Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
It can be hard to navigate a world when it seems like your brain does not behave like other people’s, or when someone you care deeply about is affected by the social and personal effects of ADHD. Creative Living Center is here to help those dealing with ADHD thrive by providing professional and compassionate support.
Here is a list of possible symptoms related to ADHD:
Please keep in mind that that certain quantities of symptoms must be present in frequency, intensity and duration, and that ADHD cannot be diagnosed without professional attention. Creative Living Center is here to help you if you have concerns that a loved one may have ADHD.
1. Inattention:
- Person often fails to give close attention to details combined with careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities
- Trouble holding attention on tasks or leisure activities
- Person seems to not listen when spoken to directly
- Trouble following through on instructions and fails to finish tasks, easily side-tracked
- Trouble organizing tasks and activities
- Avoidance & consistent dislike of tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time
- Often loses things necessary for completing tasks, such as school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, and mobile telephones
2. Hyperactivity and Impulsivity
- Fidgeting or tapping of the hands or feet, squirming when sitting
- Often leaves seat when in situation where one is expected to sit
- Person often runs or climbs when doing so not appropriate (adolescents or adults may be limited to feeling restless)
- Often unable to play or participate in leisure activities quietly
- Is often "on the go"
- Person may often talk excessively
- Person often blurts out an answer before the question is completed
- Often has trouble waiting his/her turn
- Interrupts or intrudes on others often, including butting into conversations or games
ADHD is NOT caused by:
- Poor parenting
- Falls or head injuries
- Traumatic life events
- Digital distractions
- Video games and television
- Lack of physical activity
- Food additives
- Food allergies or excess sugar
ADHD IS caused by chemical, structural, and connectivity differences in the brain, mostly as a result of genetics.
What is ADHD? ADHD is a highly genetic, brain-based syndrome affecting the regulation of a particular set of brain functions and behaviors. ADHD affects attention, concentration, memory, motivation and effort, learning from mistakes, impulsivity, hyperactivity, organization, and social skills.
Is it different than ADD?
ADD and ADHD are often used interchangeably, while the current correct medical terminology is ADHD or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
Is it a disability?
ADHD is recognized as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Approximately 5% of adults have ADHD. It occurs in both men and women. In the majority of cases, persists throughout the lifespan, it is not limited to children.
Although school-aged boys and men are more likely to be referred for ADHD testing & treatment, receive help, and participate in research studies, it is likely that the ratio of ADHD in men and women is more balanced than previously thought. Women are most likely to be under diagnosed & under-treated when they don’t show hyperactivity and behavior problems.
ADHD is often Hereditary. ADHD is a neuro-behavioral condition, there is no cure though there are treatments that can help.
Chemical Differences: Research shows that those with ADHD have differ in how the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine work in their brains affecting various brain functions. Brain Activity and Structural Differences Activity levels and the way certain brain areas are structured. Persons with ADHD often will have differences in brain development, lower brain activity especially in the areas of the brain responsible for motor activity and attention capacity.
Brain Communication Differences: Research also shows differences in how the ADHD brain connects and communicates Studies continue to validate a theory of poor connectivity between different parts of the brain and along different communication routes Genetics Several genes have been linked to ADHD, Certain genes have been connected with ADHD including dopamine receptor genes DRD4 and D2, as well as a dopamine transport gene (DAT1). Other genes that may be connected such as those that impact serotonin activity. There is evidence that ADHD is hereditable.