Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. It's characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development.

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood, but it can continue into adulthood. While ADHD can present challenges, with proper diagnosis, treatment, and support, people with ADHD can thrive and succeed in all areas of life.

ADHD symptoms fall into three categories:

Inattention Symptoms:

• Difficulty paying attention: Especially to details
• Easily distracted: By external stimuli or thoughts
• Forgetfulness: In daily activities
• Difficulty organizing: Tasks and activities
• Avoiding tasks: That require sustained mental effort
• Losing things: Frequently misplacing items
• Not listening: When spoken to directly
• Difficulty following instructions: Completing tasks

Hyperactivity Symptoms:

• Fidgeting: Unable to sit still
• Restlessness: Constant movement
• Excessive talking: Talking too much
• Difficulty staying seated: In situations where expected
• Running or climbing: Inappropriately (in children)
• Always "on the go": Acting as if driven by motor

Impulsivity Symptoms:

• Blurting out answers: Before questions completed
• Difficulty waiting: For turn
• Interrupting: Others' conversations or activities
• Acting without thinking: Impulsive decisions
• Difficulty with self-control: In various situations

Symptoms must be present before age 12 and cause impairment in multiple settings.

Call Emergency Services (112 in Sweden) if:

• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
• Severe symptoms
• Immediate danger
• Need for immediate help

Managing ADHD involves:

1. Structure and Routine:

   • Consistent daily schedule
   • Regular routines
   • Clear expectations
   • Visual schedules (for children)
   • Predictability helps

2. Organization Strategies:

   • Use calendars and planners
   • Break tasks into steps
   • Use reminders and alarms
   • Organize physical spaces
   • Systems and routines

3. Time Management:

   • Set timers
   • Break tasks into chunks
   • Use visual timers
   • Allow extra time
   • Plan ahead

4. Environment:

   • Minimize distractions
   • Quiet workspace
   • Organized spaces
   • Reduce clutter
   • Create focus-friendly environment

5. Healthy Lifestyle:

   • Regular exercise
   • Adequate sleep
   • Healthy diet
   • Limit screen time
   • Stress management

6. Support:

   • Educate family and friends
   • Join support groups
   • Work with school (for children)
   • Accommodations if needed
   • Don't go through it alone

• Symptoms affecting daily life
• Need for evaluation
• Questions about ADHD
• Concerns about symptoms
• Need for treatment

• ADHD evaluation
• Need for comprehensive assessment
• Complex cases
• Co-occurring conditions
• Specialized treatment

• Follow treatment plan
• Regular check-ups
• Medication monitoring
• Therapy sessions
• Ongoing support

Diagnosing ADHD involves:

1. Comprehensive Evaluation:

   • Detailed history
   • Symptom assessment
   • Multiple settings
   • Duration of symptoms
   • Impact on functioning

2. Information from Multiple Sources:

   • Parents (for children)
   • Teachers (for children)
   • Self-report (for adults)
   • Family members
   • Medical records

3. Rule Out Other Conditions:

   • Learning disabilities
   • Other mental health conditions
   • Medical conditions
   • Other causes

4. Assessment Tools:

   • Rating scales
   • Questionnaires
   • Clinical interviews
   • Other assessments

Multimodal Treatment (usually most effective):

1. Medications:

   • Stimulants: Most commonly used
   • Non-stimulants: Alternative options
   • Antidepressants: Sometimes used
   • Work with doctor to find right medication
   • Regular monitoring important

2. Behavioral Therapy:

   • For children: Parent training, school interventions
   • For adults: Cognitive-behavioral therapy
   • Skills training: Organization, time management
   • Regular therapy: Important for success

3. Educational Support (for children):

   • School accommodations
   • Individualized education plans
   • Classroom modifications
   • Teacher training
   • Support services

4. Lifestyle Modifications:

   • Regular exercise
   • Adequate sleep
   • Healthy diet
   • Stress management
   • Structure and routine

Early Intervention:

• Recognize symptoms early
• Seek evaluation promptly
• Early treatment more effective
• Better outcomes
• Prevent complications

Ongoing Management:

• Continue treatment
• Maintain strategies
• Regular monitoring
• Adjust as needed
• Stay connected

In ADHD:

1. Neurodevelopmental Condition: Brain development differences
2. Neurotransmitter Imbalance: Dopamine, norepinephrine
3. Brain Structure: Differences in certain brain areas
4. Executive Function: Challenges with planning, organization
5. Impact: On attention, behavior, functioning

Causes:

• Genetics: Strong genetic component
• Brain development: Differences in brain structure/function
• Environmental factors: May play a role
• Complex interaction: Of multiple factors

• Most commonly diagnosed in childhood
• Can affect school performance
• Social challenges possible
• Family support crucial
• Early treatment important

• May be newly diagnosed
• May have been undiagnosed in childhood
• Can affect work and relationships
• Treatment still effective
• Different challenges than children

Yes. ADHD is a well-documented neurodevelopmental disorder with clear diagnostic criteria and effective treatments. It's recognized by major medical organizations worldwide.

ADHD is a lifelong condition, though symptoms may change over time. Some people develop better coping strategies, and hyperactivity often decreases with age, but inattention and impulsivity may persist.

No. Medications help improve attention and reduce impulsivity, but they don't change who you are. They help you function better, not change your personality.

Yes. ADHD can continue into adulthood, and some people are diagnosed for the first time as adults. Adult ADHD is very real and treatable.

No. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition with strong genetic and biological components. Parenting doesn't cause ADHD, though supportive parenting and structure can help manage symptoms.