Understanding Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Imagine sitting in class or reading a book, and you start to doze off—your mind wanders. Suddenly, you realize, “What was I just focusing on?” and you snap back to attention. Now, imagine that feeling happening all the time, but you can never fully regain your focus. This is a glimpse into life with ADHD.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is often misunderstood as simply being distracted or overly energetic, but it’s actually much more intricate. ADHD is a complex, brain-based condition that affects how a person thinks, concentrates, and manages emotions and impulses. People with ADHD may face challenges like forgetfulness, trouble completing tasks, and difficulty maintaining focus. However, despite the obstacles, ADHD also brings many unique strengths—like bursts of creativity, high energy, and an intense ability to focus on something they’re truly passionate about, often to the point of complete immersion.
ADHD Explained
ADHD is not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis; it’s different for everyone. While some may struggle with impulse control and constant restlessness, others might find it hard to stay organized or even keep their minds from drifting off. However, despite the differences in how ADHD shows up in each person, there are some key characteristics that tie the diagnosis together.
ADHD is usually categorized into two main types: the inattentive type and the hyperactive-impulsive type, based on the main symptoms a person experiences.
People with the inattentive type struggle with tasks that need a lot of attention or focus.
They might avoid tasks that require concentration or make careless mistakes because they don’t pay attention to small details. Forgetting things, like school assignments or personal items, is common. They might get distracted easily, whether it’s from something happening around them or from their own thoughts. Staying organized can be tough, so their books, toys, or project materials may be messy and disorganized. Even when they start something, they might get sidetracked and not finish it. They can appear daydreamy or like they’re not paying attention, even when someone’s talking directly to them.
Those with the hyperactive-impulsive type of ADHD have trouble staying still and often feel like they have endless energy. They might fidget with their hands or feet, especially when they’re supposed to be sitting still, like during meals or homework. It is hard for them to stay seated when they should, like in class or at the dinner table. They might also have trouble playing quietly or waiting for their turn. Interrupting others is common, whether it’s jumping into a conversation or grabbing something from someone without asking. They can seem like they’re always moving—jumping, running, or climbing around, even when it’s not the time to be active.
Both types of ADHD make everyday tasks like schoolwork, following rules, and staying focused more difficult, but each person experiences ADHD in their own unique way.
Given the variety of ADHD types and causes, many symptoms often go unnoticed—especially in children, specifically girls, and women. It is a challenging diagnosis to make in childhood because symptoms can overlap with typical childhood behavior. It is not uncommon for children to be energetic, distractable, and unfocused. These are age-appropriate behaviors, and children go through different stages of development at different rates. The diagnosis of ADHD should be considered when these behaviors persist longer than is developmentally appropriate and are observed in many different settings,
In addition to the challenges of diagnosing ADHD in childhood, it's important to note that there are also sex differences. Research has shown that ADHD presents differently in boys and girls, which can further complicate the diagnosis. Boys are more likely to exhibit hyperactive-impulsive symptoms that are more easily identified and recognized as problematic. As a result, boys with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age. In contrast, girls tend to display more inattentive symptoms, such as daydreaming, trouble staying focused, or becoming easily distracted. These symptoms are often less disruptive and can be overlooked, especially since girls are more likely to hide their struggles. This typically leads to a delay in diagnosis, sometimes into adolescence or even adulthood.
The Science behind ADHD
Now that we’ve covered the symptoms, let’s take a closer look at what’s happening in the brain. In individuals with ADHD, the brain operates differently both structurally and chemically. The frontal lobe, which is responsible for functions like planning, focusing, impulse control, memory, and emotional regulation, is often smaller and functions more slowly. Chemically, there are lower levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters essential for motivation, self-control, and focus. When dopamine levels are reduced, it becomes more difficult for individuals to stay motivated, particularly if there’s no immediate reward or outcome. Additionally, the neural networks in the brain—groups of connected brain regions—don’t communicate as effectively, leading to symptoms like distractibility and difficulty completing tasks.
As for whether ADHD is genetic, while there’s no single gene that causes the condition, it does tend to run in families. Studies have found that individuals with a first-degree relative (like a parent or sibling) who has ADHD are more likely to develop the condition themselves.
Diagnosis and Treatment
There is no single test to diagnose ADHD, but the first step is usually to talk to a doctor or mental health professional, like a psychologist or psychiatrist, to see if your symptoms match ADHD.
For kids, doctors often ask parents, teachers, and other adults about the child's behavior in different settings, such as at home, at school, and with friends. To be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must show up before the age of 12.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults can be harder because the symptoms might look different as people get older. For example, hyperactivity in adults might look like being very agitated or anxious instead of acting out. Doctors follow certain guidelines in the DSM-5 (a book that helps diagnose mental health conditions). For kids under 16, six or more symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity are needed, while for older teens and adults, five or more symptoms are needed. The symptoms must happen in different places, like home, school, or work, and affect everyday life. It’s also important that the symptoms are not caused by another mental health problem, such as depression.
Once ADHD is diagnosed, treatment usually includes medication, learning new skills, and therapy. There’s no cure for ADHD, but these treatments help people manage their symptoms. Finding the right treatment can take time.
Medications are usually prescribed first. Stimulants, like methylphenidate or amphetamines, are the most common medications. They help the brain work better by improving focus and controlling impulses. If stimulants don’t work well, other medications like atomoxetine or some antidepressants can be tried, but they tend to work more slowly.
Therapy also plays a big part in treating ADHD. It can help people get better at managing their time, organizing, solving problems, and controlling impulsive behavior. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one type of therapy that helps change negative thoughts and behaviors. Family therapy or counseling for relationships can help everyone involved learn how to communicate better and deal with the challenges of living with ADHD.
The best treatment for ADHD is different for everyone. Usually, a multidisciplinary approach is used to best manage the various symptoms of ADHD. A mix of medication, therapy, and learning new skills usually works best. The goal is to help people with ADHD manage their symptoms and improve their daily life.
As you can see, ADHD is far more than just a childhood phase; it is a lifelong condition with a range of often overwhelming symptoms. With proper diagnosis, treatments such as medication and therapy can help manage these challenges. The first step in supporting those with ADHD is simply validating their experiences and truly listening to their struggles.
We are fortunate to have made so much progress in understanding ADHD. Thanks to advances in research, we now know more about how the brain works in people with ADHD, and we have better treatments available. There are also many support groups that help people with ADHD, along with their families, learn how to cope and succeed. All of these developments make it easier for people with ADHD to get the support they need and live their best lives.
There are numerous national organizations that offer education and a range of support groups. These organizations are also excellent places to contribute donations to further support research, advocacy, and resources for ADHD. For more information and a list of national support groups, please visit the following links.
