What is ADHD/ADD?
What is ADHD/ADD?
ADHD/ADD stand for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or Attention Deficit Disorder. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can be found in both children and adults. Some are able to be diagnosed at an early age. However, others only get diagnosed as adults. No matter the diagnosis is done, it can be a struggle for all.
What are the types of ADHD/ADD?
There are three types of ADHD/ADD. The first is primarily inattentive, the second being hyperactive and impulsive, and the third is a combination of the two.
Although there are sub-types of ADHD/ADD, the symptoms may vary from person to person. There may be some similarities, but each may experience them differently as well.
Although it may differ from person to person, there are still set symptoms and the person has to identify with a certain number of the symptoms to be identified as having ADHD/ADD.
Symptoms
There are a number of symptoms that ADHDers/ADDers have. Not all have the exact same symptoms, but they will have a good number of them.
Here are some the symptoms that you may notice in each of the subcategories.
In order to be inattentive, some of the symptoms:
- Is easily distracted;
- Has a difficult time focusing on tasks;
- Has a difficult time organizing things both at home and at work.
When it comes to the hyperactive category, some of the symptoms are:
- Will fidget a lot;
- Has a difficult time sitting for a long period of time;
- May speak at inappropriate times;
- Will have a difficult time sitting still during quiet activities.
Finally, there's the impulsive aspect. Some symptoms may include:
- Interrupt people who are working, playing, or doing other things;
- Make impulsive decisions.
These are just some examples of some the symptoms. This isn't a full list of the ADHD symptoms.
Several of these symptoms must be present for more than six months.
A diagnosis and treatment
The best way to get a diagnosis is to go talk to your doctor. If you suspect you or someone close to you may have ADHD, this is the best place to start. Your doctor will be able to help you get a diagnosis, or can recommend someone who can help with a diagnosis.
Once you have a diagnosis, there are different types of treatments available. There is always medication, for those who chose to use them. There are different stimulants and non-stimulants that the person with ADHD can try. Sometimes it takes time to find the right medication and dosage, but there are options. Your doctor can make some suggestions best for you.
There is also behavioral therapy, which can also help the person manage their symptoms. This can definitely be beneficial.
No matter treatment the person uses, it has to work for the person. Every one is different and not everyone will respond the same way to the same type of treatment. It could time to figure out what works best.
4 things to keep in mind about ADHD.
There are a few things that people should keep in mind when it comes to ADHD. Things that ADHDers would like other to know.
- No, we are not all a little ADHD sometimes. For those who do have ADHD, it is something that affects them every day, all day, most, if not all, of their lives.
- Girls and women are just as likely to have ADHD as boys and men are.
- Sometimes, people are diagnosed with anxiety or depression or something else, when in fact it is ADHD.
- We are not lazy, or stupid. It may not show, but we are trying very hard to focus and get things done.
So, next time you think about this subject, just keep these things in mind before jumping to conclusions. There are a lot of articles online that you can read as well.
© 2019 Dominique Cantin-Meaney