ADHD: Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder

ADHD is a developmental disorder associated with an ongoing pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity. The symptoms of ADHD can interfere significantly with an individual’s daily activities and relationships. ADHD begins in childhood and can continue into the teen years and adulthood.
Having ADHD can be a challenge, but it's one that children and adults alike can learn to handle. Although there's no cure, people who get the right care can reach their potential and enjoy a happy, fulfilled life.

Main kinds of ADHD

What is Hyperfocus?

Hyperfocus is the experience of deep and intense concentration in some people with ADHD. ADHD is not necessarily a deficit of attention, but rather a problem with regulating one’s attention span to desired tasks. So, while mundane tasks may be difficult to focus on, others may be completely absorbing. An individual with ADHD who may not be able to complete homework assignments or work projects may instead be able to focus for hours on video games, sports, or reading.
People with ADHD may immerse themselves so completely in an activity that they want to do or enjoy doing to the point that they become oblivious to everything around them. This concentration can be so intense that an individual loses track of time, other chores, or the surrounding environment. While this level of intensity can be channeled into difficult tasks, such as work or homework, the downside is that ADHD individuals can become immersed in unproductive activities while isgnoring pressing responsibilities.

Who can develop ADHD?

Scientists are studying cause(s) and risk factors in an effort to find better ways to manage and reduce the chances of a person having ADHD.
In addition to genetics, scientists are studying other possible causes and risk factors including:

• Brain injury
• Exposure to environmental (e.g., lead) during pregnancy or at a young age
• Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy
• Premature delivery
• Low birth weight

ADHD in Women and Girls

Boys are diagnosed with ADHD at least twice as often as girls are, but that doesn't necessarily mean that more boys have it. Some experts say girls don't get diagnosed as much because their symptoms can be harder to spot.
ADHD always starts in childhood, but many females don't find out they have it until they're adults, if they find out at all.
The inattentive type of ADHD is most common in girls. It doesn't always catch the attention of teachers and parents.
As with boys, girls with ADHD often have trouble in school. But they're less likely to get in trouble for acting out. Girls with ADHD tend to be seen as daydreamers.

Emotional impact

Girls with ADHD are more likely than boys with the disorder to blame themselves when they have problems getting things done.

Having ADHD can also make it hard to read social cues, which can make some girls feel insecure. It can interfere with their ability to make friends. That can leave them prone to depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. Girls with ADHD are more likely to develop anorexia or bulimia than girls without the condition.

ADHD in Adults

ADHD can last into adulthood. Some adults have ADHD but have never been diagnosed. The symptoms can cause difficulty at work, at home, or with relationships. Symptoms may look different at older ages, for example, hyperactivity may appear as extreme restlessness. Symptoms can become more severe when the demands of adulthood increase.

This is what it’s like to live with ADHD mind

1. MANY TASKS GOING ON AT THE SAME TIME:
   
   Due to the constant activity in their mind, once a task is finished, they are are ready to move on to the next task without closing up the prior task. The more going on at once, the better. Multi-tasking is one of their favourite activities

2. MENTAL PARALYSIS HAPPENS OFTEN:
   
   Their intense mind and emotions are hard to regulate. This can quickly lead to feelings of being overwhelmed, procrastination, and avoidance, and ultimately results in problems with productivity. Even if the person is able to begin the task, they may have great difficulty staying alert and persisting in this effort.

3. COMPLETING TASKS CAN FEEL LIKE A BURDEN:
   
   Making decisions or completing tasks on time is a struggle. Not because they are lazy or irresponsible, but because their mind are full of options and possibilities. Choosing one can be problematic. it’s easy to avoid making decisions because they are over-thinkers. They obsess ad dwell in the depths of their own minds.
   

4. ACTIVE MIND AND OFTEN CONCENTRATE TOO INTENSELY:
   
   The ADHD brain doesn’t stop. There’s no on/off switch. There are no brakes that bring it to a halt. When the doors of their mind open, the person with ADHD dives in like a scuba diver jumping into the deep ocean. Often, they have difficulty stopping the task when you are in the zone. And just like that, under the deep ocean is where people with ADHD stay for hours. Even when their oxygen is running low, they won’t come up for air until they’re almost out of oxygen

5. EVERYTHING IS MAGNIFIED:
   
   The emotions, thoughts, words, and touch of a person with ADHD is powerful. Everything is magnified. This is a blessing when channeled properly. When a person with ADHD does something, they do it with their heart and soul. They are intense, perceptive, and deep. Hence it is important for other people to understand how they think and feel.

Resources and Info

For more information about diagnosis and treatment throughout the lifespan, please visit the websites of the National Resource Center on ADHD and the National Institutes of Mental Health.

• ADHD Facts
• ADHD on Girls