ADHD

Some people refer interchangeably to ADD and ADHD, but the former term is outdated, and the latter has been adopted in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as the term to describe the condition. ADHD is a mental health disorder that can cause above-normal levels of hyperactive and impulsive behaviors, and it makes it difficult to focus attention on a single task or sit still for extended periods.

There are three types of ADHD, namely:

• Inattentive, where a person has symptoms of inattention, but they are not hyperactive or impulsive. Inattentive ADHD is what is usually meant by the term ADD.
• Hyperactive/impulsive, where a person is hyperactive and impulsive but is not inattentive
• Combined, which is when a person has both the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity, as well as inattention.

ADHD can negatively affect all areas of life such as work performance and relationships, as the person may miss work deadlines or neglect social obligations.

ADHD affects children and adults alike. Around six million children in the US have been diagnosed with ADHD, and it affects around four percent of adults. While a considerable proportion of children who have ADHD go on to have symptoms when they become adults, some who were never diagnosed as children may develop more obvious symptoms as they get older.

ADHD affects children across all races, though children living in households where English is the main language are more than four times as likely to be diagnosed as children living in households where English is the second language. The symptoms of ADHD first appear between the ages of three to six, with the average age of a diagnosis being seven. Males are three times more likely to have ADHD than females.

Regarding the causes of ADHD, it is not known exactly what causes ADHD. In people with ADHD, neurotransmitters are less active in the areas of the brain that regulate attention. The reason for this chemical imbalance is unknown. There are, however, some indications in the research that biology and genetics, as well as some environmental factors, may play a role. Some studies have also found a link between ADHD and prenatal exposure to alcohol and tobacco, but this is not definitive.

Knowing the signs of ADHD

The symptoms of ADHD can vary between boys and girls. Boys tend to exhibit behaviors that come to mind when people think of ADHD behavior, making it more likely that they’ll be diagnosed with ADHD. Some of the behaviors of girls may be overlooked as they seem atypical ADHD behavior. The symptoms in girls can include:

• being reserved
• verbal hostility, such as teasing, or name-calling
• impaired attention that may lead to difficulty with academic achievement
• low self-esteem and anxiety
• inattentiveness or a tendency to daydream

With boys, some of their symptoms may include:

• a lack of focus, including inattentiveness
• being impulsive or acting out
• hyperactivity (running and jumping)

With adults, some of the ADHD symptoms share similarities with childhood ADHD. Some of these symptoms may present differently in adults. For example, in an adult, hyperactivity may decrease, but they may continue to struggle with paying attention or be restless and impulsive. These symptoms can include:

• hyperactivity and impulsiveness, which may look like lack of self-control, frequent mood swings, restlessness, and anxiety.
• inattention, which may present as chronic tardiness; lack of focus;being disorganized, restless, and easily distracted; and being forgetful.
• hyperfocus, where a person becomes engrossed in a task and loses track of time.

Many adults may struggle with ADHD without knowing they have it, and that happens in situations where they weren’t diagnosed as children.To confirm a diagnosis of ADHD in an adult, it must have been present in childhood, even in the event it wasn’t diagnosed at that time.

A doctor may perform neuropsychological tests that measure attention, or they may speak with family members and consult old report cards that documented issues that weren’t identified as ADHD such as a lack of focus, being hyperactive, or failing to complete tasks.

There are many people, both children and adults, who have ADHD but have fulfilled and happy lives. However, it can harmone’s relationships and work if left unaddressed. Concerning work, it can undermine one’s ability to plan and focus on tasks, lead to being disorganized, and make it difficult to follow instructions. This can undermine one’s productivity in school or at work.

In the social sphere, it can undermine relationships by making one prone to losing their temper or engaging in reckless behavior. ADHD can make it hard for a person to keep track of social engagements, pay bills, or complete household chores, placing strain on their friends, partners, and children.

ADHD doesn’t increase a person’s risk for other conditions or diseases, but some people with ADHD are more likely to experience a range of coexisting conditions such as depression, learning disabilities, anxiety disorder, bed-wetting, sleep disorders, bipolar disorder, Tourette’s syndrome, and substance abuse.

Treatment for ADHD

Depending on the type of ADHD one has as well as the severity of the symptoms, the types of treatment that are available will differ. It’s important to get a proper diagnosis to arrive at an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment for ADHD typically includes behavioral therapies, medication, or both.

The treatment options available may vary depending on the severity of the symptoms. With mild ADHD, for instance, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a type of talk therapy, may be effective. In CBT, you or your child will talk about how ADHD impacts your life and discuss ways to manage it, and it can help you or your child learn to monitor and manage your behavior.

Medication may also help treat the symptoms of ADHD. Some of the more common medications for ADHD are stimulants that work to hone focus by fine-tuning the brain circuits that affect attention. Other options for medication that may be prescribed by a doctor include medications designed to affect brain chemicals in a way that enables you to better control impulses and actions.

In addition to or in place of medication, following a healthy lifestyle may help you or your child manage ADHD symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following:

• getting plenty of sleep
• limiting daily screen time from devices
• eating a healthy, balanced diet
• getting at least an hour of physical activity per day

Working on these disciplines that equip one’s body and mind to better handle daily challenges helps to reduce stress and face the day with greater emotional and mental capacity. Additionally, spending time outdoors and engaging in activities like yoga or mindfulness meditation can help quiet overactive minds and ease ADHD symptoms such as anxiety.

Adults with ADHD typically begin to improve when they begin taking medication, but they may have ongoing struggles rooted in poor habits and low self-esteem. Counseling for ADHD thus pays attention to becoming more organized, creating helpful routines, repairing broken relationships, and improving social skills. This can be supplemented with coaching or a professional organizer who can train you in:

• being consistent and following through with plans
• becoming organized, using tools such as organizer apps on a smartphone
• completing activities and projects

We all need a hand to help us focus on what’s important and to develop skills to help us finish well what we started. It is hard to stay on task to achieve what you want to achieve, and ADHD has the potential to undermine your plans and goals. A Christian counselor will meet you where you’re at, with compassion and no judgment.

They will listen to you or your child’s story, and work to create a safe space within which to unpack the impact of ADHD in your life. Using evidence-based therapeutic techniques as well as the wisdom of scripture, your counselor will craft a treatment plan that is geared to help you or your child and place them on the path to success.

Whether you’re the parent of a child with ADHD, or an adult with ADHD, Orange County Christian counseling can be your partner in your journey. Feel free to browse the counselor directory and don’t hesitate to contact us to find out more about counseling for ADHD or to book an appointment with one of the counselors.