Blog
Recognizing ADHD Signs and Symptoms
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:
- Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or with other activities
- Often has trouble holding attention on tasks or play activities
- Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
- Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (e.g., loses focus, side-tracked)
- Often has trouble organizing tasks and activities
- Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework)
- Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (e.g. school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile telephones)
- Is often easily distracted
- Is often forgetful in daily activities
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:
- Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat
- Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected
- Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may be limited to feeling restless)
- Often unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietly
- Is often “on the go” acting as if “driven by a motor”
- Often talks excessively
- Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed
- Often has trouble waiting his/her turn
- Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)
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;
- Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: predominant symptoms of inattention, but not hyperactivity-impulsivity, were present for the past six months; and
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: predominant symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity but not inattention were present for the past six 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.