ADHD

Millions of people within America live with consistent difficulty when it comes to paying attention or hyperactivity. As one can imagine, these experiences can bring intense guilt and shame for the person experiencing them. It is not that these individuals want to cause frustration to other people around them. They simply cannot control their brain in the same way others can. 

These children, teenagers and adults struggle with a condition most commonly recognized as ADHD, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Sometimes these individuals struggle with details, have a short attention span, or seem unable to finish tasks. Maybe they fidget often or have a hard time obeying the rules. Although the symptoms can interrupt daily life, managing well with symptoms of ADHD is absolutely possible! 

The DSM-5 characterizes ADHD as a persistent pattern of inattention or hyperactivity in a person's life, to the point where it affects their functioning and/or development. Most often, these symptoms are evident within a child by the time they reach their 12th birthday. However, it can be diagnosed at any age. The symptoms must cause difficulty functioning within at least two areas of their life, such as school, work, social settings and/or home. It must be noted that individuals with ADHD usually have a few detailed tasks that can captivate their attention, especially if they are particularly interested in them! Some can build legos for hours while other can build video games from scratch. All in all, they can clearly possess laser focus attention skills. However, those skills do not translate into other areas of their lives. 

Before going further, it is important to first understand what is developmentally appropriate at each age level. If you are unsure what is developmentally appropriate, ask a trusted doctor or your child’s teacher for their opinion on this subject.

There are currently three different types of ADHD. The first subcategory of ADHD is the Inattentive Type. Despite its prevalence, this type is often overlooked. Children and adults with Inattentive Type make careless mistakes on school work or at work. They might have trouble maintaining attention when involved in developmentally appropriate tasks or activities. They may get sidetracked on instructions and become easily distracted. All in all, they have trouble keeping their focus and concentration steady. 

Another type of ADHD is the Hyperactivity and Impulsivity Type. This type is characterized by excessive physical activity and making quick decisions to act on desires without rationally thinking them through. Often, people with the Hyperactivity and Impulsivity Type fidget or squirm in their seat. They can talk excessively and feel the need to be “on the go” physically. Individuals with this type of ADHD are often the most misunderstood. They can be judged quickly for interrupting others and being loud during various activities. 

The Combined Type is the final type of ADHD. Simply speaking, individuals with Combined type experience symptoms form both the Inattentive Type and the Hyperactivity and Impulsivity Type of ADHD. The majority of children with ADHD fit within this category. Furthermore, it is one of the most widely researched topics within childhood mental health. 

If you or your child have been experiencing some of these symptoms for more than six months, it may be time to ask a professional about ADHD. Both medication and therapy have proven consistently helpful to people with ADHD. If you are interested in learning more about ADHD for you or a loved one, schedule time with one of our counselors at Arcadian today.

If you or someone you know is diagnosed with ADHD, pass along this helpful blog (Untapped Brilliance) by ADHD Coach, Jacqueline Sinfield. She focuses on small things one can do to daily manage their ADHD: https://untappedbrilliance.com/blog/