Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD is a psychological health condition that affects millions of people all across the world. If we talk only about Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder cases in the United States, more than 6 million children have been diagnosed with severe ADHD, according to additude.
In this blog, we are going to cover some basic facts about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and its treatment. Keep reading to learn all about ADHD.
Not only children but adults also experience this mental disorder at some point in their life.
ADHD: Quick Introduction
ADHD, also famous as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is one of the most common childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. This condition is usually diagnosed in childhood, 3 to 12 years of age, and lasts into adulthood. Children or adults with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may have trouble paying attention, focusing on a task, and controlling impulsive behaviors.
Many ADHD patients experience inattention or changes in energy levels more often and to a greater extent than individuals who do not have this condition.
Types of ADHD
There are three significant types of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder known as:
- Hyperactive or impulsive type
- Inattention or distractible type
- Combined type ADHD. All these attention deficit hyperactivity disorder types have their particular impacts on your body with their respective symptoms.
Though every type of ADHD is unique and has its special effects, there are still some common symptoms that you can see in all kinds of ADHD.
Common or combined ADHD symptoms may include
- Having trouble focusing on tasks
- Being easily distracted
- Being forgetful about completing tasks
- Having difficulty sitting still
- Interrupting others, etc.
Hyperactive or impulsive ADHD symptoms
- Find it challenging or time taking to sit still or remain seated
- Talk excessively
- Have trouble carrying or playing out tasks quietly
- Find it challenging to wait for their turn, etc.
Inattention or distractive ADHD symptoms may include
- Find it hard focus when reading, listening, or holding a conversation
- Have trouble organizing their tasks
- Lose items frequently
- Make frequent mistakes or miss details when working or studying, etc.
How do you evaluate the symptoms of ADHD in children or adults?
It is never easy to evaluate the symptoms of ADHD in children or adults. A doctor or healthcare provider will need to perform many tests to determine if you or your child has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or not. You can expect them to use many tools and techniques as a checklist of your physical or psychological symptoms, questions about your medical history, and a medical exam to rule out other causes for symptoms.
Keep in mind that the ADHD symptoms, like concentration problems or hyperactivity, can be caused by other mental health disorders and medical issues, which require different treatments. Just because your symptoms look like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder does not mean you have ADHD.
Here, we have some tips that will help you evaluate your ADHD symptoms and understand if
you are suffering from this neurodevelopmental disorder or not
How severe are your symptoms?
To be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the symptoms must harm the child’s or patient’s life. In general, people who have ADHD face significant problems in one or more areas of their life. They may face challenges in their career, family responsibilities, and finances.
When did the symptoms start?
Since, in most cases, ADHD begins in childhood, the therapist or doctor will look at how early the symptoms appeared if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms in adult age. In that case, this might be a symptom of other mental health disorders or an expected behavior against an unusual change in your life.
How long have the symptoms been bothering you?
Short-term hyperactivity or impulsive behaviors are not considered ADHD symptoms. Your symptoms must have to go on for at least 180.
When and where do the symptoms appear?
Your symptoms must be present in multiple situations and places like home and school. If the symptoms only appear in one environment, it is unlikely that ADHD is to blame.
What are ADHD medicines?
ADHD symptoms can be treated using several medicines or therapies, but combining both medicine and behavior therapies is often best. Treatment is usually arranged by a medical specialist, such as a psychiatrist or pediatrician, although a GP may monitor the condition.
There are five types of medicine licensed for the treatment of ADHD:
- CNS stimulants like Adderall
- Methylphenidate
- Dexamfetamine
- Guanfacine
- Lisdexamfetamine, etc.
Adderall is a combination of amphetamine & dextroamphetamine that is the best treatment option against ADHD. People with severe attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms can buy Adderall online to get appropriate treatment.
How can I tell if the ADHD medication is working?
Medicines like Adderall can help to control ADHD symptoms, but it can be difficult to tell whether it is working or not. When ADHD symptoms begin to start to ease, it is often not obvious. Following signs can help you understand whether your medication is working or not. You may notice yourself;
- Finishing boring tasks
- Waking up and leaving the bed on time more regularly
- Remembering details from work emails or meetings
- Readily recalling details from a conversation
- Finishing small assigned tasks at work
- Recalling things learned in class
- Completing small assigned tasks at work
- Going to bed on time
- Finishing homework assignments
- Avoid distractions like social media or television while working, etc.
Also, if you feel less anxious, notice fewer mood swings, or consciously control impulsive behavior, your medicine is working well. We strongly recommend you as stimulant medications are entirely effective the first time you take them as soon as they enter your body.
What are the short-term or long-term side effects associated with ADHD medication?
Short-term side effects of an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication may include irritability, moodiness, stomachaches, headaches, fast heart rate, and high blood pressure. On the other hand, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medicines can cause long-term side effects, including dizziness, heart disease, abdominal pain, insomnia, weight loss, heart palpitations, dry mouth or headache, etc.
What are my treatment options aside from stimulant medication?
In addition to stimulant medications, specific other options are also available for the treatment of ADHD. Behavior therapy and medications are the two primary options that help you treat your attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Behavioral therapy may include changes like creating a routine, managing distractions, limiting choices, helping the patient, rewarding the patient, disciplining effectively, providing a healthy lifestyle, etc.
Non-stimulant medicines include atomoxetine, clonidine, guanfacine, viloxazine, etc.
Conclusion
ADHD diagnosis is influenced by perceptions of several different members of a child’s community. A lack of understanding of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and the importance of its treatment still exists among many members of the community, including teachers, parents, and healthcare providers. Therefore, you should inform your doctor if you face any unusual change in your behavior or life. We recommend you use CNS stimulants like Adderall to get appropriate treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.