Strap yourselves in for today’s class as we look into a common chronic condition: Attention-deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder, popularly known as ADHD.

Many people like to throw this word around, and as a result, its intended purpose and meaning are skewed. This mental health disorder stems from the inability to sit still (hyperactivity), poor concentration, and impulsive behavior. When left unchecked, severe cases can adversely affect work and/or school performance, lead to unstable relationships, and affect other behaviors such as short temperaments and mood swings. The symptoms can appear similar to those diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. Those diagnosed with ADHD typically deal with one or more of these symptoms.

Experts say those diagnosed in adulthood with the disorder had it in childhood—as young as preschool years. According to John Hopkins, the specific cause is unknown, but evidence points out that this disorder is genetic. In the CDC’s 2016 statistical study concerning ADHD, the results were 6.1 million children (9.4 percent) in the USA alone: 388,000 were between 2-5 years old,  2.4 million between 6-11 years old, and 3.3 million aged 12-17, with boy-presenting more than twice as likely to be diagnosed as girl-presenting. 6 in every 10 children also dealt with another mood or conduct problem, and 3 in 10 children had anxiety. 

The three diagnoses that fall under the ADHD umbrella are:

            →Predominantly inattentive—where following instructions, completing tasks, and focusing are extremely difficult.

            →Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive—fidgeting, interrupting others in conversations, and being unable to wait their turn are some ways this type manifests. Inattentiveness is less of a worry but can still make it difficult to focus on completing tasks.

          →Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive—this diagnosis is the most common form of ADHD. This diagnosis includes all the main ADHD symptoms combined: impulsiveness, the inability to pay attention, and having higher levels of energy and activity.

ADHD is treatable with behavior therapy and medication. As always, there is the option for online therapy. To further understand ADHD, you can click the articles here and here for more information.