Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It’s caused by brain differences that affect attention and behavior in set ways. For example, people with ADHD are more easily distracted than people who don’t have it. ADHD can make it harder to focus, listen well, wait, or take your time.
The signs of ADHD start early in childhood. But some people don’t find out they have it until they are older. It all depends on when ADHD keeps them from doing well, and when they see a doctor about it.
Types of ADHD
Experts have identified three types of ADHD, based on the main symptoms involved:
- inattention
- impulsivity and hyperactivity
- a combination of inattention and hyperactivity
Inattentive Type
Inattentive ADHD (often called ADD) manifests as forgetfulness, disengagement, or distractibility, and can be mistaken for anxiety or a mood disorder in adults. In children, it may resemble a learning disorder.
Symptoms may include:
https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/inattentive-type#symptoms
- missing details and becoming distracted easily
- trouble focusing on the task at hand
- becoming bored quickly
- difficulty learning or organizing new information
- trouble completing homework or losing items needed to stay on task
- becoming confused easily or daydreaming frequently
- seeming not to listen when spoken to directly
- difficulty following instructions
- processing information more slowly and with more mistakes than peers
Hyperactive Type
This type of ADHD, also called the hyperactive-impulsive type, involves symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/difference-between-add-and-adhd#types
Symptoms may include:
- difficulty sitting quietly, remaining still, or staying in one place
- excessive talking
- difficulty waiting patiently or taking turns
- frequent fidgeting, squirming, or tapping hands and feet
- trouble staying seated in school, work, or other situations
- persistent feelings of restlessness, which might show up as a tendency to run or climb in inappropriate situations
- trouble playing quietly or participating in relaxing activities
- a habit of finishing others’ sentences or giving an answer before someone finishes asking a question
- a habit of interrupting others, intruding on conversations and activities, or using others’ belongings without permission
Combination Type (Inattention + Hyperactivity):
People with the combined type of ADHD have symptoms from both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories.
Symptoms
Children under the age of 17 need to have at least 6 symptoms from each category. Adults ages 17 and older need to have at least 5 symptoms.
Some experts suggest that the combined type of ADHD is more common than the other two types, especially in adults.
ADHD in Girls
Girls and women are significantly under diagnosed with ADHD compared to young boys and men. This is due to the fact that girls show hyperactivity drastically differently than boys. Along with that girls:
- More often have internalized (and less noticeable) symptoms
- They’re more likely to use coping strategies that help hide their symptoms
- Parents and teachers are less likely to refer girls for diagnosis and treatment
Symptoms in Girls https://www.verywellmind.com/adhd-in-girls-symptoms-of-adhd-in-girls-20547
- talking frequently or excessively, even when parents or teachers ask them to stop
- extreme emotional sensitivity and reactivity, such as crying or becoming upset easily
- extreme focus on things that interest them
- trouble paying attention to directions at home or school
- a tendency to daydream or seem lost in their own world
- slow or distracted movements
- a habit of blurting out thoughts or acting on impulses without thinking things through
- frequent forgetfulness
- a habit of abandoning goals or plans halfway
- disorganization, which might show up as a messy bedroom, desk, or backpack
- constantly interrupting peers during conversations and activities
- trouble forming and maintaining friendships
- difficulty completing schoolwork on time
- trouble sleeping, including difficulty falling asleep or waking up too early
- relational aggression toward peers, including gossip, bullying, intimidation, and other controlling behaviors
- a preference for strenuous outdoor activities and sports that require a lot of energy
Treatment https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/adhd-in-girls#treatment
Therapy can be a great tool to help those with ADHD find skills to:
- practice skills for communication, organization, and interpersonal interactions
- learn and practice new behaviors
- get support with accepting and managing difficult and overwhelming feelings
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, they might also refer you to a psychiatrist to explore medication options. While not always necessary, ADHD medication can help relieve severe symptoms.
