Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) previously known as ADD is actually a syndrome commonly detected in children but it may sometimes affect an adult as well.
About 4 to 5% 0f adults in the United States have it. And only a few of them get diagnosed and treated for it.
What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
ADHD is a mental disorder of the neurodevelopmental type. It is noted by difficulty in paying attention, excessive activity, or difficulty controlling specific behavior that is basically not common for a person's age.
It is often very difficult to detect ADHD in kids but it is comparatively distinct in adults. If it is not treated in time, it may cause numerous mental and physical problems in an individual.
Signs and Symptoms
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of ADHD is even higher in small community samples. On top of that, many adults with the cause have never been diagnosed.
It's important to recognize the signs of adult ADHD so you can go for effective treatment measures. Some of those are as follows:
1. Lack of Focus
The most detectable sign of ADHD is trouble paying attention to a specific subject matter. It means an individual easily gets distracted, finding it difficult to listen to others in a conversation.
Overlooking details and not completing tasks or projects in time can also be seen in the affected person. The term just opposite to that is hyperfocus.
2. Hyperfocus
One one hand, a person suffering from ADHD can be easily distracted from the track while on the other hand, they may sometimes have hyperfocus.
A person with ADHD can get so intact in a specific task that they can become unaware of anything else around them. It seems that you are just ignoring the mass but it's actually something that is far beyond the imagination.
This can lead to relationship problems and misunderstanding.
3. Disorganization
A person with ADHD experiences a more hectic life on a regular basis, unlike other normal people.
This can create a difficulty in keeping things in an organized form. In addition to it, the person gets problem keeping track of tasks and trouble prioritizing them in a logical manner.
4. Time Management Problems
As we all know that time management is, in fact, plays a key role to have an effective flow in life. Adults having such syndrome often have trouble using their time to the fullest.
They may pay less attention to important tasks and ignore necessary assignments. They may face problem in matters associated with past and future. They basically make up their mind for the present.
5. Forgetfulness
It's a human nature to forget something occasionally. But to a person suffering from ADHD, forgetfulness is a part of everyday life.
This can include the location where you put some of the important materials or forgetting important dates that are not really acceptable in normal life.
Forgetting something came be upsetting, can be ignored sometimes, but can be serious occasionally. It may sometimes hamper your career and intimate relationships.
There are many other symptoms associated with ADHD like impulsivity, emotional problems, poor self-image, lack of motivation, restlessness, and anxiety, health issues, fatigue, relationship issues, and substance misuse.
Cause
In most cases the cause of ADHD is unknown, however, it is believed to involve interactions between genetic and environmental factors.
Additionally, some cases are associated with the previous infection or trauma to the brain.
1. Genetics
Twin studies proved that the syndrome is often inherited from one's parents with genetics determining about 75% of the cases.
Siblings in the family are more prone to the disorder that certainly persists into adulthood. A number of genes are typically linked with dopamine neurotransmission.
Several genes including DAT, DRD4, DRD5, MAOA, COMT, TAAR1, and DBH are associated with dopamine.
2. Society
Most diagnosed cases of ADHD is deeply rooted in the poor family status and haphazard educational system. Some cases can be explained by improving the academic expectations giving an extra financial aid for children.
Hence a society and family should be organized in a such a way maintaining a perfect boundary between "normal" and "abnormal" behavior that are developed socially.
3. Environment
In additions to the factors mentioned above some environmental factors might play a role. Alcohol intake during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders leading to ADHD or something similar to it.
Extreme premature birth, very low birth weight, and extreme neglect, abuse, or social deprivation also increase the risk.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD can find solutions to overcome the difficulties mentioned above. Getting organized, being stuck with a specific plan, and strictly finishing tasks you started can begin with cognitive behavioral therapy.
Meeting a professional organizer or physician can also work best if the condition is mild. It's a crucial step to learn ways to manage stress, eat right, and get enough sleep at night.
It makes your mind and body alert to face any kind of possible challenges. Performing physical exercises daily including yoga and meditation can also help making the condition stable.
In the case of severe condition, medications may also be useful. Hence, visiting a doctor and taking effective treatment methods can play a vital role in treatment.
For more updates and more health related articles visit our official page.