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Restlessness becomes a part of everyday life for a person with ADHD. Almost nothing holds a person’s attention for more than a few seconds. They want to read one moment but watch television the next. The hardest part of all is keeping still, as something deep inside urges them to keep moving. The individual does something first and then thinks of its consequences later. Their mind is a playground of a thousand thoughts, each overlapping with the other. These symptoms are common signs of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.) Websites like The Human Condition provide comprehensive information on the topic. How does it affect children and adults, and what are the ways of dealing with it? Read on to know.
Symptoms of ADHD in children and adults
ADHD present in childhood will most likely continue into adulthood. However, the three main factors are hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Children suffering from it are prone to fidgeting, talking excessively, being easily distracted, having trouble focusing on tasks, forgetting their daily tasks, constantly misplacing things, and failing to follow instructions. It manifests itself as forgetfulness, unpredictable behavior, inability to keep steady employment, anxiety, and chronic restlessness in adults.
What are the different types of ADHD?
There are three main types of attention deficit disorder. These are predominantly inattentive presentation, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation, and combined presentation. The first one is characterized by an inability to complete any work or follow a daily routine. In the second one, an individual may fidget, talk at inappropriate times, snatch things and act out of impulsion. A person with the third type of disorder exhibits combined symptoms of the other two.
What are the causes of this disorder?
Extensive studies and research has shown that both genetic and non-genetic factors cause attention deficit disorder. Parents are thought to pass it on to their offspring, though the inheritance process is complex and can’t be linked to a single genetic fault. Individuals with this disorder have specific areas in their brains that are smaller than the other. Studies have noted an imbalance in the neurotransmitter levels in the brain. Other factors that cause extreme attention deficit are premature delivery, alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy, low weight during birth, and exposure to toxins in the environment.
Is there a treatment for ADHD?
Treatment usually involves both medication and behavior therapy. However, for children between four to five years of age, behavior therapy is strongly recommended. It requires behavior management, including a system of rewards. Children are motivated to stick to a routine, follow instructions, organize the things around them when you reward them at the end. For adults, the therapy involves breaking down tasks, close monitoring, follow-ups, and medication. Medication for ADHD is divided into stimulants like methylphenidate, non-stimulants including guanfacine and antidepressants.
Dealing with ADHD in everyday life
Attention deficit disorder can have an enormous impact on an individual’s daily life, whether children or adults. Children can benefit from a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, creating a sleep-friendly routine, constantly motivating them, and planning the day thoroughly. Adults, too, can benefit a lot if they follow these steps religiously. In addition, they should also try to avoid multitasking, cutting off distractions like cell phones while driving, setting up reminders, and preparing to-do lists regularly.
These are some essential things that everybody should know about ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The more a person knows about it from sources like The Human Condition, the more it helps them deal with it effectively and seek timely help.
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