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Have you ever experienced the inability to focus? Like no matter how hard you try, you simply can’t move through the task at hand. Or maybe you’ve noticed your child tends to fidget and jump from one thing to the next without ever finishing anything?
There is a definite difference between struggling to stay on task and exhibiting ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) symptoms. We’re going to look at different types of ADHD, how ADHD is diagnosed, and what kinds of treatment are available.
Types of ADHD and their symptoms
When it comes to ADHD, it’s important to recognize that while there is a certain diagnostic criterion that needs to be met, it doesn’t mean that ADHD will present the same in everyone who experiences it.
Whether ADHD is diagnosed in childhood or later on as an adult, there are three different types of ADHD groups: inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, or a combination of the two.
ADHD in children
According to the CDC, about 6.1 million children have been diagnosed with ADHD. But simply having a short attention span or losing focus on different tasks doesn’t in itself mean your child has ADHD. Depending on how old your child is, some of these behaviors, to an extent, are developmentally appropriate.
ADHD in adults
Many adults that are diagnosed later in life may have been living with ADHD all along. And it’s worth mentioning that women are especially underdiagnosed. According to Very Well Mind, women’s and girls’ symptoms are written off as a part of their personality, as opposed to an ADHD symptom.
“Coincidentally, when I was researching why my oldest child struggled on tasks and following directions, I realized a lot of the adult ADHD symptoms were problems I had. Like wanting to do something but feeling paralyzed. Or being able to hyperfocus on some tasks while struggling with others, and even being a total chatterbox despite being introverted.” mom of two Nicole P. told Mom.com.
ADHD Symptoms
According to the CDC there are a few different symptoms to keep in mind:
Inattention
- Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace.
- Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes
- Is often easily distracted.
Hyperactivity and/or impulsivity
- Is often “on the go”.
- Often interrupts or intrudes on others.
- Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat.
When to consult a doctor
If you find that ADHD symptoms are making it difficult to get through your day-to-day, it’s time to consult with a doctor.
It’s also worth noting that most adults will have a co-occurring mental health disorder. Some symptoms of that disorder (like anxiety or depression) might also overlap with the type of ADHD symptoms they live with.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
ADHD symptoms might present differently in adults than they do in children. Instead of forgetting where they left their homework, they may forget the plans they’ve made. Adults with ADHD also might struggle at work, the same way children struggle at school.
What triggers a diagnosis?
According to the DMS 5, ADHD symptoms/behaviors must be ongoing for at least six months. Additionally, a diagnosis is appropraite if there is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, school, or work functioning.
“Before we sought an official diagnosis, we knew my son was different. He was outgoing and bubbly, and a little Energizer Bunny but couldn’t quite turn things off or redirect his focus the way other kids did,” mom of four Colleen D.T.told Mom.com.
“At home, he fidgeted at the dinner table and talked out of turn. At school he was bothering his neighbors and taking the teacher on long tangents when she called his name,” Colleen continued. “He bounced from one thing to the next, and it was exhausting to watch. We knew that there were better ways of harvesting his energy and helping him to focus, and that’s when we consulted his doctor.”
ADHD treatment
Depending on your lifestyle and how drastically ADHD impacts you, there are different ADHD treatment options.
Behavioral treatment
Depending on the age of a child, the type of behavioral treatment will vary. Regardless, the goal of this approach aims to help people with ADHD better cope with and manage symptoms.
“The most important thing is that there is a spectrum of symptoms when it comes to ADHD,” a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Dr. Steph Lee, previously told Mom.com. “This means early on, with proper behavioral management and interventions at school and home, children can benefit immensely and may not need to receive medications.”
Medication
Sometimes behavioral-based ADHD treatment might not be enough, and that is okay. Get in touch with your provider to find out which treatment method, or combination, is right to best manage your, or your child’s, ADHD.
