All You Need To Know About ADHD – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is a chronic medical condition that shortens a person’s attention span and makes it harder for them to concentrate on a given task. It also makes a person behave impulsively and hyperactive.

People of all ages can develop this mental disorder, but it is most common among children. ADHD symptoms decline with progressing age, but in some cases, these symptoms might carry into adulthood.

While having a mental condition like ADHD makes it hard for a person to perform everyday tasks at school or work, with proper treatment, people with ADHD can lead a successful and highly productive life.

What are the types of ADHD?

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) grouped the symptoms of ADHD into three prominent categories. It simplifies the process of diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Following are the types of ADHD:

Predominantly inattentive

People who have this type of ADHD experience symptoms of inattentiveness. They find it hard to focus and finish tasks. Thye might also have difficulty following instructions.

Experts believe that most children with this type of ADHD might not get a proper diagnosis, as they do not usually cause trouble or disrupt the classroom.

Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive

In this ADHD category, people suffer from hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It makes it difficult for them to sit comfortably. The sings of this type of ADHD include fidgeting, not being able to wait for their turn, and interrupting people while they are talking.

Impulsive behavior involves making decisions and actions that people take without thinking through the consequences. It is especially problematic when these actions might prove to be harmful and have lasting effects. 

Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive type

People in this category of ADHD experience the symptoms for both inattentiveness and hyperactivity. This condition is most common among children, and especially the children of the preschool age group show heightened symptoms of hyperactivity and lack of attention.

The type of ADHD determines what treatment will be best for a person. It is also crucial to understand that ADHD might change over time, and so does the treatment process.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

People with ADHD can experience various symptoms. The intensity of ADHD symptoms usually varies from person to person, but more or less, all those suffering from this disorder show the following signs:

Inattention

• Lack of focus
• Having trouble paying attention
• Making careless mistakes
• Difficulty staying on topic while talking
• Being disorganized
• Being easily distracted by random things
• Being forgetful

Hyperactivity

• Getting an urge to walk or run around
• Having difficulty playing quietly
• Excessively talking
• Fidgeting and squirming when seated
• Running or climbing a lot when it’s not appropriate
• The mind is always in a hyperactive state

Impulsivity

• Having difficulty waiting to talk or react
• Trouble waiting for their turn
• Starting conversations at inappropriate times
• Blurting out answers before the other person even finishes the question
• Interrupting or intruding on others, causing problems in social or work setting
• Being impatient all the time

Impulsivity might cause accidents, such as knocking over things or banging into people. Children with ADHD might put themselves in danger because of their impulsive behavior.

What causes ADHD?

The exact causes of ADHD are unknown, but the research indicates that this condition has a strong neurobiological basis, and genetics also significantly contributes to the development of this disorder.

Factors that help in the development of ADHD include:

Genetics

It is by far the most significant contributor to the ADHD problem. Research suggests that a person’s chances of getting this disorder increase drastically if any of their family members also suffer from ADHD. 

Environmental exposure

Exposure to chemicals like lead may increase the risk of ADHD in children. Several studies found a relationship between the levels of lead in the bloodstream and ADHD. Research also indicates that lead exposure can cause hyperactivity-impulsivity but not inattentiveness.

Alcohol or tobacco use

Using intoxicating substances like alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy can cause ADHD symptoms in children. Pregnant women should stay away from using alcohol to avert the risk of any medical condition.

Traumatic brain injury

Head injuries in early childhood can also cause ADHD and other psychiatric disorders later in life.

Premature birth

Researchers found a correlation between premature birth and the risk of disorder like ADHD. In addition to premature birth, low birth weight can also increase the chances of a person getting ADHD.

Eating habits and behavior

Eating sugary foods or things containing excess additives also increases the risk of ADHD. Other activities, like extensive use of smartphones, computers, and watching too much television, are also associated with ADHD. 

What are the treatments for ADHD?

Doctors might recommend either therapy, medication, or both for treating ADHD. A person might have to go through psychotherapy or talk therapy, where they discuss how ADHD affects their life and find ways to manage the symptoms.

A doctor can also ask the patient to undergo behavioral therapy, where a mental health expert will monitor their behaviors and offer them advice on how to change it.

Alongside therapy, medicines might also prove very helpful for people with ADHD. These medicines bring balance to the unbalanced brain chemicals and help them to control their impulsive behavior better and enhance their concentration abilities.

ADHD medication

The main types of medication that help treat the symptoms of ADHD include stimulants and non-stimulants.

Doctors usually prescribe the central nervous system stimulants or CNS drugs for ADHD treatment. These medicines work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine level in the brain and make a person feel relaxed. Amphetamine-based medications like Adderall and methylphenidate or Ritalin are among the most famous stimulant drugs for treating this condition.


If for some reason, a person did not respond to the stimulants as intended, or if they experience severe side effects, their doctor can prescribe them non-stimulant medications. These drugs also work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain, but they typically take longer to show their impact. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and bupropion (Wellbutrin) are some examples of non-stimulant ADHD medications.