Are you finding it difficult to differentiate between high energy and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)? Explore the three primary classifications of ADHD, recognize warning signs in youngsters, and examine effective treatment modalities in this comprehensive guide.
The behavior of children at different developmental stages may induce anxiety in parents, leading to the inquiry, “Is my child merely mischievous and playful, or does he exhibit symptoms of ADHD?”
The 3B research team utilizes esteemed scientific resources, such as the US National Library of Medicine (NCBI) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to facilitate the early detection of any issues in your child prior to any detrimental effects. By delineating the principal symptoms of this condition, we want to elucidate your misunderstanding.
ADHD: It’s More Than Just Being Hyper
The neurodevelopmental disorder known as ADHD interferes with the brain’s “executive system.” It’s not just about distraction, unlike what many people think; a person may be unable to concentrate on everyday chores, but they may “hyperfocus” on enjoyable ones.
Up to 74% of the disorder’s causes are genetic, while prenatal factors like pregnancy can have an impact. 30 to 50 percent of persons have the disorder throughout adulthood, despite the fact that it is more common in boys. The difference is that in adulthood, physical restlessness transforms into “restlessness and inner turmoil. Therefore, early identification is key. Because of this, it’s critical that parents identify the disorder in their children at a young age and understand how to manage it.
Classifying ADHD Symptoms: The Three Subtypes
ADHD symptoms can be broadly classified into three groups, despite the fact that they vary from person to person and have a wide spectrum:
1. Predominantly Inattentive
This kind of condition was once known as ADD, which was challenging to identify since, in contrast to other forms of ADHD, the afflicted individual is generally calm and does not engage in excessive activities. However, they battle unsettling thoughts on the inside. The following are some examples of this disorder’s symptoms:
- Making careless mistakes in various matters (academic and work)
- Forgetfulness in some matters (such as paying bills or doing some homework)
- Losing items such as keys, mobile phone or wallet
- Hyperfocus on activities they find interesting
- Avoiding tasks that require continuous mental effort (for example, writing a long report)
2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive
The symptoms of this category are exactly what everyone recognizes as hyperactivity. Individuals with this type of hyperactivity, unlike the previous type, are prone to excessive movement and activity. Some of its symptoms include:
- Restlessness and inability to sit for long periods
- Excessive talking and interrupting others
- Excessive movement of hands and feet (Fidgeting)
- Doing things without thinking (risky decisions made instantly…)
- Eternal energy; they always feel energized (like a mobile phone with infinite charge!)
3. Combined Presentation
In this type, the affected individual shows symptoms of both groups above simultaneously, which is the most common type of hyperactivity.
The Process of Diagnosing Hyperactivity Disorder in Children
Doctors have established a multi-step process to diagnose ADHD in individuals aged 4–18. During this process, they collect various information about these children from parents and people close to them at home, school, and different environments. By using this information and going through the diagnostic steps, they determine whether the child has hyperactivity or not.
It is worth noting that diagnosing this neurodevelopmental disorder is more difficult in children under 4 years old (due to the similarity of disorder symptoms with normal childhood behaviors) and also in adolescents (due to the similarity of symptoms with puberty behaviors).
The Most Important Criteria for Doctors to Diagnose Hyperactivity Disorder
- Hyperactivity symptoms must appear in at least two settings, such as the home and school environments.
- The presence of 6 symptoms for individuals aged 4 to 17, and 5 symptoms for individuals 17 and older, is necessary.
- Hyperactivity symptoms must have caused serious impairment in the various environments where the individual is present.
Possibilities That the Doctor Rules Out
- Learning disabilities or intellectual disabilities
- Hearing or vision problems
- Anxiety, depression, or history of childhood trauma
- Sleep problems or seizures
The Role of Those Around Affected Individuals
- Parents: Family members, especially the child’s parents, must provide the doctor with a list of behaviors that affect the child’s life within the family. They should also provide information about the family to the doctor to improve the diagnostic process.
- School: Teachers and supervisors are required to provide the doctor with grade reports and samples of the child’s homework to compare their performance with their peers.
ADHD Treatment and Management
Is typically managed through a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Medications
There are two primary classes of medication available to manage this condition. Treatment requires professional medical oversight, and your physician will determine the most appropriate regimen to address specific symptoms. Effective pharmaceutical management is crucial for mitigating the significant challenges associated with this disorder.
- Stimulants: are a type of drug. These medicines include methylphenidate (commonly known as Ritalin) and amphetamines. They can definitely help individuals concentrate. This is because stimulants cause the brain to produce dopamine. Dopamine is a molecule that improves concentration. As a result, when stimulants enhance dopamine levels, people may be able to pay attention and focus better. This is why stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamines can be beneficial for persons who have difficulty concentrating.
- Non-stimulants: Stimulants may not be effective for everyone due to potential negative effects. For these patients, doctors frequently offer non-stimulants such as atomoxetine, also known as Strattera or guanfacine. These drugs are an alternative for persons who have previously struggled with drug usage or who experience negative side effects from stimulants. Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine or guanfacine may be suitable for them.
Psychotherapy and training in some strategies for managing ADHD
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) aims to help children & adults improve their thinking patterns. This is really beneficial since it allows people to develop positive thinking skills. They can also learn how to organize their time. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, is particularly effective at modifying mental habits.
- Parental education is crucial. Many parents have limited knowledge of this disorder. They are unsure how to deal with their child who has this disorder. Training for parents is quite beneficial. It assists parents in modifying the home environment so that the child with this disorder is not harmed. In this manner, the child with this disorder will be safe at home.
Lifestyle and individual strategies
- Non-medication options for preventing the disorder are available. A few easy actions might exacerbate the disorder on a daily basis. You can reduce the disorder’s severity by modifying some of your daily activities or paying attention to what you’re doing. This is a strategy for mitigating the disorder’s negative effects.
- Regular exercise has numerous health benefits. It increases your body’s dopamine levels. This is beneficial since it lessens restlessness. When you exercise, you produce more dopamine, which makes you feel more calm and relaxed, which is especially beneficial for people who are restless. Regular exercise can greatly help with this condition.
- Sleep is crucial. When you do not get enough sleep, your ADHD symptoms can worsen significantly. Sleep is important since it can alleviate ADHD symptoms. Getting enough sleep helps to keep ADHD symptoms under control.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Eat balanced meals and avoid artificial additives.
- Use organizational tools: Utilize planners, phone alarms, and checklists to “outsource” working memory.
Conclusion
ADHD is not inherently negative; it signifies a different brain function. Those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, such as artists and entrepreneurs, can leverage their unique qualities—creativity, energy, and focused interest in enjoyable activities—to achieve success. For parents noticing symptoms in their children, seeking advice from a mental health professional is crucial for proper understanding and management of ADHD, which should be viewed as a unique trait rather than a limitation.
