What is ADHD?
ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a mental disorder that makes a person unable to focus, act impulsively, and show hyperactivity in daily life rituals. These symptoms usually start in childhood and continue into adulthood if left untreated.
This hyperactive and impulsive behavior often goes unnoticed due to rigid societal norms and stigma around mental health. A child or an adult who has ADHD shows visible hyperactivity symptoms like unintentional hasty movements, constant fidgeting, excessive talking and interrupting, and difficulty staying seated in one place.
What are the Different Types of ADHD?
Symptoms of ADHD vary from person to person. That’s why it’s been classified into three main types to make it easy for those looking for the answer to Do I have ADHD?
So, the three types of ADHD symptoms are:
1. Inattentive ADHD
This type of ADHD is often misdiagnosed, as it doesn’t always involve apparent hyperactivity. People with this type find it hard to focus on studies or daily life activities, have memory problems, and constantly struggle with organizing things and tasks.
However, this may seem a general characteristic for people having anxiety or depression, or even most people go through such times and behaviors at some point in their lifetime. The fact is that ADHD behaviors are extreme and obvious. People with ADHD can get overwhelmed, inattentive, and zone out in situations that others might not.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms in women are more commonly diagnosed as their symptoms often appear as daydreaming, forgetfulness, or struggling with active listening rather than physical hyperactivity. This condition is frequently misunderstood as procrastination or mood swings.
So, let’s have a quick look at what Inattentive Type ADHD makes a person do:
- Trouble focusing on routine tasks, conversations, lectures, or activities that require mental focus
- Frequently losing items, missing deadlines, or forgetting important events and appointments
- Small noises, external stimuli, or even internal thoughts derail focus
- Procrastination and difficulty starting projects and even finishing them
- Missing details or making careless mistakes at school or work
- Struggles with planning, organizing, completing tasks, or following instructions
2. Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD
This type has symptoms of impulsivity and difficulty with self-control. It is easier to recognize because symptoms are often visible and easy to notice.
Children and adolescents, especially boys, are more prone to experience this type of ADHD. However, it can be expressed in adults as reckless behavior, risk-taking, or difficulty maintaining professional and personal relationships.
Some of the behaviors associated with this type of ADHD include:
- Constant movements like fidgeting, tapping, squirming, or an inability to stay seated in any place
- Feeling the need to be in motion, even when it’s inappropriate, like in meetings or classrooms
- Talking excessively and interrupting conversations, blurting out answers, or having difficulty waiting for their turn to speak
- Acting without thinking, making rash choices, or engaging in risky behaviors leading to self-harm
- Struggling to remain patient, whether in queues, conversations, or delayed gratification
Teenagers can show this rash and impulsive behavior due to hormonal changes and growth stages. However, parents should pay close attention to whether these behaviors are temporary or persistent and then take the necessary steps.
3. Combined ADHD
As the name suggests, this type includes both the symptoms of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD. People with Combined ADHD find it hard to focus and control their impulses while also showing high energy levels and movements.
This type can be found in everyone, regardless of gender or age. Dealing with such symptoms can make performance challenging, whether professionally or personally. Their personality remains problematic for focusing on daily tasks and maintaining relationships.
The most obvious signs of this type of ADHD are:
- Struggle to focus and complete tasks daily
- Impulsive actions and difficulty with self-control
- Fidgeting, restlessness, and difficulty staying still
- Forgetfulness, disorganization, and procrastination
- Interrupting others, excessive talking, or acting without thinking
In a nutshell, this type of behavior is shown through both physical behaviors and cognitive challenges.
What Causes ADHD?
Like many other mental disorders, ADHD is also a neurodevelopmental condition that is caused by chemical imbalances or differences in the brain, genetics, or prenatal and early life factors.
The exact reason why ADHD is caused isn’t discovered until now, and medical teams are still working on it. However, as said earlier, if someone has a history of ADHD or any mental health disorder, there’s a certain chance that would travel in their generation.
Also, dopamine levels and prefrontal cortex brain activity affect impulses, while premature birth, low birth weight, and exposure to toxins like lead may increase risk.
What Doesn’t Cause ADHD?
Though there are many myths regarding ADHD, they have nothing to do with reality. Many people believe that eating too much sugar, ineffective parenting, too much screen time, and even being lazy and careless cause ADHD. At the same time, there’s no factual information associated with these myths.
ADHD can be found in people who are far away from such behaviors and always try to be more conscious about their behaviors. So, it’s better to remain compassionate and understanding instead of making assumptions about someone’s struggles. ADHD is a neurological condition, not a choice or a reflection of one’s character.
ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing ADHD includes clinical interviews, ADHD tests and questionnaires, observations, and input from family and friends. People who have ADHD may need to visit a psychologist, psychiatrist, and even a neurologist to get their detailed checkups done.
As per medical coding, it is classified under the adhd ICD-10 code F90.9, which helps in official documentation and insurance claims.
How is ADHD Treated?
There is still no permanent treatment available for ADHD, but various therapies and techniques help overcome the symptoms and manage impulsive behaviors. However, one must attend doctor visits and follow the treatment process for adequate recovery.
Some of the professionally acclaimed ADHD treatments include:
Medication
ADHD medication can help regulate brain chemicals responsible for focus and impulse control. The two main types are:
- Stimulants (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin) – Work quickly to improve attention and reduce hyperactivity.
- Non-Stimulants (e.g., Strattera, Intuniv) – Take longer to work but are helpful for those who don’t respond well to stimulants.
Behavioral Therapy
It helps individuals combat their urges and practice living with their unfixed thoughts, often triggering impulsive behavior. For example, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for managing emotional regulation and self-esteem issues.
Changes in lifestyle
Time management tools such as planners, alarms, and checklists can enhance organization. A healthy diet and exercise maintain brain balance and minimize hyperactivity. Mindfulness and meditation can also maximize attention and emotional regulation.
ADHD Coaching & Support
Being with an ADHD coach can help with goal setting, routine creation, and staying on track. Hence, we specialize in offering special training to help people regain control.
ADHD Paralysis & Executive Functioning: Why Getting Started Feels Like a Burden
Getting overwhelmed or confused with choices and emotions can be tough, but it becomes a brain-freezing kind of situation for people with ADHD. In some situations, clients can feel mentally stuck, zoning out, avoiding tasks, or engaging in distractions.
But there’s always a way out. People can practice breaking tasks into small steps, using timers or body doubling, and setting external deadlines to create momentum and regulate their emotions. Talking with a loved one could also help to battle the symptoms and relax their nerves. For the time being, it helps, but you must visit an ADHD specialist to begin your journey toward recovery.
Janneta Bohlander & Associates is always there for you if you need help to cope with ADHD symptoms and find effective strategies. Whether you need guidance, therapy, or practical tools, we’re committed to helping you take control and feel at peace.
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ADHD:
ADHD is characterized by symptoms such as difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning or development. If you’re experiencing these symptoms and they’re causing significant issues in multiple areas of your life (such as work, school, or relationships), it might be a good idea to seek a professional evaluation. Remember, only a qualified healthcare provider can diagnose ADHD.
ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is an older term used to describe a type of ADHD characterized predominantly by inattentiveness without the hyperactivity. Nowadays, the official term is ADHD, which is divided into three types: predominantly inattentive type, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive type, and combined type.
Getting an ADHD diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional. This evaluation can include a clinical interview, observations, and input from significant others (like parents or teachers for children). Neuropsychological testing might also be part of the process.
Strategies to improve focus with ADHD can include breaking tasks into smaller parts, using tools to help with organization (like calendars and lists), incorporating physical activity into your routine, creating a quiet and clutter-free workspace, and taking regular breaks. Behavioral therapy and medication can also be effective. It’s recommended to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best strategies for you.
