ADHD is the short form of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It is prevalent in children and adults likewise. The major symptoms shown are hyperactive behaviour and inattention.
It is not easy to handle children with ADHD, but there are certain directives that make it easier to deal with and raise children with ADHD. Adults having ADHD also find it hard to cope with changing energy levels and sometimes can not focus their attention on one thing. It becomes frustrating to not be able to finish a certain task due to losing attention or interest or being impulsive to a great extent. This behaviour can affect official work, relationships, routine activities , and studies.
ADHD Symptoms
There are a series of symptoms that are typical to this condition. You can easily identify the symptoms because they occur in a pattern:
- Difficulty in concentrating on one task.
- Initialising a task and not being able to complete it on time because of a lack of focus.
- Getting distracted from the task at hand
- Finding it difficult to sit still
- Interrupting an ongoing conversation.
There are instances where you can experience symptoms according to the trait being shown like impulsive behaviour.
- People might not be able to sit or stand still
- Getting troubled with inattention.
- Talking excessively.
People having difficulty in focusing might have
- Problems in giving attention to detail or finding it difficult to work or may miss certain details.
- Easily get distracted from the task they are performing and regret later.
Types Of ADHD
Although the disorder has the common feature of hyperactive behaviour and lack of attention common among each type, there is a certain disposition of behaviour towards hyperactivity or a lack of focus.
- Disposition towards inattention
As the name suggests if you have this type of ADHD, then you have extreme difficulty concentrating on one thing. Your mind wanders from one thing to another quickly. Finishing homework or tasks is very difficult for children with this type. Research suggests that it is more common in girls.
- Hyperactive-Impulsive type
In this type of situation, people coupled with hyperactive behaviour are also impulsive. They keep fidgeting, can’t talk on one topic and tend to interrupt people while in a conversation. Inattention is not common in this type, but people do have problems focusing on a certain thing.
- Hyperactivity, Impulsive behaviour and Inattention combined
This type is mostly present in people with ADHD. In this type the child or adult experiences the symptoms of hyperactive and impulsive behaviour as well is not able to pay attention to simple tasks. The brain lacks concentration coupled with an inability to complete one task before moving onto another.
Causes of ADHD
Although ADHD is becoming more and more common, the diagnosis is still not known. The scientists believe that it has a neurological origin. Genetics also have a role to play in causing ADHD.
Vast research has been carried out to know the causes of ADHD and it has been revealed that Dopamine has a role to play in the mood swings of people with ADHD. Dopamine is a chemical released by the brain that triggers emotions and changes in mood.
Other research suggests that people with ADHD have structural differences in their brain. They have a low volume of gray matter in their brain which causes ADHD. Gray matter helps in self-control, speech, control of muscles, and most of all decision-making. Research is underway to uncover the potential causes of ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD
The diagnosis of ADHD is not an easy task and takes a lot of symptoms to be combined to be able to diagnose ADHD. Doctors and clinicians suggest that the symptoms should occur over six months to be diagnosed as ADHD. The symptoms of hyperactive and impulsive behaviour as well as a lack of attention disrupt the activities of life.
To assess children the help of school counsellors and teachers can be taken to provide an overview of their behaviour. Certain checklists and rating scales can be administered to confirm the diagnosis.
If ADHD is suspected in children or adults the help of doctors can be taken to perform a routine exam and if ADHD is suspected, you can consult a psychiatrist or a neurologist. They can better assess the symptoms and make a proper diagnosis.
Treatment of ADHD
The treatment includes therapy or medication and sometimes both.
Behaviour therapy is known to have positive results in treating ADHD. It concentrates on improving impulsive thoughts and managing your hyperactivity by focusing on tasks at hand.
Another way to improve ADHD is by talk therapy that helps to discuss the problems being faced because of a lack of attention and an inability to concentrate or finish tasks. Talking helps to create solutions to manage impulsive behaviour and ways in which attention can be improved for a longer period.
Medication is also helpful in managing symptoms of impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. Medicines are designed in a way to help release chemicals in the brain that manage actions and impulses.
Adhd Coaching You can also opt for an adhd coach to help you overcome your issues and live a more fulfilling life. There are a number of adhd coaches in Perth and support groups that you can get in touch with to help yourself.
Living with ADHD
It is not easy to live with ADHD, the one thing that you need to do is to get diagnosed and enrol in psychotherapy. Therapy helps to come with the hyperactive behaviour and channels your energy towards the important tasks of daily routine. It helps to make you understand how to get organised and live a successful life.
The major strategies that you should entrust in your routine are:
- Getting Organized
Most of the time people with ADHD have difficulty managing the daily activities of the day. In order to avoid frustration in the form of getting less done during the day, it is advised to have an organised list of duties or activities to carry out each day in order to avoid frustration and attain a sense of accomplishment.
- Create a Routine and Follow
After organising your chores to perform on a regular basis. Create a routine of activities that you need to carry out each day, this will help in finishing off the important tasks at hand and you will feel more comfortable and relaxed. Follow the routine in a way that is easier to manage for you and take time to relax, in this way you will achieve a sense of positivity.
- Respect Your Abilities and Limit Activities
Once you have started following a set routine that you are comfortable with you need to respect your abilities and not overload yourself by setting up more activities. Go easy on yourself and give time to yourself in order to move on with the pace of life. Limit unnecessary chores or activities and follow the pattern to keep up with your friends and family in a way manageable for you.
Conclusion
In the end, it can be concluded that ADHD is a neurological condition that can not be overlooked once diagnosed. So, in order to cope with the condition professional help should be taken to manage and deal with the condition effectively. A few changes can be made that are comfortable and easy to carry out on an everyday basis and that is how ADHD can be managed in children as well as adults.
However, you can also opt for an adhd coach australia alongside all these therapies and it will help you turn your weaknesses into strengths and turn your everyday struggles into a triumph.
