Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Symptoms, Related Conditions & Treatment

According to the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC), ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active. [2]

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects people’s behavior. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating, and may act on impulse. Symptoms of ADHD tend to be noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable when a child’s circumstances change, such as when they start school.

Most cases are diagnosed when children are 6 to 12 years old. The symptoms of ADHD usually improve with age, but many adults who were diagnosed with the condition at a young age continue to experience problems. People with ADHD may also have additional problems, such as sleep and anxiety disorders. [3] 

ADHD Symptoms

The symptoms of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and teenagers are well defined, and they’re usually noticeable before the age of 6. They occur in more than 1 situation, such as at home and at school. [3]

Inattentive symptoms

Hyperactive impulsive symptoms

These symptoms can cause significant problems in a child’s life, such as underachievement at school, poor social interaction with other children and adults, and problems with discipline. [3]

Types of ADHD

According to the CDC, there are three different types of ADHD, depending on which types of symptoms are strongest in the individual: [2]

• Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: It is hard for the individual to organize or finish a task, to pay attention to details, or to follow instructions or conversations. The person is easily distracted or forgets details of daily routines.
• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: The person fidgets and talks a lot. It is hard to sit still for long (e.g., for a meal or while doing homework). Smaller children may run, jump or climb constantly. The individual feels restless and has trouble with impulsivity. Someone who is impulsive may interrupt others a lot, grab things from people, or speak at inappropriate times. It is hard for the person to wait their turn or listen to directions. A person with impulsiveness may have more accidents and injuries than others.
• Combined Presentation: Symptoms of the above two types are equally present in the person.

Because symptoms can change over time, the presentation may change over time as well.

Adult ADHD Treatment

In adults, the symptoms of ADHD are more difficult to define. This is largely due to a lack of research into adults with ADHD. As ADHD is a developmental disorder, it’s believed it cannot develop in adults without it first appearing during childhood. But it’s known that symptoms of ADHD often persist from childhood into a person’s teenage years and then adulthood.

Any additional problems or conditions experienced by children with ADHD, such as depression or dyslexia, may also continue into adulthood. By the age of 25, an estimated 15% of people diagnosed with ADHD as children still have a full range of symptoms, and 65% still have some symptoms that affect their daily lives.

The symptoms in children and teenagers are sometimes also applied to adults with possible ADHD. But some specialists say the way in which inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness affect adults can be very different from the way they affect children. For example, hyperactivity tends to decrease in adults, while inattentiveness tends to get worse as the pressures of adult life increase. [3]

Adult symptoms of ADHD also tend to be far more subtle than childhood symptoms. Some specialists have suggested the following as a list of symptoms associated with ADHD in adults: [3]

ADHD treatment: Related conditions in adults with ADHD

As with ADHD in children and teenagers, ADHD in adults can occur alongside several related problems or conditions. One of the most common is depression. Other conditions that adults may have alongside ADHD include:

• Personality disorders: conditions in which an individual differs significantly from the average person in terms of how they think, perceive, feel or relate to others.
• Bipolar disorder: a condition affecting your mood, which can swing from one extreme to another, and very related to drug abuse.
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD): a condition that causes obsessive thoughts and compulsive behavior.

The behavioral problems associated with ADHD can also cause problems such as difficulties with relationships and social interaction. [3]

ADHD treatment: Causes of ADHD

Scientists are studying causes and risk factors in an effort to find better ways to manage and reduce the chances of a person having ADHD. The causes and risk factors for ADHD are unknown, but current research shows that genetics plays an important role. [2]

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

Research does not support the popularly held views that ADHD is caused by eating too much sugar, watching too much television, parenting, or social and environmental factors such as poverty or family chaos. Of course, many things, including these, might make symptoms worse, especially in certain people. But the evidence is not strong enough to conclude that they are the main causes of ADHD.

ADHD treatment: Diagnosing ADHD

Deciding if a child has ADHD, or needs ADHD Treatment is a process with several steps. There is no single test to diagnose ADHD, and many other problems, like anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and certain types of learning disabilities, can have similar symptoms. One step of the process involves having a medical exam, including hearing and vision tests, to rule out other problems with symptoms like ADHD. Diagnosing ADHD usually includes a checklist for rating ADHD symptoms and taking a history of the child from parents, teachers, and sometimes, the child. [2]

ADHD Treatment & Therapies

There is a combination of ADHD treatments that can help reduce symptoms and improve functioning it may include: 

• Psychotherapy and Psychosocial Interventions are to help you and your loved ones manage symptoms and improve everyday functioning. You need guidance and understanding from your parents, families, and teachers to reach your full recovery.
• ADHD Treatment with Medication is to help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and can improve their ability to focus, work, and learn.

ADHD Treatment Medications

Stimulants are one of the common types of medications that can be used for treating ADHD. There are also a few non-stimulants medications used for ADHD treatment. The doctor may prescribe a non-stimulant when a person has bothersome side effects from stimulants or when a stimulant was not effective.

Psychotherapy for ADHD Treatment

• Behavioral therapy: monitores your behavior and gives oneself rewards for acting in a desired way.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy: teaches you on how to be aware and accepting of one’s thoughts and feelings to improve focus and concentration.
• Family and marital therapy: help family members find better ways to improve interactions with you.
• Parenting skills training: help parents learn how to use a system of rewards and consequences to change his or her behavior.
• Stress management techniques: help parents deal with frustration.
• Support groups: help parents and families to connect themselves with others who have similar problems and concerns.

ADHD Treatment in California

Adults with ADHD can experience depression or anxiety, problems with family, sexual behavior, work, and substance abuse. It is important to obtain an assessment to learn your best ADHD treatment options so as to best support your loved one with ADHD.

ADHD is a condition that can cause problems that should not be taken lightly. We Level Up California Treatment Center can provide you, or someone you love, ADHD Treatment with professional and safe care. Feel free to call us to speak with one of our counselors. We can inform you about this condition by giving you relevant information. Our specialists know what you are going through. Please know that each call is private and confidential.