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ADHD was once known as ADD. Though the name was officially changed in the 1990s, many people often still use the term “ADD” when they mean “ADHD.” The two are effectively the same. 

Symptoms of ADHD

ADHD is defined by an inability to focus on or pay attention to something for a long period of time; hyperactivity, which refers to an amount of movement deemed excessive for the situation; and making rash decisions. 

Of course, hyperactivity and the inability to pay attention are hallmarks of the behavior of almost all young children — just think about the last toddler birthday party you attended! Yet, the difference with ADHD is that this impulsive behavior is exhibited more than what is typically exhibited in others. . 

For example, most children can be rowdy when they first come into the classroom after playing outside at recess, but they tend to calm down as class begins. However, some children aren’t able to calm down, continuing to act out, get out of their seats, and talk to others instead of paying attention to the day’s lessons. It is this inability to focus or calm down causes sustained problems at school and at home that might be indicative of ADHD. 

Diagnosis 

Diagnosing ADHD can be difficult given that symptoms vary from mild to severe and may change depending on a person’s environment or circumstances. For example, stressful situations are known to intensify symptoms. Furthermore, symptoms also present differently based on gender and can change with age. 

There is no lab test that can determine ADHD. Diagnoses are made based on data and observations gathered on a person’s behavior, typically in the classroom by teachers. Most children receive a diagnosis of ADHD following inappropriate behavior at school. 

Causes 

There is some evidence that ADHD is a genetic condition — 3 out of 4 people who suffer from it have close relatives with the condition. 

Other risk factors for developing ADHD include experiencing a brain injury, being exposed to dangerous elements, such as lead, early in life, and if your mother used alcohol, tobacco, or drugs during pregnancy. Premature birth and low birth weight may also have effects on ADHD. 

Types of ADHD

There are three different types of ADHD: 

1. Predominantly Inattentive 

People with this type of ADHD tend to experience a lack of ability to focus or finish tasks. Since children with this type of the disorder don’t disrupt the classroom, it is often less apparent and therefore under-diagnosed. Interestingly, it is seen more often in more girls than boys. 

Some common behaviors Include: 

• Forgets daily tasks such as chores or homework for children, and returning phone calls or paying bills for adults 
• Doesn’t pay attention to detail and makes careless mistakes at work or in school 
• Gets easily distracted 
• Has trouble paying attention for longer lectures or conversations or while reading 
• Misplaces things such as cell phones, keys, notebooks, glasses, etc. 
• Doesn’t seem to be listening when spoken to 
• Has problems with time management and organization 
• Finds it difficult to complete tasks or follow instructions 
• Tendency to procrastinate 

2. Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive 

Hallmarks of this type of ADHD include fidgeting, interruptions, and impatience. While inattention isn’t as common with this type, it can still be difficult to finish tasks. 

Some common behaviors Include: 

• Fidgeting, such as foot tapping and squirming in seat
• Interrupts other during conversations or activities
• Frequently gets up from their seat, either in the classroom or the office
• Has difficulty waiting in line or for their turn
• Displays bursts of activity, such as running or jumping, at inappropriate times 
• Talks too much 
• Is constantly on the move
• Inability to just sit quietly

3. Mixed 

As the name implies, those who have Mixed ADHD display symptoms of inattention as well as hyperactivity and impulsivity. This is the most common type of ADHD diagnosis. 

ADHD in Children

ADHD is commonly diagnosed in children and can be diagnosed as early as age three, but is often diagnosed before a child turns twelve. While short attention spans and hyperactivity is common in all children at one point or another, ADHD may be present when these behaviors are recurring and chronic. 

Many children with ADHD struggle academically and may also experience problems with self-esteem and in their relationships. 

While ADHD in children does not directly cause other developmental or psychological issues, children who have ADHD are more likely to also experience other disorders, such as oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders, and may develop issues with substance abuse later in life. 

While there is presently no cure for ADHD, symptoms and behaviors can be managed, and often change or lessen over time. 

ADHD in Adults 

ADHD does not develop in adulthood; it would likely have developed in childhood and been undiagnosed. Therefore, most adults who have ADHD may not know they have it. For them, the daily work of being an adult is challenging — more challenging than for other people. Adults with ADHD struggle to pay attention at work, finish tasks, and may miss important deadlines and appointments. All the while, they are unaware that they are struggling with ADHD. This can result in a lot of frustrations and temperamental problems, as well as low self-esteem. 

While children with ADHD face challenges in school, the stakes can be higher for adults with ADHD. They may face financial problems, struggle with substance abuse, get in trouble with the law, have unhealthy relationships, get into accidents, and have other problems with mental and physical health. 

A diagnosis of ADHD for adults can be a godsend for those struggling with the condition. It can help explain why a person has been wrestling with particular issues since childhood and can shine a light on bigger questions of identity and life choices. 

Some surprising or little-known manifestations of ADHD in adults include: 

• Tendency to be late for dates, appointments, and other obligations
• Love of caffeine, including: soda, coffee, and energy drinks
• Difficulty with sleep, whether that be falling asleep or getting enough quality sleep 
• Ability to hyper-focus on one task to the detriment of other responsibilities or sleep 
• Forgetting people’s birthdays and anniversaries
• Getting lots of parking and speeding tickets
• Zoning out and missing important information 
• Not trusting that they’ll be able to follow through on commitments 

ADHD may not be as noticeable in adults because most adults aren’t restricted to sitting still in a classroom for many hours a day. Adults with ADHD may choose careers such as nursing, teaching, or sales, in order to avoid sitting at a desk all day. 

In order to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, the following criteria need to be met.  

• Symptoms must have been present since childhood. 
• Behaviors must be present in more than one environment — i.e., not just in the office, but also at home and in one’s social life. 
• A person must exhibit five or more of the behaviors listed in the “Types of ADHD” sections above. 
• Symptoms must have an effect on performance at work or in school. 
• Other issues must have been ruled out, such as bipolar disorder or other mood and anxiety disorders. 

ADHD in Women and Girls 

In general, ADHD is more commonly found in boys and men, and girls and women tend to have inattentive ADHD as opposed to hyperactive/impulsive, which is more commonly left undiagnosed. Because ADHD is more easily seen and associated with hyperactive behavior, a girl who exhibits quiet symptoms, such as forgetfulness or lack of attention, is far less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than a boy who frequently disrupts class. 

This is not to say that girls don’t also suffer from hyperactivity-impulsivity ADHD — they do, simply at lower rates, and when they do, it’s frequently attributed to personality traits. A girl or woman may be labeled a “tomboy” or a “drama queen.” 

ADHD can also fluctuate a great deal during a woman’s life due to hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, all of which can lead to more pronounced symptoms. Women with ADHD are also more likely to experience eating disorders. In the past, many women with ADHD were incorrectly diagnosed with anxiety or depression. 

Thanks to more research and a greater understanding of ADHD, more women are getting the answers they deserve, finally receiving ADHD diagnoses, which can help them understand their symptoms and allay much of the shame or guilt they may have felt while struggling with the condition. 

Treatment 

There are a number of treatment options available to those who have ADHD. The more common treatment is medication, which falls into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulants. Though it seems counter-intuitive to prescribe someone with hyperactivity a stimulant, these medications are known to reduce hyperactivity and increase focus for those with ADHD. Commonly prescribed medications include Adderall and Ritalin. Non-stimulants, such as Wellbutrin XL, are sometimes prescribed as an alternative if a stimulant isn’t effective. 

Behavioral strategies are also hugely beneficial for treating ADHD, in both children and adults. Most of these strategies provide much-needed structure to the day, which is greatly beneficial for those with ADHD. Some examples of helpful behavioral strategies include: making schedules, using timers, creating checklists, and using paper or electronic planners to keep track of appointments and other tasks. 

Counseling and therapy have also been proven to be helpful for those with ADHD, as they can provide helpful coping strategies, as well as help deal with the shame and stigma that often comes from living with ADHD. 

In addition, coaching, support groups, and training programs in social skills are great resources for dealing with ADHD. 

A combination of medication, behavioral strategies, and therapy has been proven to be most effective for treating ADHD. As with mental health generally, it’s also important to eat a healthy diet, get plenty of physical exercise, stick to a regular sleep schedule, and limit screen time.

The Bright Side 

As with many mental health conditions, living with ADHD is not entirely negative. Those who have ADHD tend to be creative, original thinkers with lots of energy and enthusiasm. They are often fun to be around and curious about the world. They also tend to be sensitive to others’ struggles, given their own challenges. 

If you’re struggling with ADHD and would like to start feeling better, speaking with a psychiatric provider or licensed therapist may be a good first step. 

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Remember, no one can diagnose ADHD except for a mental health professional.

First: ADHD vs. ADD

Many people refer to ADHD by its original name, ADD —or attention-deficit disorder. (It doesn’t hurt that ADD is much catchier.) However, the current medical term is ADHD. Why? When the disorder was first added to the DSM-III in 1980, the medical community didn’t recognize how frequently hyperactivity co-occurred with attention-deficit symptoms.

Now we know that many people with ADHD are hyperactive. That’s why ADHD is currently the preferred term.

What Is ADHD?

Before digging into the details, it’s important to understand what ADHD is. This disorder affects your brain’s prefrontal cortex, which manages your executive function, emotional regulation, and impulse control. While “emotional regulation” and “impulse control” are likely self-explanatory, executive function is much more complex.

Do you have difficulty planning your days? Do you lose track of time easily? For you, is “multitask” a four-letter word? Those are signs your executive function may need some fine tuning — which could suggest you suffer from ADHD.

If you do have ADHD, you’re not alone: about 8.4 percent of children and 2.5 percent of adults share this diagnosis.

While there’s no known scientific cause of ADHD, there are some clues. Researchers have found genetic links, although they’re not yet certain which genes are involved. Other possibilities include: premature birth, brain injury or smoking, drinking, or stress during pregnancy.

Diagnosis as an Adult

While most people with ADHD are diagnosed during their childhood, it’s not uncommon for the disorder to continue unnoticed into adulthood — especially for women. Perhaps your symptoms weren’t severe enough for adults to register the disorder when you were a child, or you simply developed coping methods that hid the evidence. Those coping mechanisms may have created increased anxiety as you aged, which can also be a sign of ADHD.

Generally, the symptoms in adults aren’t as explicit or obvious as in children, simply because they’ve already learned to regulate their hyperactivity and work around attention-deficit issues. This goes double for children who learned to intuitively manage their own ADHD symptoms. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have a problem, or that your disorder isn’t affecting your work and relationships.

If you think you have ADHD, even if you weren’t diagnosed as a child, it’s important to see a qualified mental health professional. Therapy and medication can significantly improve your life and well-being.

Primary Types of ADHD

ADHD manifests differently in different people. However, there are three primary types of ADHD:

• ADHD, combined type
  Includes both impulsive and hyperactive behaviors. People who have ADHD, combined type, tend to be inattentive and easily distracted.
• ADHD, impulsive/hyperactive type
  Is less common. People with this disorder are impulsive and hyperactive, but don’t tend to have attention problems.
• ADHD, inattentive and distractible type
  Doesn’t manifest with hyperactivity — although people with this type of disorder struggle with attention and distractibility.

Common Symptoms

While you’ll need a professional to administer an ADHD test to determine exactly which type of ADHD you have, there are common symptoms that fall under the three primary aspects of the disorder —inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

Here’s what to look for:

Inattention

• Details
  You might overlook small details or rush through jobs, ignoring obvious mistakes.
• Attention span
  Listening to someone talk or doing an activity for a long period of time is difficult for you.
• Distraction
  If something new and interesting comes along, you’ll stop what you’re doing to focus on what you believe is more exciting.
• Forgetfulness
  You often don’t remember details, like birthdays, appointments, and tasks.
• Organizational and study skills
  Tests are hard for you, because you struggle to organize your thoughts in a way that allows you to study. Keeping on top of work tasks is difficult, too.

Impulsivity

• Interruption
  You might struggle to wait for your turn in conversations or games.
• Risk-taking
  Sometimes, you don’t properly assess the risk before doing or saying something — instead, you just act.

Hyperactivity

• Moving
  You love to keep in motion, and may even feel anxious if you’re moving, jittering, or doing something active.
• Fidgeting
  Whenever you’re sitting or not moving, you might fidget with your pen, clothes or any object that provides a distraction.
• Chatty
  You love to talk, and might even talk more than your friends and family appreciate. Being quiet is hard.
• Forgetful
  “Where’s my cell phone” might be your catchphrase, because you’re always losing things or forgetting what task you were in the middle of.
• Poor multitasking
  Often, you’ll shift from task to task without finishing anything — so you have a bunch of half-done projects, but nothing that’s complete.

Mental Health Professionals and ADHD

In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, you’ll need to take an ADHD test and undergo an evaluation under the guidance of a professional such as a psychologist. You should double-check that they have experience diagnosing and treating ADHD before making an appointment.

While some may diagnose you simply based on a discussion about your symptoms, you might be asked to take an ADHD test. Each provider’s examination and ADHD test may be different — some might include questionnaires, rating scales, and screenings. They may also use continuous performance tests, which can assess your attention, or brain scans to determine whether or not you have ADHD. They’ll also take a medical history and ask about your family’s mental health. If you have a brother or parent with ADHD, your chances of having it may be increased.

Once you have a diagnosis, you may feel relieved. Today’s medications and therapies have brought enormous advancement in the ways that ADHD is treated — it’s now entirely possible to lead a normal, functional life with the support of medical and mental health professionals. Just keep in mind that an online ADHD test is no substitute for a proper diagnosis. If you think you may have ADHD, talk to a professional. They’ll help get you the help you need.

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