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6 Essential Facts About ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
By: by Amino Science
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an often misunderstood neurological disorder that affects the areas of the brain governing planning, focus, organization, memory, motivation, and more—a set of operations referred to as "executive functioning skills." Though ADHD is typically diagnosed during childhood, it does not affect children exclusively. Adults with ADHD often develop coping mechanisms to counterbalance brain dysregulation.
What Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Though it was once thought of as a behavior disorder, researchers now understand that the symptoms of ADHD such as difficulty directing focus and poor impulse control result from identifiable structural and chemical differences in the brain.
According to a 2017 study, preliminary evidence indicates that MRI scans can be used to differentiate not only between the brains of individuals with ADHD and those without, but also between the most common ADHD subtypes:
- Inattentive
- Hyperactive
- Combined
Symptoms of ADHD vary depending on the subtype. Social conditioning can make it more challenging to diagnose ADHD in girls as well as adults.
The Official Criteria for a Diagnosis of ADHD
Per the fifth edition of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5): "ADHD is characterized by a pattern of behavior, present in multiple settings (e.g., school and home), that can result in performance issues in social, educational, or work settings." The updated diagnosis uses criteria intended to include the experiences of adults with ADHD in recognition of the fact that for many, the condition is lifelong.
The DSM-5 uses two groups of symptoms: those related to inattention and those related to hyperactivity and impulsivity. Children up to the age of 16 must show six or more symptoms from a group while those 17 and older must show only five. In all cases, the symptoms must have been consistently present for a minimum of 5 months and must be out of keeping with the person's developmental level.
According to DSM-5, the following are symptoms of inattention:
- Failure to attend to details, perhaps exemplified by recurrent careless mistakes
- Difficulty sustaining attention during activities like lectures, conversations, or leisure pursuits
- Inattentive listening, even when spoken to directly
- Lack of follow-through with duties such as schoolwork or chores due to losing focus or switching to another activity
- Mental disorganization
- Dislike and avoidance of tasks requiring sustained focus, such as writing, reading, solving equations, and the like
- Misplacement of portable, necessary items like keys, wallets, homework, books, files, glasses, and phones
- Prone to distraction
- Tendency toward forgetfulness
And the DSM-5 lists these nine symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity:
- Frequent fidgeting, tapping, and squirming
- Difficulty staying seated
- Prone to restlessness and/or running or climbing in inappropriate situations
- High level of noise accompanying play and engagement in leisure activities
- Extremely energetic
- Tendency to talk excessively
- Given to answering questions before they have been fully asked
- Dislike of waiting
- Habit of interrupting others, intruding into conversations or games
After evaluating someone using the criteria laid out above, an ADHD diagnosis can be made. The diagnosis will specify whether someone has a predominantly inattentive presentation, predominantly hyperactive presentation, or combined presentation.
Other important diagnostic criteria which must be met for all three subtypes include:
- Presence of multiple inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms prior to age 12
- Presence of symptoms in two or more settings, for example, at school or work as well as at home during off-hours
- Evidence that symptoms either interfere with or decrease the quality of a person's engagement in school, work, and/or social settings
- No indication that symptoms stem from a different condition, such as a mood disorder like anxiety
6 Facts About ADHD That You Should Know
Much of what common opinion holds to be true about ADHD has been shown to be false. Despite that, these misconceptions persist. Here are 6 research-backed facts about ADHD.
1. ADHD Is Caused by Structural and Chemical Differences in the Brain
Though some researchers once believed that ADHD resulted from brain damage associated with minor head trauma, case studies do not bear that theory out and it has now been disproved. Similarly, no solid evidence supports speculation that refined sugar and food additives either cause or aggravate ADHD, though it's worth noting that neither benefit your overall health. As for other commonly cited bogeymen—parental neglect, lack of physical activity, too much screen time, and the ilk—no studies have shown that they contribute to ADHD.
What scientists have consistently found to be true is that individuals with ADHD have structural, chemical, and connective differences, largely due to genetics.
2. ADHD Affects Adults as Well as Children
Though ADHD is most frequently diagnosed in children, it affects adults too. Statistics show that the average age of diagnosis is between 4 and 7, and the number of children diagnosed between 2003 and 2011 increased by 42%.
Because ADHD is a neurological condition, it's not something that children outgrow. However, with appropriate treatment, they can effectively manage their symptoms. Estimates reveal that roughly 66% of children diagnosed with ADHD require treatment for their symptoms into adulthood.
Epidemiological data also indicates that between 4% and 5% of adults have ADHD. That means adult ADHD affects more than 11,000,000 individuals living in the United States.
3. Women Are Just as Likely to Develop ADHD as Men
At one time it appeared that ADHD primarily affected school-aged boys. In fact, rates of diagnosis were significantly higher in males than females from 2003 to 2011. And both boys and men are still far more likely to be referred for testing and treatment.
Experts now believe that this stems from under-diagnosis of ADHD in women, not higher prevalence among men. This is particularly true for girls and women who present mainly or wholly with symptoms of inattention rather than hyperactivity and behavior problems.
4. Individuals with ADHD Have Abnormal Neurotransmitter Function
High-quality research shows that individuals with ADHD have chemical abnormalities in their brains related to the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, which carry signals between neurons along pathways governing crucial functions. Poor connectivity along the default mode network (DMN) can be especially problematic.
For instance, dopamine regulates a pathway related to risk and reward. Abnormalities with dopamine function interfere with signal transmission on that pathway, leading to changes in how individuals with ADHD engage and direct their attention.
It appears that alterations to serotonin also come into play, in large part because of the effect on the regulation of the dopamine system, particularly in affecting the modulation and regulation of the dopamine system.
5. Scans Link ADHD to Differences in Brain Activity
A wealth of research has found that the brains of individuals with ADHD have differences related to development, metabolism, and the volume of several brain structures.
Researchers conducting the first neuroimaging study of adults with ADHD, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1990, used PET scans to compare the brain metabolism of those with ADHD to that of those without. The authors found that individuals with ADHD had reduced activity throughout their brains, notably, in the premotor cortex and prefrontal cortex, which control motor activity and attention capacity respectively.
Since then, other scientists have documented differences in activity in a range of other brain structures, including the:
- Prefrontal cortex
- Caudate nucleus
- Ventral tegmental area
- Substantia nigra
- Cerebellum
- Corpus callosum
6. ADHD Is Highly Heritable
Though no one yet knows precisely what causes ADHD to develop, several genes have been linked to the condition. Two dopamine receptor genes (DRD and D2) and dopamine transport gene (DAT1) have been linked to ADHD.
This hypothesis is strengthened by anecdotal evidence that it's more common for those with family members who have already been diagnosed with ADHD to have the condition themselves. Apparently, between 40% and 60% of the children of adults with ADHD will also develop it.
Further Facts About ADHD in Children
Signs of ADHD in children include lack of attention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior. Usually, these symptoms start before age 10; they can be mild, moderate, or severe, and in some cases, they continue into adulthood.
Many healthy children are inattentive or hyperactive without suffering from ADHD, so it is crucial to look for medical evaluation to establish if the difficulties that the child is experiencing are connected to ADHD.
ADHD treatment for children includes medications and counseling. Parents are urged to be patient because it may take some time to determine what works best and to see results.
Stimulant drugs are often prescribed to balance levels of brain chemicals. Children’s bodies are more delicate than adult bodies, so it is important to talk to your doctor about side effects.
Children with ADHD may benefit from behavior therapy and counseling, which can also help to treat other conditions such as anxiety disorder or depression. Therapies are effective when the people in the lives of children with ADHD, such as parents and teachers, work together with the same approach. It is essential to find a natural remedy that can help the child in the long term and to create an environment that stimulates creativity and learning.
Tips for Children Living with ADHD
Positive Reinforcement
Children who live with ADHD need to be reassured often to make sure they do not feel that they are “bad.” Experts recommend that parents respond to positive behavior, because reacting only to negative behavior can lead to a more pronounced negative attitude. Experts recommend providing children who have ADHD with opportunities to succeed and celebrate their creativity.
Organizational Tools
Parents can help children with ADHD find methods of organization to support them during everyday activities, such as notebooks with checklists or automatic reminders using phone apps. These tools can help children understand the importance of daily tasks and prioritization.
Burning Energy
Children with ADHD have extra energy that they need to burn. Outdoor activities like running or throwing the ball are great, and you can organize events with other children so they can learn healthy competition and socialize.
Further Facts About ADHD in Adults
ADHD in adults can affect relationships, work performance, and self-esteem. Symptoms usually start during childhood and continue into adulthood—it is rare that people develop ADHD in adult life. Signs of ADHD in adults include:
- Difficulty focusing
- Restlessness
- Impulsiveness
- Disorganization
- Trouble multitasking
- Mood swings
- Low tolerance
- Outbursts of anger
- Unstable relationships
- Risk of addiction
Many adults with ADHD are not aware that they have it—they usually feel that everyday tasks are challenging, and they find it difficult to concentrate. The exact causes of ADHD are not clear, but some factors might play a role in the development of ADHD. The disorder can run in families, environmental factors such as lead exposure may increase the risk, and issues with the central nervous system during childhood may also trigger ADHD.
ADHD treatment for adults involves medication and psychological support. It is crucial to talk with your doctor to know the benefits and risks of drugs. Stimulant medications are usually prescribed to promote and balance levels of brain chemicals. Other medications used include non-stimulant atomoxetine antidepressants.
Psychological support is usually focused on improving time management, organizational skills, self-esteem, and relationships, and reducing impulsiveness. Common types of psychotherapy include cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as family therapy.
Tips for Adults Living with ADHD
You can help manage your ADHD with simple wellness behaviors.
- Organization: There are many tools that can help you organize tasks and prioritize. You can write down a checklist with a pen, or you can use apps that have automatic reminders and help you create to-do lists.
- Exercise: Regular exercise is essential for physical and mental health. You can join a gym if you like working out surrounded by people or purchase a home bike to exercise at home. Whatever works for you, create a routine.
- Sleep: Some adults with ADHD suffer from insomnia, a disorder that can profoundly affect the quality of life. Create a bedtime routine that promotes sleep and relaxation—a couple minutes of meditation before going to sleep can release accumulated stress. Try to go to bed at the same time every day and turn off your phone at least 30 minutes before going to sleep.
How Your Diet Can Complement Your ADHD Treatment Plan
The foods we eat can go a long way in increasing focus and subduing hyperactivity.
Eat Foods High in Vitamin B
Foods high in vitamin B, such as green leafy vegetables, promote a healthy nervous system.
Studies conducted on rats showed that vitamin B-6 deficiency produces the loss of dopamine, an essential brain chemical. Foods rich in vitamin B-6 include wild tuna, bananas, wild salmon, and grass-fed beef.
Eat Foods High in Omega-3
Wild salmon is not just packed with vitamin B-6; it is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Several studies, conducted during 15 years to evaluate possible beneficial effects of omega-3 in the treatment of behavioral issues of children with ADHD, demonstrated that foods high in omega-3 can be used as a therapy.
Avoid Processed Foods
Additives such as artificial sweeteners and preservatives can be toxic, so experts recommend that people with ADHD avoid processed foods.
Treating ADHD with Amino Acids
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid and the precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin, which plays a significant role in mood, sleep, and emotional balance. A study that included 85 patients with ADHD, aged 4–18 years, treated with an amino acid precursor protocol, showed that more than half of the participants achieved significant improvements.
It’s always best to take a complete essential amino acid formula to keep the blood concentration of amino acids stable. Research shows that essential amino acid supplements are virtually side-effect free and safe for kids. You can shop our line of essential amino acid blends here.
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