of ADHD. It seems that the causes have to do with connections in the brain. Heredity and environment also play a role.
In the brain
It is well known that the brains of people with ADHD work slightly differently than those without ADHD. For example, some parts of the brain form more slowly in childhood than in other children. Also, information is transmitted slightly differently between different parts of the brain.
estate
Researchers believe that ADHD is largely hereditary. So it's in your genes. However, it is not yet clear which genes are involved. It appears that several genes combine to predispose you to ADHD. Just because you have a predisposition doesn't automatically mean you have ADHD.
Surroundings
Whether you have ADHD is also largely determined by external influences. For example, children who are born prematurely or have low birth weight are more likely to develop ADHD later in life. This also applies if your mother smokes, drinks alcohol or is under severe stress during pregnancy. The environment in which you grow up also plays a role. If there is a lot of arguments and stress at home, you are more likely to develop ADHD.
ADHD treatment
There is no drug or therapy that will cure ADHD. However, there are medications and therapies that can make you suffer less from ADHD. The doctor or psychiatrist often chooses a combination of medication and therapy.
medication
The most well-known drug for ADHD is Ritalin. This is a brand, the active ingredient is methylphenidate. The drug ensures that some substances in the brain are brought back into balance. This has several benefits for many people with ADHD:
- You can work and learn better
- Just be careful
- you feel calmer
The disadvantage of methylphenidate is that it only works for a short time, 2-4 hours. That means you have to take it very often, which is inconvenient. As a result, it is no longer commonly prescribed to adults.
Side effects can also occur. When the drug wears off, you feel even more restless than before. So you have to take it all day long. They may also suffer from headaches, heart palpitations, and decreased appetite. Getting off the drug is not easy either.
There are other drugs that work longer and have fewer side effects. The active ingredient in it is dexamphetamine. It usually takes a little longer before you notice any of the medicine.
Melatonin
One of the hallmarks of ADHD is that you sleep less. This is often due to problems with the sleep hormone in your body, melatonin. Then taking extra melatonin can help. Do this only in consultation with your doctor. Incorrect use of melatonin only makes sleep problems worse.
therapy
This often starts with providing more information. For the person with ADHD, but also for their loved ones. This way everyone will have a better understanding of what ADHD is and what it means. You will also better understand why you react differently in certain situations. This often makes for more peace at home, which is very nice when you have ADHD.
Training
There are also forms of coaching. Then you speak alone or in a group with a trainer. He gives advice on how to better manage your ADHD. The advantage of group coaching is that you also hear how others are dealing with their ADHD. This is how you discover that you are not alone and learn from each other.
Training
There are training courses that can help you deal with your ADHD better. For example, they learn to remember things better. Or the longer you hold your attention. You can also learn to become more confident.
There are also training courses for parents and teachers. Then they learn how to help the child suffer less from their ADHD.
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ADHD Consequences
ADHD causes your brain to process information differently. You notice it in all sorts of ways throughout your life.
- to understand something
Many people think that if you have ADHD you are less intelligent. That is not true. It's true that ADHD makes it harder to understand things. Because it's easy to get distracted. As a result, you don't always hear everything that is said in class. Or maybe you have trouble paying attention during a workout at work.
- move on
Going somewhere on foot or by bike is usually not a problem. They are more easily distracted and therefore sometimes pay less attention to traffic. It may be dangerous. For example when driving a car. Therefore, when applying for a driver's license, you must state that you have ADHD. For more information, seeCBR-Website.
- You take care
When you have ADHD, you sometimes take less care of yourself. For example, you forget to wash your hands after using the toilet. Or to brush your teeth before school.
(Video) Mental Health Minute: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder - interact with others
It can be difficult to get along with others when you have ADHD. For example, because you are easily distracted, it may seem that you are not listening. Or you continue to speak through someone. If people don't understand that it's your ADHD, they'll have a hard time relating to you. It can make you feel like you don't belong.
- Daily activities
With ADHD, you encounter problems every day. For example at work or during your studies. It often takes more effort to get it right. The same goes for things around the house, like cleaning.
People with ADHD often move a lot. Sitting still is very difficult. But also things where you have to make precise movements. Think about tying your shoelaces or eating with a knife and fork. You can also notice it in sports like football, tennis or handball.
- participate in the world
With ADHD, you can participate in the world like everyone else. Sometimes it just takes more effort. It helps if you know what you are good at and what you are not so good at. For example, you can choose a degree or a job that best suits you and your ADHD.
- to understand something
- move on
- You take care
- interact with others
- Daily activities
- participate in the world
Many people think that if you have ADHD you are less intelligent. That is not true. It's true that ADHD makes it harder to understand things. Because it's easy to get distracted. As a result, you don't always hear everything that is said in class. Or maybe you have trouble paying attention during a workout at work.
Going somewhere on foot or by bike is usually not a problem. They are more easily distracted and therefore sometimes pay less attention to traffic. It may be dangerous. For example when driving a car. Therefore, when applying for a driver's license, you must state that you have ADHD. For more information, seeCBR-Website.
When you have ADHD, you sometimes take less care of yourself. For example, you forget to wash your hands after using the toilet. Or to brush your teeth before school.
It can be difficult to get along with others when you have ADHD. For example, because you are easily distracted, it may seem that you are not listening. Or you continue to speak through someone. If people don't understand that it's your ADHD, they'll have a hard time relating to you. It can make you feel like you don't belong.
With ADHD, you encounter problems every day. For example at work or during your studies. It often takes more effort to get it right. The same goes for things around the house, like cleaning.
People with ADHD often move a lot. Sitting still is very difficult. But also things where you have to make precise movements. Think about tying your shoelaces or eating with a knife and fork. You can also notice it in sports like football, tennis or handball.
With ADHD, you can participate in the world like everyone else. Sometimes it just takes more effort. It helps if you know what you are good at and what you are not so good at. For example, you can choose a degree or a job that best suits you and your ADHD.
Outlook with TDAH
ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood. What happens after that varies from person to person. Sometimes it bothers you less because you learn to deal with it. There are also people who will have ADHD for the rest of their lives.
Other diseases of the brain
You're also more likely to have other brain disorders with ADHD. It's not like ADHD is the cause of these other disorders. But they are more common in people with ADHD. These are brain disorders and conditions such as:
- behavioral disorders
- sleep disorders
- addictions
- Depression
- exhaustion
Counseling for people with ADHD
ADHD makes many things difficult. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to better manage your ADHD. This starts with understanding what ADHD is. Children can discuss this with their parents. If you are older, you can talk to your doctor about this.
Telling others about it can also help. For example at school or at work so that they can better understand why you sometimes react differently. It can also be helpful to talk to other people with ADHD. To find out how they deal with it, but also to exchange experiences. This is possible, for exampleimpulsive and blind to words, an association for teenagers and adults with ADHD.
Counseling for people with ADHD
- Ensure regularity, for example with a daily schedule.
- Make sure it is clearly visible, for example on the fridge.
- Don't plan your days too much.
- Go to bed at the same time every day.
- Get up at the same time every day.
- Always take your medication on time.
- Talk to other people with ADHD ("peer contact").
Pip blogs about her life with ADHD
read the blogs
Counseling for relatives and environment of people with ADHD
When someone has ADHD, everyone around them notices it. So it's good to know what you can do as a parent, teacher or employer.
Coping with the effects of ADHD can be just as difficult for a partner and family as it is for the individual.Balance sheet of the parent associationit is there for people who are going through the same thing ('contact with fellow sufferers'). You and your family can get further help and social support there.
Family caregiving, also known as informal caregiving, makes sense for most people. If one of your friends has ADHD, of course you want to help. Sometimes you can do more than you think, even as a colleague or employer. Sometimes you are the partner or parent of someone with ADHD. That is not always easy. Informal care is help that goes beyond what the government calls "usual help". Below are some tips.
- Advice for loved ones
- Help maintain regularity by creating a plan together, for example.
- Make sure this time slot doesn't get too crowded.
- Keep talking about what ADHD means for your loved ones, but also for you.
- Talk to other people who are close to people with ADHD (“connection partners”).
- Tips for Parents
- Ensure regularity, for example with a daily schedule.
- Make sure it is clearly visible, for example on the fridge.
- Make sure your child gets enough exercise.
- Helps to plan tasks.
- Praise good behavior.
- Talk to other parents of children with ADHD (“connection partners”).
(Video) ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Advice for loved ones
- Tips for Parents
Advice for loved ones
- Help maintain regularity by creating a plan together, for example.
- Make sure this time slot doesn't get too crowded.
- Keep talking about what ADHD means for your loved ones, but also for you.
- Talk to other people who are close to people with ADHD (“connection partners”).
Tips for Parents
- Ensure regularity, for example with a daily schedule.
- Make sure it is clearly visible, for example on the fridge.
- Make sure your child gets enough exercise.
- Helps to plan tasks.
- Praise good behavior.
- Talk to other parents of children with ADHD (“connection partners”).
- Tips for teachers
- Talk to the child and the parents.
- Make agreements about how you will treat the child, such as a stop sign for undesirable behavior.
- Tell the other children in the class about ADHD.
- Take ADHD teacher training.
- Tips for employers
- Talk to the employee so they know what's going well and what needs more effort.
- Make mutual agreements, for example about planning.
- Provide a low-distraction workspace, e.g. B. not next to a coffee machine or in the office garden.
- Tips for teachers
- Tips for employers
Tips for teachers
- Talk to the child and the parents.
- Make agreements about how you will treat the child, such as a stop sign for undesirable behavior.
- Tell the other children in the class about ADHD.
- Take ADHD teacher training.
Tips for employers
- Talk to the employee so they know what's going well and what needs more effort.
- Make mutual agreements, for example about planning.
- Provide a low-distraction workspace, e.g. B. not next to a coffee machine or in the office garden.
Reduce the risk of ADHD
There is nothing you can do yourself to reduce your risk of ADHD.
Related topics
In preparing this text, the Brain Foundation gratefully made use of:
- Teacher. dr Sarah Durston, Professor of Brain Development Disorders, UMC Utrecht
- Teacher. dr J.J. Sandra Kooij, Psychiatrist and Professor of Adult ADHD, UMC Amsterdam and Head of the Adult ADHD Knowledge Center, PsyQ The Hague
FAQs
What is the 9 symptoms of ADHD? ›
- being unable to sit still, especially in calm or quiet surroundings.
- constantly fidgeting.
- being unable to concentrate on tasks.
- excessive physical movement.
- excessive talking.
- being unable to wait their turn.
- acting without thinking.
- interrupting conversations.
These skills include learning how to manage your time, how to prioritize and remember your tasks each day, as well as healthy daily habits such as getting adequate sleep, regular exercise and good daily nutrition.
Is ADHD a mental illness or coping mechanism? ›Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children. Symptoms of ADHD include inattention (not being able to keep focus), hyperactivity (excess movement that is not fitting to the setting) and impulsivity (hasty acts that occur in the moment without thought).
What age does ADHD start? ›ADHD symptoms start before age 12, and in some children, they're noticeable as early as 3 years of age. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe, and they may continue into adulthood. ADHD occurs more often in males than in females, and behaviors can be different in boys and girls.
How do they test for ADHD? ›There is no single test used to diagnose ADHD. Experts diagnose ADHD when symptoms impact a person's ability to function and they've shown some or all of the symptoms on a regular basis for more than 6 months and in more than one setting.
What is the most effective treatment for ADHD? ›Stimulants are the best-known and most widely used ADHD medications. Between 70-80% of children with ADHD have fewer ADHD symptoms when taking these fast-acting medications.
What does an ADHD test look like for adults? ›Most evaluations will include a patient interview, possible interviews with or questionnaires for friends or family members and a written assessment form, such as the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scale-IV or the Connors for adults.
Can someone tell if you have ADHD? ›The only way to know for sure is to see a doctor. That's because the disorder has a number of possible symptoms, and they can easily be confused with those of other conditions, like depression or anxiety.
What are ADHD students good at? ›Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder can make learning difficult, but it can also be very helpful in life. Many children with ADHD are inattentive, and unfocused, but they are also very creative, and capable of thinking outside-of-the-box which leads to ingenious ideas.
How do people with ADHD behave? ›Others with ADHD show mostly hyperactive-impulsive symptoms like fidgeting and talking a lot, finding it hard to sit still for long, interrupting others, or speaking at inappropriate times. Many people with ADHD have a combination of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
How do people with ADHD act normal? ›
- Get Organized. If you often spend your day trying to figure out where to start but wind up getting very little done by dinnertime, a new organizational approach might be in order. ...
- Follow a Routine. ...
- Make Big Tasks More Manageable. ...
- Minimize Distractions. ...
- Respect Your Limits.
Parental stress was positively correlated with children ADHD severity, conduct, and emotional problems and with mothers' perceptions of ADHD impact on marriage and social life, and negatively correlated with mothers' perceptions of social support. A similar pattern of correlations was observed for child ADHD severity.
What kind of personality disorder is ADHD? ›Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly conceptualized as a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by three clusters of symptoms – i.e., inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity –, starting before the age of twelve according to the DSM-51 At least 50% of the children with ADHD still meet ...
What causes ADHD in the brain? ›Brain function and structure
Other studies have suggested that people with ADHD may have an imbalance in the level of neurotransmitters in the brain, or that these chemicals may not work properly.
Inattentiveness and/or Hyperactivity across Various Settings – Another red flag is that children with ADHD can show the same traits across various settings. They do not “act out” in school simply because they do not like it.
When should you medicate for ADHD? ›“If there is functional impairment in two or more roles, then treatment with medication” is absolutely what is needed, Dr. Surman says. That means anyone who has some combination of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattentiveness would do well on some kind of prescription ADHD medication.
What age does ADHD peak? ›The symptoms may peak in severity when the child is seven to eight years of age, after which they often begin to decline. By the adolescent years, the hyperactive symptoms may be less noticeable, although ADHD can continue to be present.
How does a psychiatrist diagnose ADHD? ›A diagnosis of ADHD in an adult is usually made by a psychiatrist who is experienced in the field. Diagnosis might involve: tests of your thinking (psychological tests) a physical check-up that might involve testing your heart, blood tests or a brain scan (if needed)
Can you develop ADHD later in life? ›ADHD can occur in adulthood and may be a syndrome distinct from childhood-onset ADHD, according to a new study. ADHD can occur in adulthood and may be a syndrome distinct from childhood-onset ADHD, according to a new study.
What causes ADHD in adults? ›ADHD affects many adults, and its wide variety of frustrating symptoms can hinder everything from your relationships to your career. While scientists aren't sure exactly what causes ADHD, they think it's likely caused by a combination of genes, environment, and slight differences in how the brain is hardwired.
What is the drug of choice for ADHD? ›
Methylphenidate. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine for ADHD. It belongs to a group of medicines called stimulants, which work by increasing activity in the brain, particularly in areas that play a part in controlling attention and behaviour.
What can I take instead of ADHD medication? ›Alternative treatments for ADHD include elimination diets, omega-3 supplements, parent training, exercise, yoga, meditation, neurofeedback, and memory training.
What is the number one medicine for ADHD? ›ADHD specialists recommend methylphenidates as the first-choice medication for treating children and adolescents, and amphetamines as the first-choice medication for adults.
How do doctors diagnose ADHD in adults? ›These include a thorough diagnostic interview, information from independent sources such as the spouse or other family members, DSM-5 symptom checklists, standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD and other types of psychometric testing as deemed necessary by the clinician.
What is the most reliable ADHD test? ›1. Two commonly-used tools in the diagnosis of adult ADHD are the T.O.V.A and the ASRS-v1.
What is the best way to diagnose ADHD in adults? ›The most effective way to determine whether a person has ADHD is a well-conducted interview with the individual (and, if possible, with one or two people who know that person well) by a medical or mental health clinician who is familiar with ADHD and with the other medical or psychological disorders that produce ...
What are unusual symptoms of ADHD? ›Atypical Presentation of ADHD Symptoms:
Learning problems (trouble memorizing, forgets assignments, poor written expression, poor listening and reading comprehension, poor handwriting, impulsive learning style, etc.)
People with ADHD may have trouble completing thoughts when talking or finishing magazine articles and books. Failing to pay attention to details or constantly making careless mistakes. Often having trouble organizing tasks and activities. Often avoiding tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time.
What are examples of careless mistakes ADHD? ›For example, a person may fail to finish projects or may make careless mistakes related to schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace despite having understood instructions and shown a willingness to do the work.
What is ADHD biggest strength? ›...
The Good News
- Imagination and Creativity. ...
- Impulsivity and Spontaneity. ...
- Energy and Enthusiasm. ...
- Resilience and Perseverance. ...
- Hyperfocus.
Why is school so hard with ADHD? ›
School can present challenges for many children with ADHD. Because ADHD symptoms include difficulty with attention regulation, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can affect planning, organizing, and managing behavior, many children with ADHD struggle with change.
What are positives of ADHD? ›People living with ADHD may have a variety of skills and abilities beyond those of their neurotypical counterparts. These may include hyperfocus, resilience, creativity, conversational skills, spontaneity, and abundant energy.
How do you handle someone with ADHD? ›- Encourage professional help.
- Don't parent.
- Emphasize strengths.
- Be patient.
- Prioritize communication.
- Address specific problems.
- Listen to them.
- Let it go.
People who have ADHD frequently experience emotions so deeply that they become overwhelmed or “flooded.” They may feel joy, anger, pain, or confusion in a given situation—and the intensity may precede impulsive behaviors they regret later.
What do adults with ADHD struggle with? ›Adult ADHD symptoms include forgetfulness, procrastination, chronic restlessness, talking excessively and lack of following through on tasks.
How do people with ADHD communicate? ›Blurting out answers, interrupting, talking excessively and speaking too loudly all break common communication standards, for example. People with ADHD also often make tangential comments in conversation, or struggle to organize their thoughts on the fly.
What is it like living with ADHD? ›People with ADHD will have at least two or three of the following challenges: difficulty staying on task, paying attention, daydreaming or tuning out, organizational issues, and hyper-focus, which causes us to lose track of time. ADHD-ers are often highly sensitive and empathic.
What motivates a child with ADHD? ›They are motivated by seeing that they have completed something, which can be helpful for their sense of accomplishment. Children with ADHD need to be shown how to take a large task and break it down into smaller ones.
What is the root cause of ADHD in children? ›Causes of ADHD
Recent studies link genetic factors with ADHD. In addition to genetics, scientists are studying other possible causes and risk factors including: Brain injury. Exposure to environmental risks (e.g., lead) during pregnancy or at a young age.
The exposure to stressful life events, and—more specifically—Childhood Trauma, has been shown to predict ADHD onset as well as persistence of the disorder into adulthood (Biederman et al. 1995; Friedrichs et al.
What are ADHD mood swings like? ›
Symptoms of Mood Swings in ADHD
Switching from excited one moment to sad, angry, or anxious the next. Fluctuating between having trouble paying attention and hyperfocusing on an activity. Having bursts of energy and fatigue through the day. Feeling emotions intensely and having difficulty regulating them.
Can you have both ADHD and NPD? Yes. Research indicates that ADHD and NPD can co-occur and often do. Longitudinal research also indicates that childhood ADHD may increase the chance of someone developing a personality disorder, including NPD.
Is ADHD a mental or psychological disorder? ›Frequently Asked Questions. Is ADHD considered a mental illness or disorder? ADHD is considered a psychiatric disorder because its symptoms involve mental functioning and cause significant impairment.
Is ADHD a brain disability? ›ADHD is a brain disorder.
Scientists have shown that there are differences in the brains of children with ADHD and that some of these differences change as a child ages and matures.
ADHD brains have low levels of a neurotransmitter called norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is linked arm-in-arm with dopamine. Dopamine is the thing that helps control the brain's reward and pleasure center. The ADHD brain has impaired activity in four functional regions of the brain.
What are the best foods for ADHD kid? ›Foods rich in protein — lean beef, pork, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, soy, and low-fat dairy products — may have beneficial effects on ADHD symptoms. Protein-rich foods are used by the brain to make neurotransmitters — chemicals that help brain cells talk with each other.
What are 4 signs of attention deficit disorder? ›Often has trouble holding attention on tasks or play activities. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly. Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (e.g., loses focus, side-tracked). Often has trouble organizing tasks and activities.
What is ADD behavior? ›ADD is the term commonly used to describe symptoms of inattention, distractibility, and poor working memory. ADHD is the term used to describe additional symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. Both are included in the medical diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
What are the common characteristics of ADD? ›The three primary characteristics of ADD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The signs and symptoms of attention deficit disorder may vary. Most children show some of the characteristics below at one time or another, which can be age appropriate.
How do you discipline a child with ADHD? ›- Provide Positive Attention. ...
- Give Effective Instructions. ...
- Praise Your Child's Effort. ...
- Use Time-Out When Necessary. ...
- Ignore Mild Misbehaviors. ...
- Allow for Natural Consequences. ...
- Establish a Reward System.
Is attention-deficit disorder considered to be autism? ›
In short, the answer is “no”. While autism and ADHD are both neurological conditions, they're not the same thing. There are, however, many overlapping symptoms between ADHD and autism and it's not uncommon for people to have a dual diagnosis.
Does ADD make people angry? ›Irritability and ADHD appear to go hand in hand. In one recent study involving 696 children with ADHD, 91 percent had at least one symptom of irritability. In this study, researchers found that irritability was associated with both anxiety and depression symptoms.
Is ADD addictive? ›Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and addiction go together more than many people realize. In fact, ADD is just one of many mental illnesses that can lead to substance abuse and eventually addiction to those drugs or alcohol.
How do you act if you have ADD? ›Adults with ADHD may have trouble prioritizing, starting, and finishing tasks. They tend to be disorganized, restless, and easily distracted. Some people with ADHD have trouble concentrating while reading. The inability to stay focused and follow through on tasks can derail careers, ambitions, and relationships.
What is the personality of person with ADD? ›Distractibility, Hyperactivity, and Impulsivity
People with ADHD have a hard time staying in the moment, predicting the outcomes of their current actions, and learning from past experiences. Their impulsive behavior often makes them risk without thinking. Their hyperactive minds keep switching from one task to another.
ADHD tends to run in families and, in most cases, it's thought the genes you inherit from your parents are a significant factor in developing the condition. Research shows that parents and siblings of someone with ADHD are more likely to have ADHD themselves.
Are people born with ADD? ›So, are you born with ADHD? Yes, the disorder tends to run in families – but you may not display the symptoms throughout your whole life. Being born with ADHD is known to have its limiting factors, but with support in managing your symptoms, you can expect to see great improvements.