Developmental Disorder Caused by Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can be diagnosed in childhood but may also go undetected until adulthood. For a diagnosis in teenagers or adults, symptoms must have been present before the age of 12.
This disorder can significantly impact various aspects of a person's life, particularly in the areas of learning, communication, physical activities, and social behaviour.
Common Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD symptoms span across learning, language, physical, and behavioural areas.
Learning and Cognitive Symptoms
Children and adults with ADHD may experience a short attention span, difficulty sustaining focus, and poor organizational skills. They might forget items frequently, struggle to complete tasks on time, and have trouble multitasking. These impairments can negatively affect academic performance and task completion.
Language and Communication Symptoms
Individuals with ADHD might exhibit excessive talking, interrupt others, or intrude on conversations. They may find it challenging to follow instructions or conversations due to inattention. In some cases, they might seem to zone out or daydream during communication.
Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms of ADHD include restlessness, inability to stay seated, and constant fidgeting or squirming. Impulsive physical behaviours, such as running inappropriately, and tics or impulsive motor behaviours, especially in hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD, are also common.
Behavioural Symptoms
Behavioural symptoms of ADHD include impulsivity, carelessness, impatience, and interrupting others. Difficulties in managing emotions, such as overthinking or catastrophizing in adults, are also associated with ADHD. Individuals with ADHD might experience social challenges, including being bullied or rejected due to misreading social cues.
Effects on Daily Life Across Different Age Groups
Children
In children, learning difficulties affect school performance due to inattention and disorganization. They are more prone to accidental injuries from impulsivity or hyperactivity. Social challenges, like bullying or peer rejection, are also common. Issues in following classroom rules or directions impact behaviour and academic success.
Adolescents
In adolescents, symptoms of ADHD may persist, possibly complicated by emotional difficulties such as mood disorders or anxiety. The risk of substance abuse and risk-taking behaviours increases. Struggles with executive functions impact planning for the future and managing responsibilities.
Adults
In adults, executive function impairments manifest as disorganization, chronic lateness, and trouble completing tasks. Difficulties with multitasking and emotional regulation affect work and personal relationships. Symptoms may include “hyperfocus” on some tasks but an inability to shift attention as needed. ADHD increases the risk for comorbid conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
ADHD is a lifelong disorder; while symptoms often start in childhood, they can persist and cause impairments across many aspects of life if untreated. Early diagnosis and a biopsychosocial treatment approach involving biological, psychological, and social interventions are key to improving outcomes.
It is essential to note that while ADHD can affect a person's development by reducing their health and well-being, not everyone with ADHD will find it impairs their daily life. To receive state or federal benefits for ADHD, a person must have a diagnosis from childhood, symptoms that interfere with daily life, symptoms that make it impossible to work, measurable functional impairments in childhood, medical documentation of traits such as hyperactivity and impulsiveness, and documentation of marked impairment in age-appropriate cognitive, physical, and social function that stem from ADHD.
The Social Security Administration also recognizes ADHD as a disability. Psychotherapy can help with negative emotions linked to ADHD and educate parents about a diagnosis, as well as help develop new ways of supporting and relating to each other. Conduct issues, such as fighting with others or experimenting with substances like alcohol or tobacco, are more likely in individuals with ADHD.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a 1990 law that protects the rights of people with disabilities, including those with ADHD. Under the ADA, ADHD is considered a developmental disability, but its classification depends on its severity and impact on a person's ability to work or participate in daily life. It is important to inform employers about an ADHD diagnosis to ensure the right help and support throughout work.
The National Resource Center on ADHD is a program that helps children and adults with ADHD, and it is funded by the government. Lifestyle strategies, such as maintaining routine and schedule, keeping routines visual, and practicing consistency, can help support individuals with ADHD.
Medications can help manage symptoms such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, difficulty focusing on work, and difficulty learning. Emotional well-being issues, including anxiety, low self-esteem, lower psychosocial health, and overall lower quality of life, are associated with ADHD.
ADHD can disrupt the lives of others, particularly siblings. It can lead to a higher risk of being expelled from school, limiting education opportunities. However, with understanding, support, and the right interventions, individuals with ADHD can lead fulfilling and successful lives.
- Pfizer's research in the field of science and health-and-wellness has led to the development of medications that help manage symptoms such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty focusing in individuals with ADHD.
- In the realm of education-and-self-development, understanding and awareness about ADHD can be crucial for personal growth and career development, particularly for teachers, mental health professionals, and employers.
- To ensure a balanced fitness-and-exercise routine for individuals with ADHD, physical activities can be combined with visual routines, scheduled breaks, and consistent reminders to maintain focus and manage impulsivity.
- For individuals with ADHD, mental-health support might include psychotherapy that targets negative emotions and helps develop coping strategies, while also educating parents and caregivers about the condition.
- The Social Security Administration recognizes ADHD as a disability, offering benefits to those with a childhood diagnosis, symptoms that interfere with daily life, and measurable functional impairments in cognitive, physical, and social function.
