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Recognizing ADHD Signs and Symptoms

October 25, 2022

Do you often find yourself distracted and unable to focus on common daily activities?  If so, you’re not alone.  With busy lifestyles and trying to juggle school, work, and all those extracurricular activities or schedules, it can easily be understood that our attention might be diverted. But if an individual finds it difficult to perform everyday tasks, it could be Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a highly genetic, brain-based syndrome that has to do with the regulation of a particular set of brain functions and related behaviors.

These brain operations are collectively referred to as “executive functioning skills” and include important functions such as attention, concentration, memory, motivation and effort, learning from mistakes, impulsivity, hyperactivity, organization, and social skills.

There are different subtypes of ADHD (inattentive, hyperactive, and combined type), and every person has a unique brain profile. As with anything else, no two people with ADHD are exactly the same, and everyone experiences ADHD in their own way.

Inattention: Six or more symptoms of inattention for children up to age 16, or five or more for adolescents 17 and older and adults; symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months, and they are inappropriate for developmental level:

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: Six or more symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity for children up to age 16, or five or more for adolescents 17 and older and adults; symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for the person’s developmental level:

Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms are usually present before age 12 years and are present in two or more settings, (e.g., at home, school or work; with friends or relatives; in other activities). 

Combined Presentation: symptoms of both criteria inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity were present for the past 6 months;

Who has ADHD?

According to epidemiological data, approximately 5% of adults have ADHD. That represents over 11,000,000 people in the United States.  It occurs in both men and women and, in the majority of cases, persists throughout the lifespan.  It is NOT limited to children.

There is a great deal of evidence that ADHD runs in families, which is suggestive of genetic factors. Recent studies suggest that anywhere from 40-60% of children of adults with ADHD will also have the condition.

Since ADHD is a neuro-behavioral condition, there is no cure and the majority do not outgrow it.  Approximately two-thirds or more of children with ADHD continue to have symptoms and challenges in adulthood that require treatment.

If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms of ADHD, talk with your medical provider to see how they can assist you and what treatment is recommended.

At SIHF Healthcare, we offer behavioral health services to our patients in the most compassionate, understanding environment. Our behavioral health specialists work directly with each individual patient to create a customized treatment plan for the best quality of life. Our integrated team of behavioral health and medical professionals will help you get to where you want to be in your life. SIHF Healthcare providers specialize in a variety of behavioral health conditions and concerns for patients of all ages, including children and teens.  To learn more about our services, visit:  https://www.sihf.org/patient-care-services/behavioral-health.