The symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are classified into 2 types of behavioural problems - Inattentiveness and Hyperactivity & impulsiveness.
Most people that suffer from ADHD have symptoms that fall under these categories but it's not a must you have both symptoms under the two types. For example, you may have a problem with inattentiveness, but not with hyperactivity or impulsiveness. Like for me I have an attention and hyperactivity problem but I'm not impulsive.
1.Symptoms in Children and Teenagers.
ADHD symptoms in children are usually noticed before the age of Six. They may occur in more than one situation such as at school or at home.
The main signs of Inattentiveness are;
Having a short attention span and being easily distracted.
Appearing forgetful or losing things.
Making careless mistakes especially in school work.
Being unable to complete tasks that are tedious or time consuming.
Constantly changing tasks and activities.
Having difficulty arranging things.
Signs of Hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
Being unable to sit still in quiet or calm surroundings.
Being unable to concentrate on tasks.
Excessive physical movement.
Excessive talking.
Being unable to wait their turn.
Interrupting conversations.
Acting without thinking.
Little or no sense of danger.
These symptoms can cause significant problems for a child’s life, such as underachievement at school, poor social interaction and problems with discipline. The society might not understand your child and they may be labelled ‘foolish', ‘Cheeky’ or ‘undisciplined’ but it's your job as a parent to affirm and show love to your child understanding their weakness and where they're coming from.
Related conditions in children and teenegers with ADHD.
Anxiety disorder - It causes your child to be nervous and get worried much of the time. It may also cause physical symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating and dizziness.
Opposition Defiant Disorder (ODD) - Showing negative and rebellious behaviour particularly towards authority figures such as parents and teachers.
Conduct Disorder - this is usually developing anti-social behaviour such as stealing, fighting, vandalism and harming people or animals.
Sleeping problems - Finding it hard to get sleep at night and having irregular sleeping patterns.
Learning difficulties - such as dyslexia.
2.Symptoms in adults.
In adults, the symptoms of ADHD are hard to define. This is due to a lack of research in adults with ADHD.
ADHD is a developmental disorder, it is believed that it cannot develop in adults without it appearing first during childhood.
Symptoms of ADHD often persist from childhood into a person's teenage years and then adulthood. By the age of 25, an estimated 15% of people diagnosed with ADHD as children still have a full range of symptoms that affect their lives.
Here are some of the main symptoms in adults:
Carelessness and lack of attention to detail.
Continually starting new tasks without finishing old ones first.
Poor organisational skills.
Inability to focus or prioritize.
Continually loosing or misplacing things.
Restlessness.
Difficulty keeping quiet and speaking out of turn.
Mood swings, irritability and anger issues.
Extreme impatience.
Taking risks in activities often with little or no regard to personal safety. For example reckless drinking, over speeding and driving dangerously.
Related Conditions in Adults.
ADHD often comes with other related conditions in adults and the most common one is Depression. Other conditions include;
Personality disorders - conditions in which an individual differs significantly from the average person in terms of how they think, perceive and relate with others.
Bipolar disorder - a condition affecting your mood which can swing from time to time.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - a condition that causes obsessive thoughts and compulsive behavior.
The behavioral causes of ADHD can also cause problems such as difficulties with relationships, friendships and generally interacting with people.
There is no equipment or machine that measures and determines your ADHD levels as of now. If you have read the symptoms and ticked more than 75% of the symptoms then you're considered to be an ADHD victim.
ADHD can be treated but cannot be cured. It's more of a self development process. Being self aware, understanding your situation and trying to accommodate and live with it. Understand what works for you and pursue it to the max, what doesn't work just leave it. Don't stress or beat yourself up.
If you unfortunately get the ADHD related conditions such as Depression, kindly speak out and seek help. You can go for a cognitive behavioral therapy, pshychoeducation or counseling.
You can also walk into a hospital and get a stimulant, cognition-enhancing medication and antihypertensive drug.
I hope you found this Useful and Educative. Have a great day ahead and remember to always #Stay_Mentally_Fit
Part of this article and series on ADHD is made possible by the amazing team from Nhs.uk and my mentor’s and life coach organization - LEMP
Copyright by ©Sir Issac blessings
All rights reserved ⚠
Any Sports Fanatic around? Read my sports news website here Sports Coffee
Read my Fiction stories via Ironical chronicles