What is ADHD?
What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHD is a complex and persistent neurobiological brain difference changing over a person’s lifespan. Doctors now believe ADHD symptoms are due to the brain’s lack of dopamine necessary to successfully carry out any of the six key executive functioning areas. Thomas Brown identified six key areas of executive function: activation, focus, effort, emotion, memory, and action.
- Maintaining organization and prioritizing,
- Sustaining focus or shifting attention,
- sustaining effort and processing speed,
- Managing moods and frustration,
- Using working memory,
- Self-regulating one’s actions.
In a Nutshell. The Short of It. The "It" being ADHD!
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADHD is the correct term despite some calling it ADD. ADHD has three main types: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive, and combined type. For the typical person experiencing times of being inattentive, impulsive, or hyperactivity is not uncommon. However, children and adults with ADHD experience repeated symptoms that negatively impact their successes in social situations, at home, school, or work.
ADHD is a medical disorder, often requiring long-term maintenance. The causes of ADHD are unknown, but researchers believe it may be caused in part by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Only medical doctors or other healthcare professionals can accurately diagnose ADHD. Nearly 17 million Americans are estimated to be affected by ADHD. How can you visualize this many people? The New York state population in 2020 reportedly is just over 19.8 million people. ADHD is real. Gaining an understanding of ADHD is essential to creating successful daily living habits.
Who can diagnosis:
Medical professionals including, medical doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and nurse practitioners can diagnosis ADHD based on criteria established in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders- 5th edition (DSM-5™). Getting an ADHD diagnosis is not easy. Individuals must have symptoms for at least six months or more, inconsistent with their developmental age and that impact their lives in a negative way in two areas of their life ie; home, work, school or social. Doctors will also seek to rule out other mental health conditions, hearing or visual challenges, sleep challenges, or substance abuse.
A medical professional will use screening tests to establish an ADHD diagnosis. There is not a blood test or a brain scan that can definitively provide an ADHD diagnosis. ADHD is diagnosed in children by screening two areas of life to identify repeated symptoms having a significant impact on their ability to maintain a functional and sustainable lifestyle. In getting an accurate picture doctors may use a Vanderbilt questionnaire to access ADHD symptoms in the school, home or work setting. Children must have Individuals with ADHD have significant difficulties in carrying out typical life skills. Individuals with ADHD are often treated with medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, education and/or coaching to improve daily life.
