Introduction
Attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, is characterized by differences in brain
structure and function, which impact attention and behaviour. Individuals with
this disorder may be easily distracted compared to others. Sometimes they have
difficulty sustaining focus, sometimes sustaining listening, waiting, or
self-control over prolonged periods.
The impact of ADHD
extends across numerous aspects of life, including educational settings, home
environments, and social interactions.
The symptoms of ADHD
typically manifest early in life; the majority of patients may only be
diagnosed later in years. The age at diagnosis tends to reflect both the degree
to which symptoms interfere with functioning and the timing of medical
consultation.
Whichever age the
diagnosis, proper treatment will help an individual suffering from ADHD a great
deal to function properly with ease in every aspect of life. It also requires
support from parents, educators, and friends for proper management.
What Are the Signs
of ADHD?
People with ADHD also
may:
- Have trouble listening and following directions
- Need reminders to do chores or assignments
- Often be easily distracted
- Seem forgetful, even of recent events
- Lose things needed for tasks
- Fidget, squirm, or fiddle when sitting
- Leave seat, run, or climb when remaining seated is expected
- Have difficulty waiting for their turn
- Blur out answers to questions before questions have been completed
- Interrupt others
- Do things impulsively without considering consequences
- Have mood swings
Feelings of
restlessness, fidgetiness, frustration, and boredom Contrary to what a lot of
people believe, its mostly inattention rather than hyperactivity thats the
first symptom to appear. Teachers are usually the first ones to notice symptoms
in the classroom, but often parents notice symptoms at home first. You might
also notice them in yourself. If you do, be sure to discuss your feelings with
a parent or teacher.
ADHD in children and teenagers
- They are absence of gifts to listen and notice.
- Attention span being too short
- Making a number of errors in a hurry
- Forgetting and misplacing items or items lost
- Not being able to hold on to dull things
- Bad listening and no correct execution of the given orders
- Many times changing the activities
- Difficulty of planning tasks
- The principal signs of hyperactivity and impulsiveness are the following:
- Very disturbed or not being able to be still in one place
- Excessive body activities or conversation
- The difficulty to wait for one’s turn
- Performing actions withoutinsane anxiousness
- Stopowing in their tracksbstpresent in the course of conversationss
Several kids do go
through stages of fidgeting or unable to focus but this is not the only cause
of ADHD. However, if you feel that your child's conduct greatly differs from
that of their peers, it’s best for you to consult their teacher or the
pediatrician who usually helps.
ADHD in adults
ADHD cannot begin in
adults; it more than likely went undiagnosed when the person was a child. Some
children may simply grow out of the disorder while others may continue to have
symptoms into adulthood. Symptoms in adults are not as noticeable as in children
and generally include the following: inability to sustain attention or focus
being easily distracted by things that other people usually are able to ignore
frequent daydreaming or "zoning out" difficulty completing tasks
- Lack of attention to detail
- Poor listening skills
- Forgetfulness, misplacing items, etc.
- Quickly become bored- seeking something new all the time
- Impatience, mood swings and irritability
- Risk taking behaviour is common ; for example, reckless driving
If, however you are an
adult with undiagnosed ADHD, you can easily feel overwhelmed because you do not
know why this is happening to you. Stress and problems at work, finances and
relationships can result from the consequences of ADHD.
The Impact of ADHD
With considerable
backing and endeavor, many people with ADHD are able to achieve great success.
For others, though, the symptoms of the disorder create challenges in
controlling important aspects of their lives. Other associated consequences of
ADHD include lower educational and vocational attainment, because of an
increased frequency of job changes. More significant incidents of low
self-esteem and ego are also commonly found in those diagnosed with ADHD.
Indeed, research
findings have indicated that individuals with ADHD are more likely to get
arrested and to get divorced-twice as many, in fact. They are also prone to
report lower satisfaction within their family, social, and professional lives.
Another serious risk associated with ADHD is involvement in serious road
traffic accidents.
This may be a very
disabling disorder, causing considerable distress not only to the sufferer but
also to family members, partners, friends, and colleagues. Nevertheless, ADHD
is considered to be highly treatable.
Lesser Known
Symptoms of Adult ADHD
While many are
familiar with the hallmark symptoms of ADHD-impulsivity, hyperactivity and
inattention-the symptoms of adult ADHD are somewhat different. Normally, a
child with ADHD grows into an adult who has developed various coping
mechanisms. Often, these are not very positive.
As they get older, the
symptoms of childhood ADHD morph into more adult-like forms.
Some less well-known
symptoms of adult ADHD include:
1-Sleep Issues
Sleep may be fitful,
or difficulties falling or staying asleep can occur. Insomnia, sleep difficulties,
and restless nights are common symptoms of ADHD in adults. Sleep deprivation
will lead to racing thoughts and daytime fatigue, creating a vicious cycle.
2-Disorganization and
Time Management Problems
Some individuals
consistently show up late to work or other events, or constantly seem to 'lose'
time. Others have problems with completing a task in an effective and timely
manner.
3-Impulse Buying
For adults,
impulsivity might manifest in many different ways. One of the chief areas of
concern for many is impulse shopping. Of course, this is not unique to ADHD,
but to many adults with ADHD this is particularly hard to rein in.
4-Uncontrollable
Boredom
It would appear that
most people with ADHD need stimulation. Without it, they may feel anxious,
stressed or on edge, which is generally not felt by other people without ADHD.
5-Too Spontaneous or
Impulsive
Anything from
impatience in a queue to interrupting conversations or quitting a job on
impulse.
6-Emotional
Dysregulation
Mood swings,
short-temperedness, and easily and publically upset emotions including tears
and anxiety, are also very common among adult ADHD sufferers.
7-Sensitivity to
Rejection and Criticism
Most people with ADHD
have internalized negative messages about themselves over time. Thus they
become more sensitive to rejection and criticism. This may lead to anxiety,
defensiveness, and depression.
8-Hyperfocus
Contrary to the
stereotype of inattention, some people with ADHD are able to hyperfocus on
tasks. This can lead to difficulties switching between tasks.
9-Low Frustration
Tolerance
This symptom is very
closely related to emotional regulation difficulties but merits separate
mention. Inability to handle frustration leads to major problems in work
situations as well as relationships and daily life.
The Impact of ADHD
on Adults
Unluckily, most of
them remain unaware of this fact even as adults. At the same time, ADHD can
create much disturbance in life. The battle for attention could be classic, and
the results could be disastrous as far as personal relationships are concerned.
It can be disastrous in workplaces.
Poor performance at
the workplace without treatment: not meeting deadlines, poor time management,
and forgetting things. Failure to attend meetings or missing deadlines
repeatedly might result in job loss or demotion.
These symptoms can
also affect daily living situations, such as traffic, which can be incredibly
frustrating to an ADHD sufferer. Emotional outbursts-particularly anger-can
jeopardize a romantic relationship.
Whoever has these
symptoms is sure to encounter difficulties in one or more areas of their life.
If you recognize these ADHD symptoms consistently interfering with your life,
there is a treatment available that can considerably help you.
Respect Your ADHD:
Stop Trying to ‘Fix’ Yourself
Whether you're newly
diagnosed or have been for a long time, it's likely that you have been trying
different techniques to find a permanent solution for your ADHD. You may have
been trying all kinds of planners, techniques for managing time, and
productivity hacks that exist today.
But what if you
flipped the switch and instead of listening to the negatives in your life,
focused on acknowledging your strengths and your achievements?
You already have some
good strategies: after all, you've been coping with ADHD all your life. You are
the authority about yourself, and what you may get from this book is
reinforcing some valuable viewpoints that are yours to trust.
Whereas, in fact, 98%
or more of your life is in working; focusing on the remaining 2% might magnify
the problems.
So, let me ask you
today to have a little respect for your ADHD. Instead of looking upon it as an
enemy, try to look upon it as a part of who you are. ADHD is not what defines
you, but it's a part of your experience. Sometimes just accept it and go with
the flow. Actually, you may even enjoy that part of yourself-the distinctive
part. Who wants to be like everyone else, anyway?
*Managing symptoms
The next strategies
and tools might assist you in coping with symptoms of ADHD:
*Nurture Physical
and Mental Health
It is significant for
every individual, but if you are suffering from ADHD, it is crucial. Getting
sufficient sleep, healthy nourishment, and regular physical activity can
decrease stress, lighten mood, and help control disorder symptoms.
*Find ways to
organize your time and structure routines
The routine will make
the adults with ADHD remember where their things are or keep track of
themselves and by doing that the time is manageable. Give specific times to
activities like waking up, eating food, working, exercises, or sleeping.
*Overcome "Time
Blindness"
The Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder impairs an individual to estimate how long a particular
task will take to complete and to stay on schedule. That would work with an
average person, but for someone suffering from ADHD, that's rather a challenge.
Now, visualize frequent attention-stealing timers with sounds or bright visuals
that will keep you on track-or try reminder apps and alarms that will help in
keeping track of your deadlines. This is aimed at finding something that will
make you interested enough to keep you on the right direction.
*Professional
Intervention
Intervention by a
professional who has training in ADHD can further help an individual discover
strategies that can help them to teach ways of maintaining certain needs and
problems.
*Reaching Out to
Others
It is always great
advice, comfort, and empathy when support comes from an acquaintance, family
member, or colleague. Of course, numerous online forums and support groups
exist for those looking for others like themselves.
Conclusion
ADHD is diagnosed in a
number of children; however, it seems like not many people are aware that those
children grow into adults who have ADHD. In some instances, the condition was
identified when the person was still a child, and as such, any interventions
that would assist in managing it were made. At times, a child may reach
adulthood before being diagnosed, at times after many years of poor
interpersonal relationships or performance at work.