ADHD, also called attention deficit hyperactive disorder, is a behavior disorder, which affects

children and teens and can continue into adulthood. ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed
mental disorder of children characterized by inattention, impulsivity and, in some cases,
hyperactivity. These symptoms usually occur together; however, one can happen without the
other and interfere with school and home life.

Symptoms of hyperactivity, when present, are almost always evident at the age of 7 and may be
present in very young preschools. Lack of attention or attention deficit may not be apparent until a
child faces primary school expectations.

What are the different types of ADHD?

The three different types of ADHD are the following:

ADHD inattention and distraction type: This type of ADHD is predominantly characterized by
inattention and distraction without hyperactivity

ADHD impulsive/hyperactive type: This, the least common type of ADHD, is characterized by
impulsive and overactive behaviors without a lack of attention and distraction.

ADHD combined type: This, the most common type of ADHD, is characterized by impulsive and
overactive behaviors as well as inattention and distraction.

Who is affected by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?

Estimates suggest that about 4% to 12% of children have ADHD. Boys are 2 to 3 times more likely
to have hyperactive or combined ADHD than girls

Many parents of children with ADHD experienced ADHD symptoms when they were younger.
ADHD is commonly found in brothers and sisters within the same family. Most families seek help
when their child's symptoms begin to interfere with learning and adjust to school expectations in
age-appropriate activities.

Symptoms of ADHD

The symptoms of ADHD differ in their presentation between children and adults. In children, the
symptoms may be more apparent, while adults have often found ways to cover up or make
excuses for their symptoms. It’s important to understand the differences in the ways that ADHD
symptoms appear in children versus adults.

There are three main components that make up ADHD: inattention, hyperactivity and Impulsivity.
But not everyone diagnosed with attention deficit disorder has all three.
Inattention

You might not notice it until a child goes to school. In adults, it may be easier to notice at work or
in social situations.

The person might procrastinate, not complete tasks like homework or chores, or frequently move
from one uncompleted activity to another.

They might also:

 Be disorganized
 Lack of focus
 Have a hard time paying attention to details and a tendency to make careless mistakes.
Their work might be messy and seem careless.
 Have trouble staying on topic while talking, not listening to others, and not following social
rules
 Be forgetful about daily activities (for example, missing appointments, forgetting to bring
lunch)
 Be easily distracted by things like trivial noises or events that are usually ignored by
others.

Hyperactivity

It may vary with age. You might be able to notice it in preschoolers. ADHD symptoms nearly
always show up before middle school.

Kids with hyperactivity may:

 Fidget and squirm when seated.

On the other hand, Hyperactivity can show up as feelings of restlessness in teens and adults. They
may also have a hard time doing quiet activities where you sit still.

Impulsivity

Symptoms of this include:

Impatience

Having a hard time waiting to talk or react

 Have a hard time waiting for their turn.

How ADHD affects the brain?

Neurotransmitters are like chemical messengers between the different parts of the brain. Studies
indicate that ADHD causes problems with the chemical messengers that connect two brain areas:
the prefrontal cortex and the basal ganglia. These areas communicate through two
neurotransmitters called dopamine and noradrenaline. Furthermore, it is believed that in people
with ADHD, there is an alteration in the way noradrenalin and dopamine levels are regulated,
leading to a reduction in their levels and abnormal functioning.

Many brain-imaging studies have shown that there are several brain regions broadly affected by
inactivity and dysfunction as a result of neurotransmitter imbalance experienced by children with
ADHD:

Prefrontal Cortex: Functions as an intersection for attention, behaviors and emotional responses.
For people with ADHD, attention is switched easily.

Limbic System: Regulates emotions. Deficiency of Dopamine in the ADHD limbic system may result
in restlessness, inattention or emotional volatility.

Basal Ganglia: Neural circuit system that regulates communication within the brain. In the ADHD
brain, a 2 “Short-circuit” can cause inattention or impulsivity

Reticular Activating System: The major relay system between the brain’s pathways. A dopamine
deficiency may cause impulsivity and hyperactivity.

In February 2017, researchers at Radboud University found that five areas of the brain, the
caudate nucleus, putamen, nucleus accumbens, amygdala and hippocampus, were smaller in the
brains of people with ADHD. The researchers found this by examining the brain volumes of 1,713
people with ADHD and 1,529 without ADHD using a MRI scanner.

Causes of ADHD

ADHD is one of the most researched areas in the mental health of children and adolescents.
However, the precise cause of the disorder is still unknown. Although a combination of factors is
thought to be responsible.
Genetics:

ADHD tends to run in families and, in most cases, it's thought the genes that inherit from the
parents are a significant factor in developing the condition.

Research shows that parents and siblings of a child with ADHD are more likely to have ADHD
themselves.

However, the way ADHD is inherited is likely to be complex and is not thought to be related to a
single genetic fault.

Brain function and structure:

Research has identified a number of possible differences in the brains of people with ADHD from
those without the condition, although the exact significance of these is not clear.

Groups at risk

Certain groups are also believed to be more at risk of ADHD, including people:

 Who were born prematurely (before the 37th week of pregnancy) or with a low birth
weight
 With epilepsy
 With brain damage – which happened either in the womb or after a severe head injury
later in life

Treatment oh ADHD

Treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can help relieve the symptoms and
make the condition much less of a problem in day-to-day life.

ADHD can be treated using medication or therapy, but a combination of both is often best.

Treatment is usually arranged by a specialist, such as a pediatrician or psychiatrist, although the

Medication

There are 5 types of medication licensed for the treatment of ADHD:

 methylphenidate
 dexamfetamine
 lisdexamfetamine
 atomoxetine
 guanfacine
These medications are not a permanent cure for ADHD but may help someone with the condition
concentrate better, be less impulsive, feel calmer, and learn and practice new skills. Also, some
medications need to be taken every day, but some can be taken just on school days. Treatment
breaks are occasionally recommended to assess whether the medication is still needed.

Therapy

As well as taking medication, different therapies can be useful in treating ADHD in children,
teenagers and adults. Therapy is also effective in treating additional problems, such as conduct or
anxiety disorders, that may appear with ADHD.

Some of the therapies that may be used are:

Psychotherapy (counseling)

It can help someone with ADHD learn better ways to handle their emotions and frustration. It can
also help improve their self-esteem. Counseling may also help family members better understand
the child or adult with ADHD.

Psychoeducation

Psychoeducation means you or your child will be encouraged to discuss ADHD and its effects. It
can help children, teenagers and adults make sense of being diagnosed with ADHD, and can help
you to cope and live with the condition.

Behavior therapy

Behavior therapy provides support for carers of children with ADHD and may involve teachers as
well as parents. Behavior therapy usually involves behavior management, which uses a system of
rewards to encourage your child to try to control their ADHD.

Parent training and education programs

If your child has ADHD, specially tailored parent training and education programs can help you
learn specific ways of talking to your child, and playing and working with them to improve their
attention and behavior.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT is talking therapies that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think
and behave. A therapist would try to change how your child feels about a situation, which would in
turn potentially change their behavior.
ADHD can be a growth opportunity

Currently, ADHD is a known and assumed condition, on which there are more and more
information and tools that are implemented to help people who own it, but that cannot prevent
some parents from feeling concerned when their child develops such a disorder.

Nevertheless, it must be known that ADHD is not a limiting factor in people's lives; on the
contrary, many have been given an impetus to achieve their goals and to place themselves in
renowned and recognized positions today.

We can take an example of Brendon Urie, he was diagnosed when he was 13 years old by a child
psychologist who said he was suffering from a severe case of ADHD, the psychologist prescribed
medication and he was able to focus more on school and other activities, everything seemed to go
well but the truth was that Brendon wasn't doing well at all, The drugs helped him control
hyperactivity but inhibited him from other things, “I didn't like who I'd become. It's not like this for
everybody but for me it was like, I'm inside this body and I'm watching myself behave a certain
way and there's nothing I can do about it.' It was terrifying…” For a while He continued to take the
pills until he made the decision to leave them, he would rather be the same and face the problem
than simply numb it. Today He is a singer-songwriter, musician, multi-instrumentalist, actor and
streamer best known as the lead vocalist of Panic! At the Disco

Another example may be Adam Levine who was diagnosed with ADHD as a teenager. "Growing up
I thought my ADHD was gone. Eventually, I realized something was still there. I was able to work
with my doctor to manage my symptoms." He is now a musician, singer, songwriter, record
producer, entrepreneur and actor. Also He is the lead singer for the pop rock band Maroon 5.

On the other hand there is also Rick Riordan, a famous writer, He is known for writing the Percy
Jackson & the Olympians series, about a twelve-year-old Percy Jackson who discovers he is a son
of Greek God Poseidon. One of the recognized aspects of this saga is that the characters, being
more specific the demigods are born with ADHD and dyslexia and on the contrary for a normal
person for them these conditions are useful and very well used in their environment. Riordan
conceived the idea for the Percy Jackson series as bedtime stories about ancient Greek heroes for
his son Haley. Haley had been diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia, inspiring Riordan to make the
titular protagonist ADHD and dyslexic.

We need to start seeing ADHD more as an opportunity for growth than as an obstacle for our
children and the people around us. Hyperactivity greatly enhances the creative skills that people
can have and that often translates into an enhancer for good ideas if children are driven by a
person who supports them in spite of everything.