Introduction
ADHD refers to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The most common neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosed in childhood affects how they pay attention and control behavior. It starts in childhood and continues into adulthood. The children have trouble controlling impulsive behaviors and trouble paying attention.
What Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is children's most common neurodevelopmental disorder. The symptoms can include hyperactivity and impulsivity (hasty decisions that occur immediately without a thought). It impacts life in many aspects, such as academic performance, interpersonal relationships, and daily functioning. It can lead to poor self-esteem when not appropriately treated. It affects their behavior; they have trouble concentrating and can be restless with anxiety and sleep problems. Most of the time, the cases are found in children under 12, but sometimes it is diagnosed later. Individuals diagnosed with symptoms at a young age continue to have the symptoms later in life. The affected individuals suffer from poor performance in school, troubled relationships, and low self-esteem.
What Are the Causes of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
The exact cause is unknown. It tends to be hereditary and runs in families. Affected individuals have the disease in their first circle of relations. It is not a single genetic fault.
What Are the Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Females?
The symptoms of females look a little different than men. Women also experience the same general symptoms as men. Females with ADHD have difficulty paying attention, while males have more chances of experiencing impulsivity and hyperactivity. As a result, males receive more ADHD diagnoses than females. It affects life at work, school, and even home; the changes are apparent. They have difficulty managing energy levels and controlling impulses. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms are divided into inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.
1. Inattentiveness-
The person will need help focusing on tasks and controlling attention and need more comprehension and organization. They indulge themselves in the following activities:
- Fails to pay close attention to details, so they make careless mistakes.
- Need help with time management.
- Avoiding tasks that require focus and thought.
- Not paying attention to others' thoughts and actions.
- Losing everyday items frequently.
- Easily distracted during work.
- Doing lots of daydreaming.
2. Hyperactivity-
Inability to stay seated when sitting is expected in school, and climbing and moving when inappropriate. It includes extreme restlessness and talking too much. The following are the symptoms:
- Fidgeting (tapping) the hands or feet.
- Taking unnecessary risks.
- Need help in doing activities and conversations.
- Climbing or running inappropriately.
3. Impulsivity-
It predominantly has an impulsive, hyperactive, and inattentive presentation. The person acts quickly without second thoughts about the consequences. All humans would have indulged in impulsive behavior during their childhood, but as they mature, they try to control most of the time to avoid consequences. In ADHD, people have this behavior frequently. It is not a disorder but can be a symptom of any condition. At that exact moment, there will be nothing on their mind. Carrying out things on sudden urges without thinking and having difficulty with self-control. An impulsive person interrupts others without long-term consequences. They cannot control their impulses and have signs and symptoms of mental illness. For example:
- Destroying one's or someone else's things in anger.
- Taking minor things and making them more important than necessary.
- Hurting themselves in the heat of the moment, like sadness, anger, or disappointment.
What Are the Common Symptoms of ADHD in Women?
- Overspend- Women tend to overspend to solve or compensate for other problems in which they are not involved or partially involved. For example, if the affected person forgets an important party or birthday, they buy expensive gifts to compensate for the small problem, which is normal. They may feel regretful at the end of the day for spending more money on that day. But while spending the money, they feel grateful or happy, but later, they feel regret.
- Disorganization- The person tries hard to organize things at home but ultimately fails to do that and feels embarrassed when someone comments on that one fine day when they visit their home.
- Indecision- The person feels confused before making an important decision though they spend too much time on it.
What Are the Diagnostic Tests for ADHD?
Signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults start early, before age 12, and continue into adulthood. No single test can confirm the diagnosis. Making the diagnosis will likely include the following:
- Physical exam to help rule out other possible causes for the symptoms.
- Asking questions about any current medical issues, personal and family medical history, and the history of symptoms.
- ADHD rating scales or psychological tests help collect and evaluate information about symptoms.
How Can ADHD Be Treated?
ADHD can be treated in the following ways:
1. Medications:
Stimulants are the first line of treatment for ADHD, such as Methylphenidate or Amphetamine, because they are generally effective and prescribed commonly. The non-stimulants are Kapvay, Strattera, and Tenex. When stimulants fail to improve, non-stimulants are used.
2. Psychological Counseling:
Counseling for adult ADHD is done in addition to medications. It generally includes psychological counseling (psychotherapy), cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, neurocognitive psychotherapy, education about the disorder, and learning skills to sustain the symptoms.
Psychotherapy can help in the following aspects-
- Time management and organizational skills.
- Helps to reduce impulsive behavior.
- Develop better problem-solving skills.
- Cope with stress and failures.
- Improves self-esteem.
- Techniques to improve relationships with family and friends.
- Develop strategies to cope with anger.
Common types of psychotherapy for ADHD include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-
- Cognitive behavioral therapy helps treat mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. It addresses symptoms such as coping with stressful situations and grief or loss.
Neurocognitive Psychotherapy-
- It is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy where it focuses on therapeutic practices that are designed to sustain concentration for longer periods.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy-
- This type of cognitive behavioral therapy also increases self-acceptance, mindfulness, and self-esteem through one-on-one sessions.
Conclusion
Attention-deficit or hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. They have low self-esteem and conflict in relationships. However, it is often underdiagnosed and undertreated due to differences in symptom presentation. Women exhibit symptoms such as forgetfulness, disorganization, lack of focus, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The right treatment includes psychotherapy and medications. The treatment for ADHD in women typically involves a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
