What is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects millions of people worldwide, impacting their daily lives in significant ways. This neurodevelopmental condition, characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, can influence everything from academic and professional performance to personal relationships and self-esteem.

Despite its prevalence, ADHD remains widely misunderstood. Many people struggle with its symptoms without realizing they have the condition, while others face stigma and misconceptions about what ADHD means. The good news is that, if you have ADHD, with proper diagnosis and treatment, you can effectively manage your symptoms and lead a fulfilling life.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects both children and adults.[1] It impacts the brain’s executive functions, which control attention, impulse control, and self-regulation. With ADHD, you may often struggle to focus on tasks, manage time effectively, and control your impulses.

ADHD manifests differently in each person, but it generally involves persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning and development.[2] These challenges can affect various aspects of life, including academic performance, work productivity, and social relationships.

ADHD is not a result of laziness, lack of intelligence, or poor parenting, but a recognized medical condition that requires proper diagnosis and treatment. When you have ADHD, with appropriate support and management strategies, you can lead a successful and fulfilling life, often harnessing your unique strengths and creative thinking abilities.

What are the Primary Symptoms of ADHD?

ADHD symptoms typically fall into three main categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms often manifest differently depending on your age and specific subtype of ADHD:[3]

• Inattention involves difficulty focusing on tasks, following instructions, and organizing activities. With this symptom, you may appear forgetful, easily distracted, or seem not to listen when spoken to directly.
• Hyperactivity presents as excessive physical movement and restlessness. You might fidget constantly, talk excessively, or struggle to sit still for extended periods.
• Impulsivity refers to hasty actions taken without forethought. This can lead to interrupting others, making rash decisions, or engaging in risky behaviors without considering the consequences.

The presentation of symptoms can vary widely among individuals and may change over time. You may primarily struggle with inattention, while others struggle with hyperactivity and impulsivity, or experience a combination of these symptoms.

Does ADHD Affect Adults?

ADHD isn’t just a childhood disorder – it frequently persists into adolescence and adulthood as well.[4] Many adults and teenagers continue to experience significant ADHD symptoms, though these may manifest differently than in children.

In teenagers, ADHD often presents as difficulty with time management, organization, and long-term planning. This can lead to academic struggles, parental conflicts, and risky behaviors. Teens with ADHD may also grapple with low self-esteem and social challenges.

Adults with ADHD frequently struggle with career performance, relationship issues, and daily life management. You may have trouble meeting deadlines, maintaining focus during meetings, or keeping your home organized. Impulsivity in adults can lead to financial problems, risky driving, or unstable relationships.

Left untreated, ADHD can have serious consequences such as:[5]

• Underachievement in school or work
• Increased risk of substance abuse
• Higher rates of anxiety and depression
• Greater likelihood of legal troubles
• Difficulties maintaining stable relationships
• Financial problems due to impulsive spending or job instability
• Increased risk of accidents due to inattention

However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, adults and teenagers with ADHD can effectively manage their symptoms and lead successful, fulfilling lives.

How Common is ADHD?

ADHD affects a significant portion of the population, with prevalence rates varying across different age groups:[6]

• Among teenagers aged 13-17, the lifetime prevalence of ADHD is 8.7%. This means nearly one in ten adolescents will meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD during their teenage years. Importantly, almost half of these cases involve serious impairment, highlighting the potential severity of ADHD in this age group.
• In adults aged 18-44, the overall prevalence of current ADHD is 4.4%, which demonstrates that ADHD can continue to affect you well into adulthood.

Are There Different Kinds of ADHD?

ADHD is not a one-size-fits-all mental health disorder. The medical community recognizes three distinct presentations or subtypes of ADHD, each characterized by different combinations of symptoms:[7]

• The predominantly inattentive presentation primarily features symptoms of inattention. With this type, you often struggle with focusing, organizing, and completing tasks, but don’t exhibit significant hyperactivity or impulsivity.
• The predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation involves mainly symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. When you have this type, you may be constantly in motion, interrupt others frequently, and act without thinking, but don’t show major signs of inattention.
• The combined presentation includes symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. This is the most common type of ADHD diagnosed in children and adolescents.

It’s important to understand that your ADHD presentation can change over time. For example, a child initially diagnosed with the hyperactive-impulsive type might later show more inattentive symptoms as they grow older.

What Causes ADHD?

The exact causes of ADHD remain unclear, but researchers believe it results from a complex interplay of factors. Studies show that the disorder often runs in families, with children of parents who have ADHD at higher risk of developing the condition.[8] Scientists have identified several genes that may contribute to ADHD susceptibility.

Brain structure and function also factor into ADHD development.[9] Neuroimaging studies reveal differences in brain areas responsible for attention, impulse control, and executive function in individuals with ADHD. Additionally, imbalances in neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine may contribute to ADHD symptoms.

Environmental factors can influence ADHD risk as well. Exposure to toxins like lead during pregnancy or early childhood, premature birth, low birth weight, and maternal substance use during pregnancy have been linked to increased ADHD risk.[10]

Some research suggests that certain lifestyle factors, such as excessive screen time, lack of physical activity, or poor diet, may worsen ADHD symptoms. However, they likely don’t cause the disorder on their own.[11]

Common myths about ADHD causes, such as poor parenting or excessive sugar consumption, have been debunked by scientific research. ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with multiple contributing factors.

How is ADHD Diagnosed?

ADHD diagnosis involves a comprehensive evaluation process, as no single test can definitively identify the disorder. Mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, or specialized physicians, typically conduct the assessment.

Clinical Review

The diagnostic process begins with a thorough clinical interview. The mental health professional gathers information about your symptoms, medical history, and daily functioning. They often use standardized rating scales and questionnaires to assess symptom severity and impact.

Diagnosing Children

For children, input from parents and teachers is beneficial to reach a diagnosis. To accurately diagnose ADHD, professionals may request school reports and conduct classroom observations to understand the child’s behavior and how symptoms manifest in different settings.

Medical Examinations

Medical examinations may be performed to rule out other conditions that could mimic ADHD symptoms such as a mood disorder, learning disabilities, anxiety disorders, or other mental disorders. These might include vision and hearing tests, or in some cases, neurological exams.

ADHD symptoms must be persistent, present in multiple settings, and significantly interfere with social, academic, or occupational functioning to warrant a diagnosis.[12] The diagnostic process aims to be thorough and accurate, ensuring that individuals can receive appropriate treatment and support.

How Can I Get Help for ADHD?

Getting help for ADHD starts with seeking a professional evaluation. Contact your primary care physician for a referral to a mental health specialist or ADHD expert. Many psychological clinics, community health centers, and university hospitals offer ADHD assessments and treatment services.

How is ADHD Treated?

Once diagnosed, ADHD treatment typically involves a multimodal approach, combining several strategies to manage symptoms effectively.

ADHD Medications

Medication often plays a central role in ADHD treatment. Stimulant medications are commonly prescribed to help improve focus and reduce hyperactivity by affecting brain chemicals. Non-stimulant medications are also available for those who don’t respond well to stimulants or have sensitivities.

Psychotherapy

Behavioral therapy for ADHD helps individuals develop coping strategies and improve organizational skills. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be particularly effective in managing ADHD symptoms and associated challenges.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes can significantly impact ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and mindfulness practices often complement other treatments. These changes require sustained mental effort and can help you start to overcome the negative effects of ADHD over time.

Outpatient Mental Health Programs

Outpatient programs that treat ADHD offer valuable resources and support that can be difficult to receive on your own.

At Clear Behavioral Health, our partial hospitalization program (PHP) and intensive outpatient program (IOP) provide access to mental health professionals including psychiatrists for medication to manage ADHD symptoms, licensed therapists for one-on-one sessions and group therapy, as well as case managers that will help you make necessary lifestyle changes.

The Dangers of Stimulant Abuse

While stimulant medications are effective for many with ADHD, they also carry a risk of abuse. These drugs can produce euphoria when taken in high doses or by individuals without ADHD. Stimulant abuse can lead to addiction, cardiovascular problems, mental health issues, and cognitive impairments.

Take these medications only as prescribed and under medical supervision. Never share ADHD medications with others, as this is illegal and potentially dangerous.

Related: Is There a Link Between ADHD and Addiction?

Find the Support You Need at Clear

Living with ADHD and other mental health conditions doesn’t mean you have to face the challenges alone. At Clear Behavioral Health, we specialize in comprehensive ADHD treatment and support for teenagers and adults. Our team of experienced professionals understands the unique struggles that come with ADHD and is dedicated to helping you manage your symptoms effectively.

Don’t let ADHD hold you back from reaching your full potential. Contact Clear Behavioral Health today to learn more about our ADHD treatment programs including outpatient mental health treatment, teen programs, and our virtual IOP serving all of California. Take the first step towards a more focused, organized, and fulfilling life.

References:

1. National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Www.nimh.nih.gov; National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd on August 5, 2024
2. Parekh, R. (2022, June). What is ADHD? American Psychiatric Association. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/adhd/what-is-adhd on August 5, 2024
3. CDC. (2024, May 15). Symptoms of ADHD. Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/signs-symptoms/index.html on August 5, 2024
4. Mayo Clinic. (2023, January 25). Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adult-adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350878 on August 5, 2024
5. Team, A. E. (2023, March 15). Untreated Adult ADHD: Why a Diagnosis Is Life-Changing – ADDA. ADDA – Attention Deficit Disorder Association. https://add.org/untreated-adhd-in-adults/ on August 5, 2024
6. National Institute of Mental Health. (2014). Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Www.nimh.nih.gov; National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd on August 5, 2024
7. John Hopkins Medicine. (2023). Attention-Deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. John Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/adhdadd on August 5, 2024
8. National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults: What you need to know. Www.nimh.nih.gov. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/adhd-what-you-need-to-know on August 5, 2024
9. Gehricke, Jean-G., Kruggel, F., Thampipop, T., Alejo, S. D., Tatos, E., Fallon, J., & Muftuler, L. T. (2017). The Brain Anatomy of attention-deficit/hyperactivity Disorder in Young Adults – a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study. PLOS ONE, 12(4). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0175433 on August 5, 2024
10. Donzelli, G., Carducci, A., Llopis-Gonzalez, A., Verani, M., Llopis-Morales, A., Cioni, L., & Morales-Suárez-Varela, M. (2019). The Association between Lead and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(3), 382. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16030382 on August 5, 2024
11. Holton, K. F., & Nigg, J. T. (2016). The Association of Lifestyle Factors and ADHD in Children. Journal of Attention Disorders, 24(11), 108705471664645. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054716646452 on August 5, 2024
12. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2018, June). Table 7, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Comparison. Nih.gov; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519712/table/ch3.t3/ on August 5, 2024