ADHD is a neuro-behavioral disorder that presents as lack of impulse control and/or the inability to focus on and complete tasks.

ADHD

Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavior disorder. It is a disorder that affects a person’s ability to focus and exhibit impulse control.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a disorder related to the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain, that is, chemicals that help transmit messages from one part of the brain to another. As a result of this low level of neurotransmitters, a person with ADHD may have trouble focusing, remaining on task, and exhibiting self-control. There are three different types of ADHD. One form, labeled “inattentive” ADHD, presents as the inability to concentrate and finish tasks. The other form, labeled “hyperactivity” presents as the inability to exhibit impulse control and to regulate levels of physical activity. The third form of ADHD presents as the combination of both lack of focus and lack of self control. This is classic ADHD.

ADHD Signs and Symptoms

The following are symptoms of ADHD:

Exhibits inability to finish a task once begun

Easily distracted

Activity level is higher than is acceptable for age and maturity

Scattered

Frustrated with own inability to remain on task

Cannot remain quiet when asked

Interrupts conversations or instructions

Answers questions before the question has even been asked

Talks incessantly

Jumps from topic to topic

Misplaces personal belongings

It is common for adults and children with ADHD to report feelings of frustration, low self esteem and embarrassment over their lack of self control and inability to accomplish tasks in an efficient and timely manner. Thus ADHD treatment can result in improved self esteem and other positive emotional benefits.

Causes of ADHD

No specific cause has been determined, but ADHD seems to run in families, suggesting heredity has a part to play. People who have a parent or sibling with ADHD are more likely to have ADHD than those who have no ADHD in the family. When medical experts compare brain scans of people with ADHD with the scans performed on people not diagnosed with ADHD, physical differences are noted. These physical differences may be the cause of a lower production of the chemicals required for messages to be transmitted in the brain, which may be why treatment with prescription drugs often remedies the problem.

How ADHD is Diagnosed

A psychiatrist or medical profession will compare your symptoms to those typically reported by others with ADHD. Teachers, relatives and friends may be asked to complete a survey assessing the symptoms.

Once diagnosed, you may wish to seek treatment in two ways: structural and medicinal.

Structural treatment of ADHD requires the cooperation of teachers and parents as clear perimeters are set for the child so the child knows exactly what is expected at all times. This can involve arranging schedules, visual aids, time blocking, removal of distractions and goal-setting. A psychologist can assist you in figuring out what your child needs per structural arrangements in order to succeed. As for adults, structural treatment may include setting up an isolated workspace free of distractions, setting time block goals, and clarifying expectations and rewards. Again, a therapist can help adults figure out exactly what structure supports the ADHD adult in the most successful manner.

Medicinal treatment of ADHD involves prescription medicines, which will be monitored by a doctor or psychiatrist.

Who is Most Affected by ADHD

ADHD is a neurobehavior disorder that affects children and adult alike, although children are more likely to get diagnosed because most adults with ADHD have come up with coping skills that may mask their condition.

Treatments for ADHD

Most ADHD treatments are stimulants. These medications stimulate the production of dopamine and norepinepherine neurotransmitters. They also increase blood flow to the brain, which may help lessen the symptoms. The most commonly used stimulants are:

Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)

Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)

Amphetamine (Adderall)

Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)

Most ADHA medications are taken orally once or twice a day.

If you are not comfortable taking a stimulant, you can also try Atomoxetine (Strattera), which is the only option typically used today that is not a stimulant. Atomoxetine is an antidepressant that seems to be quite effective, especially when helping people diagnosed with inattentive ADHD.

Helpful Links

If you’re curious about the diagnosis of both adults and children with ADHD, you can find more information here: http://www.adult-child-add-adhd.com/categories/general/definition_of_adhd.php

For ADHD support, check out: http://www.adhd.org.nz/define1.html

For more information about dexmethylphenidate, check out: http://www.focalinxr.com/index.jsp