12/01/2025
ADHD | ADHD Pattern Recognition |
🧠 ADHD: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that usually begins in childhood and often continues into adulthood. It affects how the brain develops and works, leading to ongoing challenges with attention, self-control, and hyperactivity.
Key Symptoms (Three Main Categories)
ADHD symptoms fall into three main presentations:
🧠 Inattention: Difficulty focusing, getting easily distracted, struggling with organization, often losing things, and making careless mistakes.
🧠 Hyperactivity: Excessive movement, fidgeting, restlessness, and having trouble sitting still when expected.
🧠 Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, difficulty waiting their turn, interrupting others, and making hasty decisions.
A person may be diagnosed as having a Predominantly Inattentive, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive, or Combined Presentation.
■Causes and Diagnosis:
🧠Causes: The exact cause is unknown, but genetics is believed to play a significant role, as ADHD often runs in families. Environmental factors may also contribute.
🧠 Diagnosis: Diagnosis is made by a healthcare professional (like a pediatrician, psychiatrist, or psychologist) based on observing a pattern of symptoms that are noticeably more severe and frequent than expected for the person's age and developmental level, and which cause difficulty in multiple settings (e.g., at school, home, or work).
■ Treatment:
ADHD is typically managed using a multimodal approach, which often includes:
🧠 Medication: Stimulants (like methylphenidate or amphetamines) are the most common and effective type of medication, working to balance brain chemicals (neurotransmitters). Non-stimulant options are also available.
🧠 Behavior Therapy & Counseling: This can include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for older children and adults, and parent training for younger children. These therapies help teach skills for better organization, time management, and managing difficult emotions or behaviors.
🧠 Support Strategies: Developing routines, creating organized environments, and utilizing time management tools are essential strategies for daily functioning.
