ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is more common than you think. It’s not just common in kids, but even adults are affected by this disorder.
ADHD is a type of neurodevelopmental disorder that is usually first diagnosed in childhood. However, the symptoms may last into adulthood. Children with ADHD have trouble controlling impulsive behavior or paying attention. In short, they are overly active.
Doctors often prescribe Ritalin vs Adderall to treat ADHD. Both the drugs are CNS stimulants that help to control hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.
If you want to know more about ADHD symptoms and their treatment, you should give this article a read.
ADHD Symptoms
The main features of ADHD include hyperactive-impulsive behavior and inattention. Usually, symptoms of ADHD start showing before the age of 12. However, in some children, the symptoms are noticeable as early as 3 years of age.
ADHD symptoms can vary from mild to moderate and severe. The worst thing about ADHD symptoms is that it lasts into adulthood. People with ADHD often find it difficult to control their impulsive behavior. This in turn reduces their everyday productivity.
ADHD is more common in males than in females. Not just that, but behavior may also be different in boys and girls. For example, boys with ADHD are more hyperactive than girls with ADHD.
Symptoms in kids:
Symptoms in kids are grouped into three types. Check out the details below.
Inattentive
- Gets distracted easily
- Doesn’t finish tasks
- Forgets about daily activities
- Can’t organise everyday tasks
- Doesn’t listen
- Doesn’t pay attention
- Can’t sit still
- Tends to daydream often
Hyperactive-impulsive
- Often bounces or fidgets when sitting
- Can’t play quietly
- Always restless
- Talks excessively
- Blurts out answers
- Interrupts others
Combined
Some kids with ADHD may also exhibit combined symptoms that involve signs of both types.
Symptoms in adults:
In the case of adults, the symptoms might change as they grow older. The common symptoms are:
- Becomes forgetful
- Low self-esteem
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Finds it hard to work
- Impulsive
- Trouble controlling anger
- Substance addiction
- Can’t stay organized
- Gets frustrated easily
- Gets bored easily
- Trouble focusing while reading
- Mood swings
- Relationship problems
ADHD Diagnosis and Testing
Diagnosing ADHD in kids can be difficult. In most cases, doctors diagnose ADHD in kids after discussing the symptoms at length with the kids and their parents.
Doctors follow the guidelines listed by the American Psychiatric Association. They will rule out other things that might be triggering the symptoms, such as problems in life or health conditions.
To confirm a child has ADHD, a doctor has to perform a series of tests to analyze their psychological and neurological status. The tests are performed by professionals who are experienced in treating ADHD.
ADHD Treatment
There are many treatments available for ADHD. But in the case, of kids, the best way to control the symptoms is a multimodal approach. This means the doctor will use multiple methods of treatment to make it more effective.
In most cases, doctors prescribe a combination of therapy and medication. The two most common medications used to treat ADHD are Adderall and Ritalin.
Besides medication and therapy, close cooperation among doctors and parents is also very important.
Kids with ADHD have commonly prescribed CNS stimulants that help them to control impulsive behavior and hyperactivity. Not just that, but it also helps them improve their attention span. These medications work on brain chemicals, like dopamine, which makes impulsive behavior worse.
If you notice any of the mentioned symptoms in your child, you should consult a doctor. Ignoring the symptoms of ADHD will only make it worse.
