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Introduction
Apart from having good relationships with friends and families, being able to spend a lot of money on traveling, and finding ones dream job, it is also crucial for many people to be healthy in order to fully enjoy their lives. However, it is impossible for everyone as there are various mental disorders that are not really dangerous, but their inconvenience and common features result in patients lower everyday activities and reduced level of life. One such disease is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Disorder Description
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is considered one of the most typical neurodevelopmental childhood disorders. According to researchers, generally, it is diagnosed in children and may often last into adulthood (National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, 2021). Kids with this disorder may have trouble performing some common activities or controlling their impulsive behaviors. Overall, it is possible for ADHD people to live a happy and relatively normal life even with having persistent problems, but treatment and learning specific tips are essential. Researchers from Mayo Clinic notice that in some cases, ADHD is not recognized or diagnosed until the person is an adult (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2019). What is more, this disorders signs in adults may not be as evident and clear as in kids, but they still struggle with restlessness and impulsiveness.
Signs and Symptoms
In some cases, patients with this mental disorder may have fewer symptoms as they age, and their lives become easier. Nevertheless, for other adults, major features of ADHD continue interfering with daily functioning and activities. It may happen that some adults are not even aware that they have this mental disease and think they only have difficulty with everyday tasks (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2019). Overall, symptoms may range from severe to relatively mild, and the primary ones involve restlessness, impulsiveness, and difficulty paying attention (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2019).
Other typical signs of ADHD can include issues focusing on a task, multitasking and prioritizing problems, disorganization, poor planning, excessive activity, trouble coping with stress, hot temper, frequent mood swings, low frustration tolerance, and poor time management skills (Bennett, 2011). These symptoms are common in adults. As for childrens ADHD features, they are trouble waiting for ones turn, interrupting, self-focused behavior, fidgeting, emotional turmoil, forgetfulness, daydreaming, and avoidance of tasks that require extended mental effort (Legg, 2020).
Common Statistics
ADHD is among the most frequently diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders in both adulthood and childhood. According to 2016 data, about 6.1 million children in the United States (9.4 percent) between ages 2 to 17 are estimated to have ever been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (Saline, 2020, para. 1). Studies find that girls are less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than boys, but it is also believed that this disorder actually affects much more girls than is usually reported (Saline, 2020). African-American and white kids, as well as those in the lowest income brackets, are more likely to be diagnosed with this mental disorder than children in families with higher income or Hispanic kids. As for adults, ADHD diagnoses among them are growing four times faster than are ADHD diagnoses among children in the United States (Saline, 2020, para. 16).
Causes of the Disorder
Unfortunately, the exact causes and risk factors of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are still unknown; that is why research efforts continue in order to allow scientists to manage and reduce the likelihood of people having ADHD. Nevertheless, there are specific factors that are clearly involved in the development of this mental disorder. They include the environment, genetics, and some issues during development (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2019).
First, environmental factors, such as lead exposure, socioeconomic disadvantage, prenatal tobacco or alcohol exposure, and premature birth, are believed to increase the risk of developing ADHD in children (National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, 2021). Second, problems during development include issues with the central nervous system that appear at essential development moments and may play a role in this mental disorders appearance.
Finally, genetics is thought to be the main factor influencing the likelihood of a person having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. According to Mayo Clinic Staff (2019), ADHD can run in families, and studies indicate that genes may play a role (para. 11). Moreover, recent studies of twins allow scientists to draw certain conclusions and link genes with this mental disease. Besides the environment, genetics, and developmental issues, other possible risk factors and causes include low birth weight and brain injury.
Possible Treatments
For adults diagnosed with ADHD, standard treatments generally include psychological counseling, medication, skills training, and education. Indeed, the most effective treatment is a specific combination of these methods (National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, 2021). It may help the patients learn to manage numerous signs of ADHD. The bad news is that even the most expensive medications or the best psychological counselor cannot cure this mental disorder.
To begin with, medications may greatly assist in managing the symptoms. Generally, the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD are stimulants, for instance, products that include amphetamine or methylphenidate (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2019). They appear to balance and boost neurotransmitters levels and have positive effects on patients. As for other medications that are useful in treating ADHD, they involve particular antidepressants (such as bupropion) and the non-stimulant atomoxetine. Even though these options work much slower than stimulants, they are good for patients who cannot take stimulants due to their serious side effects or because of having health problems.
Psychotherapy is another effective method to treat ADHD as it helps patients in various ways. For example, it assists in developing temper control strategies, learning ways to improve relationships, improving ones self-esteem, coping with failures, developing better problem-solving skills, reducing ones impulsive behavior, and enhancing organizational and time management skills (Bennett, 2011). For children younger than six, parent training in behavior management is the first treatment line because medication is not recommended yet (National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, 2021). For older kids, the treatment includes behavior therapy and medication together.
The Impact of the Disorder on a Persons Life
As mentioned above, though ADHD is not a life-threatening disease, it may significantly affect patients lives. Thus, they may feel lost, problematic, and uncomfortable with others, which forces some patients to be less socially active. This, in turn, does not make the situation better but leads to additional issues and the appearance of some other symptoms. Overall, it is challenging for persons to prioritize and focus; that is why some workplace problems, namely, forgotten meetings or missed deadlines, may appear. Some adults inability to control impulses may lead to outbursts of anger, mood swings, or impatience driving in traffic or waiting in line. Children may have difficulty paying attention, sitting quietly, or finishing tasks at school, which generally results in reduced academic performance and lower self-esteem. What is more, such kids are more likely to be bullied by their peers. Children and even adults with ADHD usually prefer avoiding social activities, and such distancing, of course, only adds to their poor emotional condition.
The Impact of the Disorder on a Persons Family
It is hard to disagree that the majority of relatives and family members care about each other. That is why if one is diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, it affects not only their activities but also the lives of their families. Researchers note that if one family member has ADHD, it is likely to have a negative effect on their siblings, parents, and other close relatives (Johnston & Chronis-Tuscano, 2015).
For example, it is rather common for them to feel less happy or less satisfied with their everyday life, and there is a possibility of a reduced desire to be socially active. What is more, in some cases, having a family member with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may lead to more conflict, less family togetherness, and relationship issues (Johnston & Chronis-Tuscano, 2015). When it is time to unite against the problem and fight together to achieve significant treatment results, family members may feel devastated, confused, and not understand why this is happening to them (Johnston & Chronis-Tuscano, 2015). That is why it is essential for medical workers to pay attention not only to the patient but also to their relatives when treating ADHD.
Conclusion
To draw a conclusion, one may say that though ADHD is not a very dangerous condition, it is better not to underestimate its effects. Many patients may feel rejected by society, and this alienation is likely to worsen the situation. Although there is no cure for ADHD, modern methods allow one to efficiently manage numerous symptoms and lead an everyday life. Of course, it is challenging for both patients and their families, but precisely mutual support and joint efforts help to achieve good results in the treatment of ADHD.
References
Bennett, P. (2011). Abnormal and clinical psychology (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill.
Johnston, C., & Chronis-Tuscano, A. (2015). Families and ADHD. In R. A. Barkley (Ed.), Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A handbook for diagnosis and treatment (pp. 191209). The Guilford Press.
Legg, T. J. (2020). 14 signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Healthline. Web.
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019). Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Mayo Clinic. Web.
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities. (2021). What is ADHD? CDC. Web.
Saline, S. (2020). ADHD statistics: New ADD facts and research. ADDitude. Web.
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