- \n
- What is ADHD?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Is ADHD a mental health disorder?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Symptoms<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Are there treatments?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- I have ADHD. What strategies can I use in my daily life? <\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
\n\nWhat is ADHD?<\/h2>\n\n
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (or ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by symptoms of inattention and impulsivity, which may also be accompanied by hyperactivity. In general, ADHD symptoms can be divided into two categories: (a) attention deficit and (b) impulsivity and hyperactivity. Most people with ADHD have symptoms that fall into both categories, but some people may only have attention deficit. In this case, the diagnosis of ADHD is also called ADD, which stands for ‘attention deficit disorder’, and the symptoms are less obvious. <\/p>\n\n
Is ADHD a mental health disorder?<\/h2>\n\n
Yes. Although I do not believe this classification should have any impact on how we interact with or perceive a person, ADHD is a mental health disorder because it affects someone’s behaviour<\/strong>, mood <\/strong>and thinking<\/strong> in a way that makes carrying out usual activities\/life difficult. Although it can affect school performance or results at work, ADHD is not a learning difficulty (such as dyslexia, for example) because it also involves differences in thinking and behaviour. <\/p>\n\n
![\"Illustration](\"https:\/\/mentalhealthforromania.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/byMetteEngell.png\" "\\"by+Mette+Engell\\"")
\n\n\u00a9 Mette Engell<\/p>\n\n
ADHD is generally known as a disorder that begins in childhood, affecting about 6% of children worldwide [1]. However, fewer people are aware that ADHD can continue through adolescence and into adulthood. Furthermore, a person can develop ADHD as an adult without having had symptoms or a diagnosis since childhood [2]. This means that ADHD is not just a childhood disorder, but has profound implications for the quality of life, social integration and the stigma people face throughout life. <\/p>\n\n
It is, therefore, important to know that ADHD is not just a childhood disorder that ‘disappears’ with age, but on the contrary, it changes according to the new activities and contexts we find ourselves in as young people and adults. We can have high school colleagues, work colleagues, teachers or managers who have ADHD, and that doesn’t mean they are less capable or that we can rely on them less \u2013 quite the opposite, having ADHD means thinking differently, not thinking less well. <\/p>\n\n
Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n
Symptoms in children with ADHD can usually be observed even before the age of 6 and may manifest as inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. As examples of inattention, the child may make careless mistakes in homework, may quickly switch from one activity to another, or may have difficulty organising activities or tasks. Also, the child may be ‘restless’, reckless or have difficulty concentrating, often interrupting conversations at inappropriate times or engaging in dangerous activities. <\/p>\n\n
I think it’s important to point out that although these symptoms may be easier to observe in children, they change throughout adolescence and adult life, according to the new contexts young people find themselves in, and become much more subtle. Where before the child with ADHD would switch from one activity to another and make repeated mistakes in homework, the young person with ADHD forgets appointments or bookings, is not attentive to details, finds it hard to prioritise activities and to be organised. Hyperactivity symptoms are also much more subtle, but can manifest as reckless driving, irritability and impatience (in conversations, for example). <\/p>\n\n
![\"6](\"https:\/\/mentalhealthforromania.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/byEmilyJablosnki.png\" "\\"by+Emily+Jablosnki\\"")
\n\n\u00a9 Emily Jablonski<\/p>\n\n
It is important to understand that these things can happen to anyone to some extent, but in the case of a person with ADHD, these symptoms persist long enough to cause significant problems in daily life. Some examples include poor academic performance in children and adolescents, suboptimal social interactions, or even problems at work. <\/p>\n\n
For these characteristics to be considered ‘symptoms’ and lead to a potential diagnosis, they must appear in multiple areas of someone’s life (for example, at work\/school and in personal life) and cause discomfort and difficulties in carrying out daily activities.<\/p>\n\n
Are there treatments?<\/h2>\n\n
Yes. ADHD is the most researched mental health disorder in children and adolescents, and recently the number of quality studies among adults has also begun to increase. As a result, much time and effort have been invested in establishing the efficacy of available treatments. Stimulant treatment is proven to be the most widely used treatment for managing this disorder, being very effective. We have all probably heard of Adderall or Ritalin, two examples of commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. Generally, 80% of those who use them achieve significant symptom improvement, but it is, of course, important to remember that stimulants do not ‘cure’ ADHD, but only alleviate symptoms [3]. In addition, any drug treatment also brings side effects. It is, therefore, necessary to weigh the risks and benefits before making a decision. <\/p>\n\n
Intensive work is also being done to establish the efficacy of alternative treatment methods, such as physical activity. Studies with children and adolescents so far show promise [4]. However, studies with adults are very few, have small groups and unsystematic methods of measuring physical activity [5]. This is where I contribute. I am a researcher in psychiatry and neuroscience at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology Neuroscience at King’s College London, in London. I work with multiple psychopathologies, including ADHD and its presentation in young people and adults. Essentially, my research group wants to establish the efficacy of physical activity as a potential treatment or adjuvant in alleviating ADHD symptoms. The results are yet to be evaluated, but it is encouraging that non-pharmacological treatments are also being explored for those who either did not achieve the desired outcome with medication, or for various reasons chose other options. <\/p>\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/mentalhealthforromania.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/photo4-1.jpg\" "\\"photo+4")
\n\nhttps:\/\/www.additudemag.com\/non-stimulant-adhd-medication\/<\/p>\n\n
I have ADHD. What strategies can I use in my daily life? <\/h2>\n\n
Regardless of whether you have decided to pursue medication, therapy or other treatments, it is always helpful to create strategies or routines to increase your attention and decrease hyperactivity or impulsivity. Depending on your lifestyle and the activity you perform, you can try: <\/p>\n\n
- \n
- Making a list of what will be discussed in a class or meeting beforehand, and then following these points while you are there to make it easier to stay focused<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Using your phone or email calendar \u2013 as soon as you plan to do something or are notified that you need to be somewhere, note it in your calendar and set reminders 1 hour before so you don’t forget<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you find it hard to refrain from spending (too much) money, leave home with a certain amount of cash or use your phone’s calculator to keep track of the things you buy (especially if you’re in a supermarket and are tempted to keep adding things to your trolley)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Taking advantage of hyperfocus moments \u2013 if something sparks your interest, don’t hesitate to capitalise on the moment. Chances are you’ll be very productive during these times <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Prioritise \u2013 you can use a timer or the Pomodoro method to try and complete an activity within a certain time frame<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
![\"Orange-coloured](\"https:\/\/mentalhealthforromania.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/photo5-1.jpg\" "\\"photo+5")
\n\n\u00a9 Emily Schiffslater<\/p>\n\n
We hope this article has given you a general idea of what ADHD is and what this diagnosis means for young people. ADHD is a very complex neurodevelopmental disorder, which affects the quality of life and productivity of these individuals, and which is still affected by stigma. By informing ourselves about what such a diagnosis actually means, we can better understand those who have ADHD or, why not, we can better understand ourselves. <\/p>\n\n
\n\nBibliography:<\/h3>\n\n
[1] Polanczyk GV, et al. (2014) Int J Epidemiol;
Other useful resources about ADHD in young people and adults:<\/h3>\n\n
Romania: https:\/\/clinica-hope.ro\/adhd\/<\/a>
ADHD throughout life \u2013 what it is, how often we encounter it, symptoms, treatments and advice Contents: What is ADHD? Is ADHD a mental health disorder? Symptoms Are there treatments? I have ADHD. What strategies can I use in my daily life? What is ADHD? Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":5771,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","_mhro_primary_tag":441,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1046],"tags":[441,448,456,458,461,467],"class_list":["post-6771","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mental-disorders-info","tag-adhd","tag-informative-article","tag-learning-difficulties","tag-medication","tag-relationships","tag-therapy"],"yoast_head":"\n
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- Is ADHD a mental health disorder?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n