Conditions
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
We all have trouble paying attention at times. With so many things on our minds, it’s not uncommon for our minds to wander, or for us to be preoccupied with something else while doing another task. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), on the other hand, is a more pervasive condition. ADHD is a behavioural condition that makes concentration, controlling impulses, and daily tasks challenging.
ADHD is not a stage in someone’s life; children don’t grow out of ADHD. People with ADHD require support and treatment to manage symptoms so that they are able to function in home, school, work, and social settings. ADHD develops due to genetics, but risk factors include: brain injury, environmental conditions, alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy, premature delivery, and low birth weight.
There are three dominant types of ADHD, including predominantly inattentive presentation, predominantly hyper-impulsive presentation, or a combination.
- Inattentive presentation: difficult for people to finish tasks, pay attention to details, or follow conversations and instructions. Easily distracted.
- Hyperactive-Impulsive presentation: person has a lot of energy, talking and fidgeting a lot; feel restless, interrupt others, difficulty following directions
Symptoms
People with ADHD may exhibit some of these signs and symptoms:
- Frequent daydreaming
- Forgetfulness, which leads to losing things
- Frequent bodily movements (e.g., fidgeting)
- Talking too much
- Making careless mistakes
- Taking unnecessary risks
- Hard time resisting temptation
- Difficulty getting along with others
Treatment
People with ADHD are typically supported by a combination of counselling and medication. Dalton Associates can help you find a mental health professional that has expertise in treating children and adults with ADHD through the use of behavioural therapy, as well as supporting families with a child who has ADHD.
Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016). Facts about ADHD.
Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html
American Psychological Association. (2016). ADHD.
Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/topics/adhd/