Understanding ADHD: Types, Symptoms, and Their Impact on Daily Life

Understanding ADHD? ADHD is a chronic condition that stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, which includes attention difficulty, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. It contributes to low self-esteem, troubled relationships, and difficulty with focus in work or life in general. It is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children. According to Forbes, 8.7 million adults in the U.S. have ADHD, and worldwide 2.6% of adults have ADHD. This is the most common mental condition in children, an estimated 6 million children under the age of 3 to 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD.

ADHD is diagnosed based on specific criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Treatments for ADHD include behavioral therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes to help in daily functioning. Despite the challenges, there are many ideal jobs for people with ADHD in which they can excel, even though numerous people have excelled.  

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.

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Types Of ADHD

There are different types of ADHD, each associated with the main symptoms of ADHD such as inattention, hyperactivity, and even a combination of both. There is no one diagnosis or treatment that fits all. According to the American Psychiatric Association, there are three types of ADHD identified so far. 

Inattentive Type ADHD:

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

Hyperactive-Impulsive Type

This type shows less signs of inattentiveness and more signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity. It is mostly diagnosed in boys than in girls. Here are its most common symptoms:

• Constant motion, fidgeting, and having trouble staying still.

• Having a low attention span, especially in environments where sitting for long hours is required, e.g. during long lectures or exams.
• They may talk excessively, often interrupting others or blurting out answers before questions are fully asked.
• Impulsiveness, acting without thinking, and taking unnecessary risks is also common in people with this type of ADHD.
• Engaging in activities that require calmness and quiet, like reading or working alone, can be challenging.
• Waiting in lines, or situations that require time can be difficult.

Criteria for diagnosis:

A person must show at least six of the following nine symptoms, with few symptoms of inattention:

• Fidgeting or squirming
• Frequently getting up when seated
• Running or climbing in inappropriate situations
• Trouble playing quietly
• Talking excessively
• Blurting out answers or talking out of turn
• Interrupting others
• Being constantly on the go, as if driven by a motor
• Impulsiveness and taking risks without considering the consequences

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.

Criteria for diagnosis:

To be diagnosed with combined type ADHD, a person must meet the criteria for both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types, meaning they must exhibit at least six symptoms from each category.

How ADHD affects daily life

• People with ADHD often face difficulty in school or work performance as they lack focus and have issues in 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.
• Those with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD may interrupt conversations or blurt out thoughts, which can be perceived as rude or insensitive, leading to frustration among peers or colleagues.
• Difficulty maintaining focus in conversations:
• Staying on top of everyday tasks like cleaning, cooking, or paying bills can be overwhelming for someone with ADHD. They may start multiple tasks but fail to finish them, leading to cluttered or chaotic environments.
• Individuals with ADHD may have difficulty paying attention to the road, increasing the risk of accidents. Their minds might wander or they may become distracted by external stimuli, which can make driving unsafe.

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. When they struggle to regulate their feelings of frustration, sadness, or anger, they may become more prone to feelings of hopelessness and passive suicidal thoughts. The complete cure for ADHD is still not known but its management is possible and effective.

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