ADHD is Adult Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADHD is a mental health condition that encompasses a wide range of persistent problems. The symptoms include: difficulty paying attention, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity. Other ADHD symptoms include unstable relationships, low self-esteem, poor work or school performance, or other problems.
ADHD was known years ago as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). The change in the coding descriptions change the diagnostic criteria and the naming conventions. The diagnostic criteria was changed to more effectively describe the condition. This is the current diagnostic standard.
When do symptoms of ADHD begin?
ADHD symptoms most likely begin in childhood. ADHD can be hard to diagnose and isn’t recognized to be able to be diagnosed until adulthood. Symptoms can decrease over time but can still remain rampant throughout their life. Hyperactivity may decrease but other symptoms like impulsiveness, difficulty paying attention, and restlessness.
What are the symptoms of ADHD
Like many mental health conditions, ADHD has a myriad of symptoms that can vary in severity. While the symptoms that we most associate with ADHD include hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and restlessness, even every day tasks can be a challenge for those living with ADHD. This can be a constant symptom when living with ADHD.
Some of the behaviors include: inability to focus, difficulty prioritizing, missing deadlines or important dates and events, or not following through to attend social engagements. The inability to control impulses can impact many different facets of someone’s life. This can lead to anger, road rage, mood swings, and outbursts of anger.
Here are some of the other symptoms that you may experience living with ADHD:
- Disorganization
- Problems prioritizing
- Poor time management skills
- Problems focusing on a task
- Trouble multitasking
- Excessive activity
- Restlessness
- Poor Planning
- Problems following through and completing tasks
- Hot temper
- Trouble coping with stress
Child Symptoms
The traditional ADHD symptoms that we normally attribute to ADHD are hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and restlessness. This could lead to children experiencing difficulty in school and other facets of their life.
ADHD Statistics
Based on Statistics by the APA, American Psychiatric Association, Men are more than three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than females. (1). 13% of men and just 5% of women will be diagnosed with ADHD in their lifetime (2). These statistics show that ADHD is much more common in males over females but there are still cases in both genders.
How to Diagnose ADHD
ADHD can be difficult to diagnose. Many people experience ADHD in addition to other mental health conditions. The most common way to test is the Conners Test. Silver Lake Psychology is now offering the Conner’s Test to help diagnose ADHD.
What is the Treatment for ADHD
About 4% of the population experiences ADHD and its symptoms (3). While medication can be prescribed, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is a trusted solution for living with ADHD. At THRIVE COUNSELING AND LIFE COACHING, we have many ADHD therapist specialists to ensure that you are receiving the best chance for clinical success.