Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a fairly common health problem. About 11% (or 6.4 million) of US school-age children were diagnosed in 2011, of which about two-thirds were male. Numerous historical figures have suffered from this disorder, including Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Walt Disney, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Benjamin Franklin. It is possible to identify this problem by observing the symptoms, knowing the types into which ADHD is divided and inquiring about the causes that trigger this disorder.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Learning the Basics
Step 1. Look for possible ADHD-induced behaviors
Generally children are hyperactive and unpredictable, so it is not easy to tell if they suffer from this disorder. Adults can also be affected and experience the same symptoms. If you feel that your child or a loved one is behaving differently or having less control than usual, they may be suffering from ADHD. However, there are some symptoms to look for if you are very suspicious.
- Notice if he often daydreams, loses things, forgets things, can't stay still, is too talkative, takes unnecessary risks, makes rash decisions and makes mistakes, fails or has difficulty resisting various temptations, struggles to wait their turn while playing or have trouble getting along with other people.
- If the person is experiencing any of these problems, it may be worth taking him for a check-up to rule out that it is ADHD.
Step 2. Get an ADHD Diagnosis
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (also known as DSM), currently in its fifth edition, is used by physicians, psychiatrists and psychologists to diagnose mental disorders such as ADHD. Inside it is explained that there are 3 forms of ADHD and that, in order to establish a diagnosis, it is necessary to detect different symptoms from the age of 12 and in more than one context, for at least 6 months. In any case, the diagnosis is made by a mental health professional.
- A symptom, to be such, must manifest phenomena that do not correspond to regular mental development and prevent the subject from having a normal life at work, at school or in various social contexts. Regarding the form of ADHD that triggers hyperactive and impulsive behaviors, some symptoms must be alarming and not explainable or attributable to other mental or psychotic disorders.
- The diagnostic criteria reported in the fifth edition of the aforementioned manual indicate that children up to the age of 16 must show at least 6 symptoms belonging to a category, while those aged 17 and over must have 5.
Step 3. Recognize the symptoms of inattention in people with ADHD
There are 3 forms of this disorder. One is characterized by lack of attention and has a number of particular symptoms. To fall into this category, subjects must show at least 5-6, including:
- Making careless mistakes and not paying attention to details at work, school, or other activities.
- Having difficulty concentrating while carrying out a task or game.
- Show little interest in your interlocutor.
- Don't finish your homework, housework, or your job and easily lose focus.
- Having difficulty organizing.
- Avoiding tasks that require constant attention, such as school.
- Often failing to find or lose keys, glasses, documents, tools, and other items.
- Easily distracted.
- Forget about various things.
Step 4. Recognize the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity in people with ADHD
The severity of the symptoms determines whether the symptoms manifested by the patient fall within this form of ADHD. The behaviors to be detected are:
- Restlessness or agitation: for example, constantly touching your hands or feet.
- Inappropriate running or climbing (in the case of children).
- State of constant restlessness (in the case of adults).
- Difficulty playing quietly or doing something quietly.
- Constant movements without interruptions.
- Logorrhea.
- Start answering before a question is even asked.
- Difficulty waiting for your turn.
- Interrupting the interlocutor or meddling in the speeches and games of others.
- Impatience.
- Express inappropriate comments, without limiting yourself to the expression of your emotions, or act without considering the consequences.
Step 5. Identify the combined symptoms of ADHD
When this syndrome occurs in a combined manner, the subject manifests at least 6 symptoms belonging to both the inattention and hyperactive-impulsive forms. It is the most diagnosed form of ADHD in children.
Step 6. Find out about the causes
They are not yet widely known, but genetic makeup is generally recognized as an important role, as certain DNA abnormalities occur more often in ADHD patients. Furthermore, according to some studies, the manifestation of this syndrome in children is related to alcohol consumption and smoking during pregnancy, but also to the early exposure of the infant to lead.
Some studies have been conducted to find out the precise causes of ADHD, but the etiology of this disorder, which can present itself differently in each case, is difficult to find
Part 2 of 2: Understanding the Difficulties of ADHD
Step 1. Learn about the basal ganglia
Scientific analyzes show that the brains of people with ADHD are slightly different, as two structures within it tend to be smaller. The first, the basal ganglia, regulates the movement of muscles and signals that should activate or stop during certain activities.
This decompensation can manifest itself through convulsive movements of some parts of the body that should be at rest, or continuous gestures of the hands and feet even when they are not necessary
Step 2. Learn about the role of the prefrontal cortex
The second smaller than normal brain structure in people with ADHD is the prefrontal cortex. It is the region involved in the execution of more complex functions, such as memory, learning and concentration, which contribute to the planning of cognitive behaviors.
- The prefrontal cortex affects the release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter linked to the ability to concentrate and which tends to occur at lower levels in ADHD patients. Serotonin, another neurotransmitter found in the prefrontal cortex, affects mood, sleep and appetite.
- If the prefrontal cortex is smaller than normal size and is accompanied by lower than optimal levels of dopamine and serotonin, problems could arise in concentrating and managing external stimuli, which invade the brain simultaneously. People suffering from this syndrome have a hard time focusing on one thing at a time. The excessive amount of stimuli to which they are subjected leads them to get distracted very easily and to lower their impulse control.
Step 3. Recognize the consequences people are exposed to if ADHD is not diagnosed
If people with this disorder are unable to access special services that allow them to receive a certain level of education, they risk not finding work, not having a fixed home or even ending up in prison. It is estimated that around 10% of adults with learning difficulties in the United States are unemployed, and the percentage of individuals with ADHD who cannot find or keep a job is likely to be as high given their problems. attention, organization and time management, but also socialization - all essential requirements for employers.
- Although it is difficult to assess the percentages of homeless or unemployed people with ADHD, one study estimated that 40% of men sentenced to long prison terms could suffer from this disorder. Furthermore, it is a category of people who are much more prone to illicit substance abuse and have a harder time detoxing.
- It is estimated that nearly half of individuals diagnosed with ADHD treat themselves by consuming alcohol and drugs.
Step 4. Offer your support
It is important that parents, educators and therapists find ways to guide children and adults with ADHD to overcome their deficits so that they can live a safe, healthy and satisfying life. The more support around them, the more secure they feel. As soon as you suspect your child may be suffering from ADHD, diagnose him so that he receives the most appropriate treatment.
Certain symptoms of hyperactivity may go away in children, but those related to inattention generally accompany them throughout life. Problems related to inattention can cause other difficulties as they grow, so you will need to deal with them separately
Step 5. Look out for other health problems
In most cases, a diagnosis of ADHD is difficult enough on its own. In addition, one in five patients has another serious disorder associated with the syndrome in question, such as depression or bipolar disorder. Among children with ADHD, one third also exhibit a behavior disorder, such as conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder.
- ADHD tends to occur also accompanied by learning difficulties and anxiety.
- Anxiety and depression often develop in high school, when tensions in the home, school, and friendships increase. This situation can also aggravate the symptoms of ADHD.
