Symptoms, Causes & Impact
What is Attention-deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD?
ADHD is often described as a disorder of executive functioning. Executive functioning is used to describe a set of mental processes that help us connect past experience with present action. We use executive functioning when we plan, organize, strategize, sequence, and pay attention to and remember details.
Individuals with ADHD do not necessarily show an absence of these skills, but an inconsistent application of them.
ADHD impacts both children and adults and is present from a young age. Individuals do not suddenly develop ADHD later in life, but it is possible that a person may not realize a diagnosis until adulthood ~ especially women.
What are Symptoms of ADHD?
Indicators of ADHD may include some or a combination of the following symptoms:
Inattention
Possible Symptoms include:
Difficulty Sustaining Attention:
Easily distracted by unrelated stimuli.
May frequently make careless mistakes given lack of attention to detail.
Difficulty staying focused on tasks or play activities.
Poor Organization:
Difficulty organizing tasks and activities.
Frequently lose items necessary for tasks.
Forgetfulness:
Forgetfulness in daily activities, even if recently mentioned.
Avoidance of Tasks Requiring Sustained Mental Effort:
Reluctance to engage in activities that require prolonged focus.
Hyperactivity & Impulsivity
Possible Symptoms include:
Fidgeting and Restlessness:
Inability to stay seated in situations where it is expected.
Constantly fidgeting or tapping hands or feet.
Excessive Talking:
Talks excessively, often interrupting others.
Impulsivity:
Difficulty waiting for one's turn.
Acts without thinking about consequences.
Interrupts or intrudes on others' conversations or games.
For a diagnosis of ADHD, individuals may exhibit symptoms predominantly from one category, or from both the inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity categories combined.
It's crucial to recognize that while occasional experiences of these behaviors are common for everyone, individuals with ADHD exhibit more pronounced, enduring symptoms that significantly affect their daily functioning and overall quality of life.
What Causes ADHD?
The exact cause of ADHD is not fully understood, but it likely results from a combination of factors that may play a potential role, including:
Genetics
Brain Structure and Function
Neurotransmitter Imbalances
Prenatal Factors
Premature Birth
Low Birth Weight
Environmental Factors
ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with individual variations. Neuroatypical brains develop and work differently compared to the norm, presenting not only challenges but unique strengths. Ongoing research of the disorder continues to deepen our understanding, while concurrently offering solutions to better manage daily life.
The Impact of ADHD on Daily Functioning ~ Challenges & Strengths
Challenges Presented by ADHD
ADHD can have a substantial impact on various aspects of an individual's functioning across daily life and different settings. The specific challenges vary, but common manifestations may include:
Difficulties in academic and occupational functioning, such as sustaining attention during tasks, organizing responsibilities, and initiating or completing tasks.
Misunderstandings in interpersonal relationships brought on by impulsivity and inattentiveness.
Emotional regulation challenges resulting in frustration, impatience, and self-esteem issues.
Challenges completing daily routines and responsibilities affected by forgetfulness and organizational difficulties.
Driving safety due to impaired focus.
Decreased quality of work, contributing to underachievement.
Strengths of ADHD Individuals
Individuals with ADHD also possess notable strengths. Positive traits of ADHD individuals may include:
Outside-the-box thinking: Concepts and ideas others wouldn’t think of, as well as the ability expand beyond conventional problem solving to determine new solutions.
Creative ability: People with ADHD often find success in jobs or roles that offer creative opportunities.
Expanded crisis management capability: It has been proven that people with ADHD have the ability to handle crisis' and emergency situations at a heightened capacity.
Flexibility: Individuals with ADHD typically are more flexible and adapt to change more readily.