ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Introduction

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), commonly known as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), has a long research base history revolving around different medical and psychological aspects. Initially, ADHD was seen simply as a set of behavioural issues, particularly in young boys who demonstrated hyperactivity and inattention. Today, we recognize ADHD as a complex neurological condition that affects the brain’s executive functions.

History and Evolution of ADHD

What we know as ADHD, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder—or some people still call it attention-deficit disorder (ADD)— has been recognized by some doctors since way back in 1902. But from 1902 until 1980, it was all about little boys who couldn’t sit still or shut up and were driving everybody up the wall.

Behaviour Problems and Executive Functions

It was just behaviour problems. There were different formulations. But it was all about behaviour problems. 

Since 1980, when the disorder was renamed to include “attention deficit,” researchers have come to understand that it is not merely a behavioural issue but rather a problem related to the brain’s management system—specifically, its executive functions.

With time, doctors observed that many people have ADHD who’ve never had any significant behavioural problems. Even for those who have, it’s usually the least of it. Attention problems tend to cause more trouble for people, particularly as they age. More is expected of them in terms of managing themselves. Sometimes, two conditions overlap each other.

Intelligence and ADHD

Doctors believe and clarify from the very beginning that ADHD is not related to a person’s intelligence. Some individuals with ADHD are brilliant, while others might have above-average, average, or below-average intelligence.

Characteristics and Challenges of ADHD

The other thing to know is that this problem has many characteristics. People with ADHD often struggle to stay focused. When they listen, read, or work on a task, they absorb some information but then lose track, lose focus briefly, and drift off again. This pattern of distraction repeats frequently, making it challenging for them to maintain attention.

Attention and Distraction

Unlike most people, people with ADHD struggle to push distractions aside and concentrate on their tasks. Who can quickly clear their minds and focus on what they must do? Like anyone else, they see and hear the events around them and constantly have thoughts racing.

Voluntary Control and Willpower

People who don’t have ADHD can usually focus on important tasks, even if they’re boring, simply because they recognize the necessity of completing them. In contrast, individuals with ADD find it challenging to maintain their attention unless the task genuinely engages them. Their interest must come from within, not just because someone else deems it interesting. 

Organization and Induction Difficulties

The problem isn’t that ADHD is a matter of willpower; it stems from how the brain functions. People with ADD face more significant challenges with common issues that everyone occasionally struggles with.

Unlike pregnancy, which is an all-or-nothing state, ADHD resembles depression more closely. Everyone experiences feelings of sadness at times, but when those feelings persist and significantly interfere with daily life, we recognize that as clinical depression. Similarly, individuals with ADHD encounter difficulties that many experience, but they deal with these challenges more frequently and intensely.

Those with ADHD often struggle to get organized and initiate tasks. For them, organizing their belongings—like their backpacks, desks, notebooks, filing systems, and living spaces—can be particularly tough. Unless someone assists them in managing their belongings, they often result in bigger messes than those seen in most other people.

Sleep, Alertness, and Task Completion

When they get their priorities straight, which often doesn’t happen, they frequently struggle to get started. People with ADHD usually express that they face challenges in regulating their sleep and alertness, making it hard for them to maintain the effort needed to complete tasks within a reasonable timeframe.

Writing Challenges

People with ADHD often struggle with writing, not penmanship, but expressing their ideas in sentences and paragraphs. Many say, “I have a lot of ideas for my essay or term paper, but it takes me forever to organize my thoughts and get them into coherent sentences. I either change things constantly, or my work becomes disorganized.” They find it challenging to arrange their thoughts and articulate their ideas clearly.

Emotional Regulation

Many people with ADHD often struggle to manage their emotions, which is a common concern they express, even though it’s not part of the official diagnostic criteria for the disorder.

Working Memory

People with ADHD often express that they have the best memory in their family, claiming they can recall information that others can’t. However, the issue lies not in their long-term memory storage but in their short-term working memory.

Managing Actions and Monitoring

Managing action involves recognizing that some adults are perpetually restless and antsy. They always need to keep part of themselves in motion. Many adults and children alike jump into activities impulsively. 

Individuals with ADHD often struggle to slow down when necessary. They also find it hard to speed up when called for. They find it challenging to monitor their actions effectively. While everyone experiences these difficulties from time to time, those with ADHD face these challenges much more frequently. The critical question focuses on how often these issues arise. 

Researchers indicate that these challenges are primarily inherited. This explains why some people experience more incredible difficulty than others.

Inherited Nature of ADHD

Eight out of ten people with ADHD respond positively to the proper medication, which improves their functioning. Some individuals see significant improvement, others find it considerable but not overwhelming, and some notice only slight benefits.

Unfortunately, two out of ten people find that medication doesn’t help at all. It’s crucial to understand that ADHD is a chemical issue, but current medications do not provide a cure. Unlike antibiotics that eliminate infections, ADHD medications work more like eyeglasses. 

I struggle to see clearly without my glasses. When I wear them, I can read everything just fine. However, when I remove the glasses, my vision returns to its original state. Similarly, ADHD medications help manage symptoms but do not address the underlying condition. It’s essential to recognize that medication is just one part of a comprehensive treatment plan for someone with ADHD.

Comprehensive ADHD Treatment

We enable individuals with ADHD by teaching them skills and providing plans. We also offer tools to help them manage school, work, and relationship challenges.

First and foremost, we should conduct a thorough evaluation to identify the specific ADHD issues that each faces. If we work with a child, we collaborate closely with the child, their parents, and the doctor. We also involve the educators and teachers.

Together, we assess the child’s strengths as our starting point. From there, we determine their difficulties and develop a plan based on their strengths. We aim to empower the child or adult to learn effective strategies to handle their challenges. This enables them to succeed and reach their full potential.