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ADHD affects the brain’s development, particularly in areas that regulate attention, impulse control, and executive functioning. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is a chronic condition that includes attention difficulty, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness, it affects both children and adults. According to research, this is the most common condition people have been diagnosed with all around the world A recent study suggests that around 8.7 million adults in the U.S. have ADHD, and worldwide 2.6% of adults have ADHD.
It gets difficult for people with ADHD to focus on school or work performance as they lack focus and have issues with organization and task completion. As people with ADHD face issues in managing time, staying organized, and keeping track of important tasks or events this may result in losing homework, low work performance or marks on tests and even forgetting to study. The tendency to avoid tasks that require sustained attention or effort can lead to last-minute scrambling, producing lower-quality work.
The American Psychiatric Association has identified 3 types of ADHD so far and ADHD Inattentive type is one of the three types of ADHD.
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The three types of ADHD are as follows:
#1 Inattentive type ADHD:
People with this type of ADHD are easily distracted, lack focus, have issues organizing, and show forgetfulness. This type of ADHD is related to inattentiveness rather than hyperactivity.
#2 Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
This type shows fewer signs of inattentiveness and more signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity such as low attention span, fidgeting, impulsiveness, rash decisions, having trouble sitting for longer periods, etc.
#3 Combined type
This is the most common type, which showcases symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive types. People with this type of ADHD have a mix of both types of ADHD mentioned above, so they are highly impulsive while also being hyperactive. for example, while sitting in a classroom they lack focus easily, while also making careless mistakes and having trouble in sitting for a longer duration.
What Is Inattentive type ADHD?
The predominantly inattentive type has a group of nine symptoms of inattention and distraction.
- This type is more common in girls than in boys, and people with this type of ADHD showcase low focus, or inattention instead of hyperactivity or impulsivity. Here are the common problems people may struggle with:They easily get distracted and lack focus no matter how hard they try.
- Trouble in organizing their thoughts, tasks, and time which causes frustrations.
- Forgetfulness, is another common symptom of this type, forgetting simple tasks, personal items and even essential supplies.
- They tend to process information more slowly and less accurately, making learning new things or responding quickly challenging.
- It is common for them to make silly mistakes, lack focus, and often daydream and detach from reality.
Criteria for diagnosis:
To be diagnosed with this type a person must exhibit at least six of the following nine symptoms:
- Not paying attention to detail
- Making careless mistakes
- Failing to pay attention and stay on task
- Not listening when spoken to
- Difficulty following or understanding instructions
- Avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort
- Easily distracted by external stimuli
- Being forgetful
- Losing things needed to complete tasks
Causes of ADHD
Here are the causes of ADHD:
- A lower level of activity in several parts of the brain such as basal ganglia and frontal lobes can make it difficult for people to control impulses, stay focused, manage energy levels, and be attentive.
- ADHD often runs in families, which suggests that genetics play a significant role in its development. A child with ADHD has about a 25% chance of having a parent with the condition, and siblings are also more likely to be diagnosed.
- Children born prematurely or with low birth weight are at a higher risk of developing ADHD.
- In rare cases, significant head trauma, particularly injuries that affect the brain’s frontal regions, can lead to symptoms of ADHD.
- Exposure to environmental toxins, such as lead, can impact brain development and behavior, contributing to the development of ADHD.
The key symptoms of ADHD include:
Inattention: Difficulty sustaining attention, following through on tasks, and organizing activities. Individuals may frequently lose things necessary for tasks and be easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.
Hyperactivity: Excessive fidgeting, difficulty remaining seated, and a tendency to talk excessively. Individuals may feel restless and have trouble engaging in activities quietly.
Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, interrupting others, and difficulty waiting for one’s turn. This can lead to challenges in social situations and decision-making.
How To Help Someone With ADHD
ADHD cannot be cured but rather managed through several behavioral strategies and medications. Techniques like setting clear goals, positive reinforcement, and structured environments help individuals manage their symptoms and improve functioning.
It gets overwhelming for people with ADHD with time, but getting help from their loved ones and being surrounded by people they love and understand can be more than helpful for them. Here are 5 ways by which you can help someone you know with ADHD:
- The first step you can always take is to educate yourself about ADHD and have a better understanding of this disorder. Use resources like medical professionals, online materials, and support groups to gain insights.
- Help your loved ones find treatment and something that helps them with ADHD, such as therapy, medication, or coaching.
- Practice active listening without judgment, and be open in your communication. Show empathy when they share struggles, and address concerns in a respectful, supportive way.
- Help create an environment with fewer distractions where they can be better focused on tasks.
- Sit with them and help them create their daily or weekly routines for work or daily tasks.
Key Takeaways:
ADHD is associated with structural and functional differences in the brain, particularly in areas responsible for impulse control, emotional regulation, and executive functioning. These neurobiological differences make it more challenging for individuals with ADHD to manage their emotions effectively.
Despite common misconceptions, ADHD is a legitimate and serious condition that requires appropriate management through behavioral strategies and, in some cases, medication. Understanding the different types of ADHD—Inattentive, Hyperactive-Impulsive, and Combined—helps us better grasp the unique challenges individuals face. While ADHD cannot be cured, with patience, empathy, and the right resources, people with ADHD can thrive and achieve success in their personal and professional lives.
