ADHD – My Web

Understanding ADHD: Signs, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a form of neurodivergence, which affects millions of children and adults worldwide.

ADHD primarily affects:

Attention:

Trouble maintaining focus or becoming easily distracted.
Hyperactivity:
Excessive energy or difficulty sitting still.
Impulsivity:
Acting without thinking or interrupting conversations.

Characterised by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, ADHD can influence daily functioning, relationships, and overall mental health and wellbeing. However, with the right diagnosis, treatment, and support, individuals with ADHD can thrive.

This article explores key ADHD symptoms, diagnosis methods, and a variety of treatment strategies, including therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and medication that are intended to be used holistically as part of an ADHD treatment plan.

Recognising ADHD Signs, Symptoms and Subtypes:

ADHD Signs and Symptoms in Children:

Children with ADHD can exhibit difficulty focusing in class or during activities.
Children with ADHD may frequently lose belongings, such as books, toys, or school supplies.
Children with ADHD may express fidgeting, excessive talking, or an inability to remain seated.
Children with ADHD can frequently interrupt conversations, or blurt out answers to classwork/homework.
Children with ADHD may struggle to follow instructions or complete tasks.

Children with ADHD can often experience struggles with academic performance and completing homework, alongside difficulty following rules or maintaining friendships, or avoiding impulsive behaviours which could lead to social and/or educational challenges.

Early intervention, including behavioural therapy and structured routines, can support children with ADHD to develop essential coping skills.

ADHD Signs and Symptoms in Adults:

Adults with ADHD may experience difficulties with organisation, time management, and meeting deadlines.
Adults with ADHD may experience issues with persistent forgetfulness and/or procrastination.
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty maintaining focus in conversations, meetings or other professional/social contexts.
Adults with ADHD may exhibit restlessness, or feel a constant need to engage in some form of activity.
Adults with ADHD can make decisions impulsively, which may lead to personal and professional regrets in the adult’s life.

Studies suggest that up to 60% of children with ADHD continue to experience symptoms into adulthood, often leading to workplace challenges such as missed deadlines or poor time management, alongside difficulty managing finances and household responsibilities and relationship struggles due to impulsivity or inattentiveness.

Many adults with ADHD often go undiagnosed, sometimes mistaking their symptoms for stress or personality traits.

A formal ADHD diagnosis can provide clarity, alongside access to support groups, therapy, and treatment options.

Recognising these symptoms, thus, is the first step towards effective ADHD management.

Although some individuals may struggle predominantly with either inattention (ADHD-PI, or ‘predominantly inattentive’ ADHD) or hyperactivity (ADHD-HI, or ‘hyperactive-impulsive’ ADHD), others experience a combination of both (ADHD-C, or ‘combined ADHD’), highlighting an underlying need for personalised treatment approaches that support the individual with ADHD to thrive in their daily lives.

Holistic Treatment Options for ADHD:

Although ADHD has no cure, it is highly manageable with the right support, and individuals diagnosed with ADHD can go on to live highly fulfilling lives.

In this context, a holistic approach combines therapy, lifestyle changes, and (when necessary) medication prescription, in order to address individual needs.

1. Behavioural Therapy

Behavioural therapy helps individuals to modify habits and develop coping strategies. Popular methods include:

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT); in the context of therapy for ADHD, CBT focuses on helping the individual with ADHD to recognise thought patterns associated with impulsivity and anxiety, in addition to negative thought patterns which the individual may experience, thereby supporting organic behavioural change.

Parent training programs help equip parents with techniques in order to manage behaviour, in addition to creating structured routines at home.

2. Medication for ADHD

Medications can play a supportive role in ADHD management, often enhancing the individual’s focus and impulse control compared to not taking the medication(s), and thereby improving the individual’s quality of life.

Stimulants are commonly prescribed as a pharmacotherapy for ADHD management; for example, the stimulant medicines methylphenidate (Ritalin; Concerta), dexamphetamine (Adderall; Dexedrine) and lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse; Vyvanse) are commonly prescribed for ADHD almost-worldwide, often as first- or second-line pharmacotherapies for ADHD.

Stimulants work via boosting levels of the brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) dopamine and norepinephrine to improve attention and emotional regulation, thereby improving executive and behavioural functioning in individuals with ADHD.

Non-stimulant medications, such as the norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor atomoxetine (Strattera) and the alpha-2 agonist guanfacine (Intuniv), approved for pharmacological treatment of ADHD, are often prescribed to individuals with ADHD who do not respond well to classical stimulants (i.e. a history of stimulant abuse, or side effects experienced from the stimulant(s) themselves otherwise), do not respond strongly enough to stimulants alone, or experience side effects due to medical stimulant use.

Medication, despite improving focus and emotional regulation/executive functioning in and of themselves, are most effective when combined with non-pharmacotherapeutic modalities such as therapy, behavioural coaching, and lifestyle adjustments, ensuring a balanced treatment plan for the individual with ADHD that takes into account their unique strengths and weaknesses.

3. Lifestyle Changes and Natural Approaches

Changes to diet and nutrition can support some individuals with ADHD to manage, or reduce, their symptoms of ADHD; for example, reducing sugar and processed foods may help some individuals with ADHD to manage symptoms.
Exercise, in addition to mindfulness practice, for example activities such as yoga, meditation, and regular physical activity can improve focus and help reduce stress.
Establishing consistent sleep routines as part of sleep hygiene, alongside limiting blue light exposure in a given time window before sleep, can help to support emotional regulation and mental clarity.

Practical Tips for Managing ADHD:

Breaking tasks into smaller steps can help to prevent overwhelm, by allowing the individual to focus on one task at a time.
Using organisational tools, such as apps, planners, and reminders can help individuals with ADHD to manage their time better.
Creating consistent routines can help individuals with ADHD to maintain structured schedules for meals, work, and sleep.
Individuals with ADHD can build a support network, by joining ADHD support groups and/or seeking help from coaches and therapists.
Individuals with ADHD can practice self-care, via incorporating stress-relief activities such as journaling, nature walks, or yoga.

Parenting a Child with ADHD:

Parenting a child with ADHD requires patience with the child’s behaviour, which may not always meet parental or societal expectations, alongside consistency.

Tips can include setting clear expectations, in addition to the use of visual schedules and checklists to reinforce routines, positive reinforcement to reward good behaviour with praise and/or incentives, and collaboration with educators such as school staff, developing individualised support plans (IEPs) to promote academic and social success in the child’s school life.

Thriving with ADHD

ADHD is often misunderstood as a limitation—it’s a unique way of thinking and processing the world. With early diagnosis, therapy, medication (where appropriate and recommended by qualified mental health professionals) and lifestyle strategies, individuals with ADHD can harness their strengths and lead fulfilling lives.

Whether you’re exploring natural approaches, considering medication, or looking for behavioral therapy, the key lies in finding a personalised ADHD treatment plan that fits your needs.

Helping you create change and uncover inner happiness