Presented by BetterHelp.
Picture this: It’s the last day of school and you’re sitting in your final class of the day before summer break. The minutes seem to drag on, and you feel as if you can’t sit still much longer. All you want to do is talk to your friends and share your excitement with them, but you keep getting scolded even when you feel like you’re whispering. Concentrating on what the teacher is saying feels impossible, and you have a strong urge to get up and run out the door to release all your pent-up energy.
For those living with ADHD, the scenario above may feel like an everyday occurrence rather than a once-a-year happening. People who have ADHD often experience deep impacts on their lives, whether at work, school, or home. Living in a world that doesn’t quite seem to understand them can feel confusing and lonely, especially when everyone appears to think differently. Here, we’ll explore what ADHD typically entails, including its symptoms and treatment options, in the hopes of increasing knowledge and understanding of this common disorder.
What Is ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impulsiveness, hyperactivity, and inattention that affects people from a young age and often persists into adulthood. It tends to cause issues in multiple areas of a person’s life, affecting their ability to get along with other people and perform well at school or work.
ADHD runs on a spectrum, meaning that some people have more extreme symptoms than others. Some people may need minor assistance to function, while others might require high levels of support to make it through each day effectively. As people with ADHD get older, however, they may gain a stronger ability to manage their symptoms on their own.
Symptoms Of ADHD
ADHD affects everyone differently, but some of its most common symptoms include:
- Trouble concentrating
- Interrupting during conversations
- Fidgeting or squirming
- Inability to sit still, especially in calm settings
- Being forgetful and easily distracted
- Difficulty waiting one’s turn
- Excessive talking
- Struggles to stay organized
- Makes careless mistakes
- Loses track of time
- Avoids tasks that take extended focus
These symptoms may be more severe in some individuals than others, leading to unique outcomes in their personal lives.
Diagnosing ADHD
To be diagnosed with ADHD, an individual must display certain symptoms in at least two settings (such as work, school, or home) that affect their daily functioning. There is no singular test that can tell you whether you have ADHD or not. However, taking ADHD assessments with a professional can be useful when trying to figure out whether you or your child has the disorder.
An ADHD assessment is a test that measures an individual’s psychological or intellectual abilities. Some assessments may even involve evaluating a person’s physical abilities. Taken together with other signs and symptoms, a professional can offer a diagnosis of ADHD when appropriate and apparent.
Keep in mind that only a professional, like a doctor or therapist, can diagnose ADHD. If you take a test online, avoid jumping to conclusions, even if the results seem certain about your symptoms. An inaccurate diagnosis can lead to delays in treatment, making your symptoms worse and keeping you from getting the assistance you need to thrive.
Treatment Options For ADHD
ADHD is often treated using a combination of therapy and medication. Typical therapeutic approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy, social skills training, and psychoeducation. Some of the issues that may be addressed in therapy include time management skills, behavioral concerns, anger issues, inattention/focus, and more. Often, teachers and parents are included in the treatment plan, as they can be instrumental in supporting the individual through their struggles with ADHD.
Conclusion
Receiving an accurate diagnosis can be key to treating ADHD and enabling individuals with this disorder to lead more productive lives. While the internet is full of information that may make it appear easy to assess whether you or a loved one has ADHD, the reality is that only professionals have the knowledge, skills, and experience to give a diagnosis. Although ADHD may present unique challenges, with the right support and treatment, those living with this disorder can go on to manage their symptoms effectively and lead happy, healthy lives.
