Hyperactivity and impulsivity are normal parts of childhood. Usually, kids especially in their toddler phase are hyperactive and constantly exploring. However, if the hyperactivity remains persistent till adulthood then you might be living with ADHD.
It’s a common misconception that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) only affects children. Nonetheless, adults with ADHD also experience difficulties.
ADHD mostly affects children between the ages of 2 to 7. ADHD symptoms vary with age; typically, children outgrow the disorder as their main symptoms lessen.
Individuals with inattention may struggle to focus on daily tasks, forget details, and have less attention spans. Additionally, impulsivity and hyperactivity may include excessive talking, difficulty waiting, or continuous interpreting others.
The right diagnosis is necessary because it not only helps in taking the personalized treatment but also reduces the daily internal struggle that comes with these symptoms.
However, these symptoms may vary and become challenging in personal, professional, and social life.
This article explains about ADHD and how it impacts our daily lives. We will also learn about the potential triggers and causes of ADHD behavior. In addition, we will learn about online ADHD treatment and ADHD medications.
How Does ADHD Impact Daily Life?
ADHD significantly affects day-to-day functioning. As a child, they struggle to concentrate while studying, deal with chronic stress, have trouble socializing, and deal with behavioral problems.
With age, the challenges change and they struggle to manage relationships, time, and expectations in both their personal and professional lives.
Adults with ADHD typically endure constant frustration and anxiety because of poor self-esteem, get frustrated easily, and change jobs frequently.
Let’s take a look at these challenges:
Academic Challenges
Children in their academic years struggle to follow instructions, stay organized, and maintain long attention spans. It is a big challenge for them not to procrastinate on their tasks.
ADHD kids are often perceived as troublemakers or lazy by their teachers. However, they work even harder than their classmates.
This continuous struggle increases frustration and leads to low motivation and frustration.
Workplace Struggle
As ADHD children reach adulthood they face new challenges in their professional life.
They find it hard to meet deadlines, understand workplace dynamics, and maintain a healthy connection with peers. ADHD adults are in a constant state of anxiety with a feeling of adequacy.
Relationship Challenges
ADHD has a significant impact on the personal life. The impulsivity leads to conflicts and misunderstandings. In addition, inattention leads to forgetfulness. These challenges make the relationship a continuous struggle for an individual as well as for their partner, it leads to depression and isolation.
What Are the Causes & Triggers of ADHD?
Now that we have developed our understanding of ADHD let’s look at how it starts:
Causes of ADHD
The root cause of ADHD is unclear. However, the research done on ADHD suggested that it has the following factors behind it:
- Neurological
- Genetic combination
- Environmental
ADHD’s family history is one of the leading causes. However, other environmental factors such as premature birth, low birth weight, and exposure to toxins can also be the reason for ADHD.
Triggers of ADHD
Understanding the triggers of ADHD helps to manage the symptoms and effectively treat them. The possible triggers can be:
- Stress
- Poor diet
- Dull lifestyle
- Social situations
- Lack of sleep
ADHD: From Adulthood to Childhood
The symptoms of ADHD vary in different phases of life. The symptoms you face as a child will change as you reach teenage and then adulthood.
Let’s look at each one-by-one
ADHD Children
The hyperactivity and impulsivity are a very prominent symptom of ADHD in children. They are always in a continuous state of being active even when they are learning.
Below are common symptoms that children with ADHD experience:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Non Stop talking
- Continuously moving
- Impatient
- Less or no eye contact
- Difficulty following instruction
- Endless energy
Some, but not all, of these hyperactivity-related symptoms may be present in your kid.
ADHD Teens
When the ADHD kid transitions to teen the hyperactivity-related symptoms often change into inattentiveness.
In their teen years, they are responsible for planning their assignment, preparing for exams, or scheduling home chores. It often feels like pressure to focus more. This leads to the symptoms of forgetfulness and inattention.
ADHD Adults
ADHD symptoms, as you age, become less noticeable. ADHD in adults is an entirely different experience as compared to ADHD in children.
The symptoms of hyperactivity as a child can change into forgetfulness as you reach adulthood. However, with age, when the symptoms become less obvious it does not mean their ADHD will not impact your life.
ADHD looks like this in adults:
- Disorganization
- Forgetfulness
- Trouble with time management
- Procrastination
- Distraction
- Impulsive decision making
It can have a greater impact on your personal and professional life. As an adult, you interact with multiple people daily so ADHD might cause a hindrance to maintaining those relationships.
How to Manage ADHD?
ADHD is manageable through different types of behavioral therapies and medication. The mental health professional suggests the right treatment based on the severity of your symptoms.
ADHD Therapy
Below are the different therapies that can help manage ADHD symptoms effectively
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): It is effective in managing thoughts, behavior, and regulating emotions
- Behavior therapy: It is effective in managing everyday behaviors.
- Mindfulness & Relaxation: It encourages self-awareness and emotional regulation. It helps in improving the attention span and increases focus.
ADHD Medication
Managing ADHD with medication is effective yet only opts for selective conditions. It is advisable to always consult the medical health professional for the medication.
ADHD medications are into two types
- Stimulant Medication
The medication, methylphenidate and amphetamines, works by increasing the level of neurotransmitters in the brain and helps maintain focus and impulse control.
- Non-stimulant Medications
The non-stimulant medication, atomoxetine, helps individuals who find it hard to respond to stimulants and treats side effects.
Online ADHD Treatment
In recent years, online ADHD therapy has grown in popularity. You can now communicate with medical specialists from the comfort of your own home. It has made medical facilities widely accessible from anywhere in the world. Additionally, it has decreased travel time, and your healthcare provider is only a phone call away.
Telehealth Service of ADHD Treatment Online
SDKare is a reliable telehealth service that aims to treat your mental health issues. We believe that for mental health especially you need to stay connected with your consultant. They can help you in your journey in managing it effectively. Our team of professionals has years of experience in treating mental health conditions including ADHD.
Here are the reasons why SDKare is a dependable option for ADHD treatment online:
- Accessibility: Get access and connect to our qualified professional
- Tailored Treatment Plan: We treat ADHD according to every individual needs and symptoms
- Ease: You can easily schedule appointments even for initial screening as well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Can ADHD be diagnosed in adults?
Yes! It is possible to diagnose ADHD in adults. Many people with ADHD might not have received a diagnosis when they were children, but they might eventually become aware of the symptoms.
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Is ADHD a mental illness?
ADHD is a neurological issue often misinterpreted as being a mental disorder. It has an impact on brain development and function.
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Are there medications to treat ADHD?
Certainly, some medications can help control the symptoms of ADHD. These medications improve function by restoring balance to the brain’s neurotransmitters.
Conclusion
To sum up, ADHD is a common neurological issue. It is crucial to understand the causes and triggers if you or your loved ones are suffering from it you can better help them. ADHD is treatable through medication and therapy. You can seek online ADHD treatment to get connected with the best medical healthcare professional. Seeking the right support at the right time can help you in improving your quality of life.