Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is defined as a neurological condition that is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
ADHD affects both children and adults and often presents challenges across different areas of life, including overall psychological well-being, academic performance, and social interactions. It is a chronic condition that can impact a person's quality of life.
Although there is no cure for ADHD, there are many treatments that exist in today's world to help manage symptoms. Treatments existing today, especially stimulant medications, have become the most popular in ADHD management. There has been a rising concern about the misuse of stimulant medication by non-ADHD individuals.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is defined as a neurological condition that is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
ADHD affects both children and adults and often presents challenges across different areas of life, including overall psychological well-being, academic performance, and social interactions. It is a chronic condition that can impact a person's quality of life.
Although there is no cure for ADHD, there are many treatments that exist in today's world to help manage symptoms. Treatments existing today, especially stimulant medications, have become the most popular in ADHD management. There has been a rising concern about the misuse of stimulant medication by non-ADHD individuals.
The three main symptoms individuals with ADHD may experience are inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Signs of inattention are disorganization and difficulty staying focused on tasks. Impulsivity is acting without thinking of the consequences and interrupting others when it's not appropriate. Finally, hyperactivity is the act of constantly moving or fidgeting.
These symptoms must appear before age 12 and persist for at least six months in multiple settings to be diagnosed. These settings can include social environments, school, or work. In children under 16, at least 6 symptoms must occur in various settings. In individuals over the age of 16, there must be at least 5 for a diagnosis.[3]
It is important to note that any of the symptoms caused by these different types of ADHD are not due to lack of comprehension or disobedience but rather due to lower levels of dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical in the brain, characterizing ADHD as a brain-based issue.
ADHD is diagnosed in three different ways: inattentive ADHD, hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, and combined ADHD.While ADHD occurs in both males and females, there are some minor differences in how the disorder presents itself and is diagnosed.
Due to more visible symptoms, males are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. The most common visible symptoms males present with include hyperactivity, impulsivity, and aggression. This leaves them more at risk of legal issues, including higher rates of incarceration than females.
In contrast, symptoms of ADHD in females tend to manifest themselves more internally. Because females are less likely to be referred for treatment, their symptoms may go unnoticed or might be mistaken for other psychological issues. This leads to females developing poor coping strategies, leading to more complex issues like anxiety, depression, and lower self-esteem. ADHD in females is often underdiagnosed, leading to a lack of appropriate interventions and support needed.[4]
ADHD symptoms often evolve or change as a person ages:
Although ADHD has no cure, various treatments are available to reduce symptoms. The common types of treatment are medications (stimulants and nonstimulants), psychotherapy, and behavioral interventions.
Early diagnosis, treatments, and interventions are vital in managing ADHD because, without them, individuals may have further complications later in life. They are more likely to experience substance abuse, anxiety, depression, and learning disabilities. These complications can make it difficult to function in daily things like social relationships, work, and academic success.
In addition to medication, psychotherapy and behavioral interventions also play a crucial role in managing ADHD. Parent education and school-based programs are often combined with these two types of medication to improve coping skills and overall life function.
Many students with the disorder qualify for educational support under the American Disabilities Act (ADA). This allows them to receive accommodations. Some of these accommodations include extended time on tests, modified assignments, and access to assistive technologies. These interventions create an equitable learning environment and encourage academic support for students with ADHD.[2]
A growing issue in today's world has been the misuse of stimulant drugs by individuals without ADHD. Many non-ADHD users take stimulant medications, particularly in academic settings, to enhance cognitive performance, stay awake, or improve focus. Some also misuse the drugs for recreational purposes, seeking heightened alertness or energy for partying. Individuals without this disorder may start to experience other consequences after the misuse. While stimulant medications may enhance cognitive abilities, the benefits are only moderate in healthy people. The risks include developing anxiety, cardiovascular issues, addiction, and even ADHD-like symptoms.[5]
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