What is ADHD/ADD?

There are several topics about ADHD/ADD that I would like to address. And down the road, I would definitely like to try and talk about at some point, hopefully. I will do my best to do so. However, for the moment, I think the first topic best to discuss is this: What is ADHD/ADD? It is perhaps the best place to start for this blog. It’s the topic that I feel is best for this one, at any rate. Mainly so that everyone can be on the same page about what it is.

So, here we go.

What is ADHD/ADD exactly?
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, while ADD stands for Attention Deficit Disorder. ADHD/ADD is a very common neuro-biological disorder. This condition affects both children and adults. Some do get diagnosed as adults, while some being diagnosed as kids, like me. Some kids, who are diagnosed as kids, may still have ADHD/ADD as adults. It’s just something that affects people of all ages, adults and kids alike.

What are the types of ADHD/ADD?
Yes, there are three different types of ADHD/ADD. There is the inattentive type, the hyperactive/impulsive type, or the combined type. ADHD/ADD may affect each person differently. So, each person would fall into a different type. ADHD/ADD is not a one-size fits all, which is why there are different categories or types of ADHD. And even if someone falls into a certain category, not all symptoms may be present.

What are the symptoms of each type?
Let’s start with the inattentive type. Someone with this type of ADHD/ADD: has a difficult time focusing on a task; is easily distracted; may not always be fully attentive during a conversation; has difficulty paying attention to details; and difficulty organizing things at home and at work.
Now, there is the hyperactive component. Someone with hyperactivity may: fidget a lot; will have a difficult time sitting still for long periods of time; constantly be on the go, as if a motor is left running; may speak at inappropriate times; and unable to sit still during quiet activities.
Finally, there is the impulsive aspect, as well. Someone with impulsivity may: butt into conversations; problems waiting their turn in line; disturbing others who are playing, or perhaps even working; and make impulsive decisions.
These are just some examples of things that ADHDers/ADDers do, on a regular basis, and may struggle with. However, there are many more things that ADHDers/ADDers do struggle with. I am just keeping the list of examples short. If I mentioned every symptom, we’d probably be here for a little while longer. This is just to give you an idea of the symptoms present in each type.
As an adult, an ADHDer/ADDer may also have to deal with other struggle, on top of the ones that they have been dealing with for years, like the ones that I’ve mentioned. They may also struggle low self-esteem, anxiety issues, depression, along with several other conditions. It can definitely be difficult, when you have to live with ADHD, as well as other things, on a daily basis. It’s definitely a constant challenge.

How does someone get diagnosed?
There are a few people that someone can go to, in order to get diagnosed with ADHD/ADD. There are pediatricians, doctors, psychiatrists, and such, who could certainly help with a diagnosis. If you suspect you or someone else you know may have it, then it would certainly help and be a good idea to talk to your doctor. They will have the proper tools for a diagnosis. The symptoms I mentioned above are only a small list. And, as much as they do affect everyone occasionally, for ADHDers/ADDers, it affects us a lot more than just once in awhile. It affects us everyday, every moment, whether it’s at school, work, home, when alone, or with family, or with friends. It’s all the time. And for someone to have ADHD, all of these symptoms have to last for at least six months in one or more settings. So, just because you had one symptom for a few minutes, at one time, it doesn’t mean you have ADHD/ADD. If that was the case, I wouldn’t worry. But, if you’ve had several signs, while at home or at work, and it’s been going on for months or years, then it can’t hurt to talk to your doctor, or psychologist. They may certainly be able to help you. And no matter how old you are, it’ never too late to get diagnosed. People are able to get diagnosed as kids and as adults.

What are some of the treatment?
There are various methods of treating ADHD/ADD. There are medication, both stimulant and non-stimulant. There are also methods, such as coaching and other behavioural therapy. There are several ways to help the ADHDer.ADDer manage their symptoms. For the time being, that’s the best that doctors can do. There aren’t any cures for ADHD/ADD, unfortunately.
Some methods of treatment work for some, and not for others. After being diagnosed, it is always important to find treatment that best help the ADHDer/ADDer. Whether it’s medication, or therapy, or both, it has to work for the individual. Each ADHDer/ADDer is different. So, what works for me may not work for someone else with ADHD/ADD. And that’s perfectly fine. Whatever the method, so long as it works for the individual ADHDer/ADDer, then that’s the important thing, in my opinion.

So, how common is ADHD?
It is actually quite common. Approximately one in 20 kids and one in 25 adults may have ADHD. Although this is just an estimate. It is difficult to say for sure how many people have it.
However, whatever the numbers, it is still common. So, there may be people you know who have this condition. You may not even know about it. I may know someone who has ADHD/ADD and not even know about it, which is definitely interesting.

So this pretty much sums up what ADHD/ADD is. There is a lot more to it than just this, but this post is just to give you a general idea. I plan on covering more in future posts. Hopefully, this helped you understand a little better what ADHD/ADD is.

If you want more information, you can always your doctor about it. In the meantime, here are a few resources for you to look into and read. There’s definitely quite a bit out there.

What Are the Symptoms of ADHD?

https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/default.htm

I hope you enjoyed this post. Enjoy!