ADHD: Common Symptoms and Treatment Options
How do I know if I have ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder defined by impaired levels of inattention, disorganization, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
ADHD is often associated with poor school and work performance, hyper-fixated interests, lack of follow-through, and elevated interpersonal conflict. The symptoms can look different throughout the lifespan. For example, adults with ADHD are less likely to exhibit symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity than children.
Population surveys suggest about 4.4% of adults and over 5% of children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with ADHD (that’s approximately 20 million people!). Though, it is very possible that the adult prevalence is much higher, considering many adults living with the disorder are undiagnosed.
This blog covers the symptoms, their implications, and treatment methods available, including therapy for ADHD.
The most common symptoms of ADHD:
The three primary categories of symptoms include:
Inattention: Difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, and difficulty completing tasks
Hyperactivity: Restlessness, excessive movement, and difficulty sitting still
Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, interrupting others, and difficulty waiting your turn
Inattention
Often failing to give close attention to details or making careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or during other activities, losing things necessary for those tasks or activities such as books, tools, wallet, keys, glasses, or phone.
Often having difficulty sustaining attention during tasks or activities
Often not seeming to listen when spoken to directly - your mind seems elsewhere
Often having difficulty following through on instructions, failing to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace. This might look like starting a task but quickly losing focus because you are easily sidetracked by another task, occurrence, or conversation.
Often having difficulty organizing tasks and activities. You may have a reputation for being messy, disorganized, or late meeting deadlines.
Often avoiding, disliking, or being reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as completing homework, forms, reports, or longer writing assignments.
Often forgetful during daily activities. You may forget to return messages, pay bills, attend appointments, or complete chores.
Impulsivity/Hyperactivity
Often fidgeting, tapping your hands or feet, and squirming in your seat.
Often leaving your seat in situations when you are expected to be seated, for example in a classroom, office, church service, appointment, or interview.
Often feeling restless or uncomfortable sitting still for an extended amount of time.
Finding it difficult to wait your turn while waiting in line.
Often being unable to enjoy leisure activities quietly.
Often talking excessively.
Often blurting out an answer before a question is complete, or interrupting in conversations.
If you experience the majority of symptoms listed above for a period longer than 6 months, and they are negatively impacting your social and academic/occupational activities, then it may be time to contact a professional for an ADHD assessment,
Remember, having these symptoms doesn’t automatically mean you have ADHD. Diagnoses are nuanced and deeply personalized, which is why they must be given by a trained professional.
A sociocultural explanation for ADHD gender differences:
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), ADHD is an example of a disorder with differences in presentation between boys and girls. This is largely socio-cultural. Gender bias plays a major role in the misdiagnosis and under-diagnosis of ADHD in women and girls. Research suggests that the difference in diagnostic statistics (12.9% boys diagnosed vs 5.6% girls diagnosed) is not because more boys have ADHD, but because girls are consistently under-diagnosed.
Boys with ADHD tend to display symptoms that are most commonly related to ADHD, such as impulsivity, and hyperactivity (inability to sit still, not being able to focus in class, physical aggression, etc.). But it is a mistake to assume that all boys with ADHD present these symptoms, since some boys display the inattentive aspect of the disorder, showing internalized symptoms rather than externalized symptoms.
Girls with ADHD tend to display the inattentive aspect of the disorder more often, rather than the hyperactivity and impulsivity components. Therefore, it more often goes unnoticed by caretakers and teachers due to the subtlety of their symptoms. Instead, girls might be labeled as lazy, forgetful, or just “daydreaming.” Again, this is largely cultural.
Some symptoms to look for in girls to help narrow this diagnostic gap include:
low self-esteem
anxiety
depression
intellectual impairment
trouble focusing
verbal aggression - instead of physical aggression like the boys.
Even in adulthood, women are most likely to be misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression instead of ADHD. More often than men, women “mask” their symptoms. Masking is the term used to describe the way that women compensate for their ADHD symptoms, for example, creating systems to avoid being late, forgetful, or disorganized. Over time, this can become exhausting and stressful, actually leading to co-morbidities with depression and anxiety.
You can see how treating the ADHD at the source through therapy and/or medication can be extremely beneficial.
ADHD In Adults
Symptoms associated with ADHD in adulthood include, but are not limited to:
Difficulty navigating friendships.
Difficulty working in an office setting due to distractions.
Hyperfixation on things that interest you.
Working best under pressure, when there is a deadline. Your sense of urgency kickstarts your brain into working. This might come with risks, such as: stress, frustration, irritability, loss of sleep, chaos, less time to work, missing the deadline.
Struggling with overspending and regret afterward.
Difficulty making decisions, resulting in overwhelm, worry, or anxiety.
Conditions that co-exist with ADHD
The exact causes of ADHD are not known, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Diagnosis of ADHD involves a comprehensive evaluation that includes medical history, physical exam, and psychological testing.
People with ADHD are more likely than their peers without ADHD to develop other specific conditions including:
Anxiety Disorders: obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety disorder, etc.
Sleep Disorders
Eating disorders: bulimia, anorexia, etc
Mood Disorders: depression, bipolar disorder, etc.
Substance use disorders: addiction to alcohol, drugs, or other substances.
Learning Disabilities
Oppositional defiant disorder
Autism spectrum disorder
Reactive attachment disorder
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
It is important to be aware of the existence of these conditions because they can make diagnosing ADHD more difficult. It helps to have good communication with your doctor or therapist, be clear, and work together towards the same goal of treating your symptoms effectively.
ADHD treatment options:
Effective treatment of ADHD depends on various factors, such as the nature, severity, and impact of the symptoms presented on the individual. Treatment is discussed with the professional assigned to your case and it can help relieve the symptoms and make the condition much less of a problem in your daily life.
Treatment may include medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and accommodations in your daily life.
Common treatment options for ADHD are:
Behavioral therapy: Behavioral therapy can help individuals with ADHD learn coping skills and strategies to manage their symptoms. This can include things like organization and time management skills, relaxation techniques, and social skills training.
Parent training and education: Parents of children with ADHD may benefit from training and education to help them better understand their child's condition and learn how to manage their behavior effectively.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that can be used to help individuals with ADHD learn how to change their negative thinking patterns and develop positive coping strategies.
Social skills training: Social skills training can help individuals with ADHD improve their social skills and build positive relationships with others. This can be particularly helpful for children with ADHD who may struggle with social interactions at school.
Family therapy: Family therapy can help parents and siblings of individuals with ADHD understand the condition better and learn how to manage the behaviors associated with it. This can be particularly helpful in improving communication and reducing conflict within the family.
Stimulant medication: Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamines (Adderall) are often prescribed to help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These medications work by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which can improve focus, attention, and impulse control.
Non-stimulant medication: Non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv) can also be used to treat ADHD. These medications work by regulating levels of norepinephrine and other brain chemicals.
It's important to note that the most effective treatment plan for ADHD may vary depending on the individual, and it's important to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Therapy for ADHD in Raleigh, NC:
ADHD does not have to obstruct your life or stop you from living the life you want to live. Work with a professional towards making the condition much less of a problem in your daily life.
If you want to learn more about ADHD, book an appointment with one of our professionals through the link below!
