What are you looking for?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in childhood diagnosed by Psychologists. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. According to the International Classification of Diseases-11 (ICD-11), ADHD is depicted by a persistent pattern (at least six months) of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity, with onset during the developmental period, typically early to mid-childhood.

The manifestations of inattention and hyperactive-impulsive characteristics vary across individuals. Inattention refers to profuse difficulty sustaining attention to tasks that do not provide a high level of stimulation or frequent rewards, distractibility, and problems with the concerns. Hyperactivity refers to excessive motor activity and difficulties remaining still, most evident in structured situations that lack behavioural self-control. Impulsivity is a tendency to act in response to immediate stimuli without deliberation or consideration of the risks and consequences. The presentation may also change as individuals age and pass through the various developmental stages.

ADHD Symptoms in Kids:

The symptoms of ADHD are observed in multiple settings, such as school, college, home, and workplace, as it interferes with the quality of work and performance in social, academic, and occupational functioning. The most common symptoms of ADHD observed during childhood and the pre-adolescent period are:

• Trouble focusing on activities and becoming effortlessly distracted

• Low attention span while playing or doing schoolwork

• Fidgeting, squirming or having trouble sitting still

• Moving and running around frequently

• Engaging in activities loudly or disruptively

• Excess talking and interrupting other people, being unable to wait for their turn

• Constantly changing activity or task

• Having difficulty sorting tasks

• Reacting than Responding

Presentation of ADHD during teens may be quite challenging to diagnose and treat, as the most observable symptom of ADHD, hyperactivity, diminishes in adolescence. The other characteristic symptoms associated with this disorder, impulsivity and inattention, may be hard to differentiate from typical adolescent behaviour. It is further harder to determine whether the adolescent is exhibiting immaturity associated with the period of development or having problems in the areas of planning, regulating and responsibility due to ADHD (Brahmbhatt et al., 2016).

ADHD Symptoms in Adolescents:

ADHD symptoms that may appear in adolescents include:

• Difficulty focusing on schoolwork or other work

• Frequently making mistakes while working

• Trouble finishing tasks, especially schoolwork or chores

• Trouble with task and time management

• Frequently forgetting things or losing personal items

• Frequently avoiding tasks

• Experiencing increased frustration and emotional sensitivity

• Trouble navigating social and familial relationships

• Increased conflict with parents

ADHD Symptoms in Adults:

In adults, the symptoms of ADHD are more difficult to define and identify. ADHD is a developmental disorder and cannot develop in adults without it first appearing during childhood. However, symptoms of ADHD in children and teenagers commonly continue into adulthood. The crucial signs, i.e., inattention, hyperactivity and hasty, affect adults differently and manifest in children and adolescents. ADHD symptoms that are associated with adults include

• Carelessness and lack of attention to detail

• Continually starting new tasks before finishing old ones

• Poor regulatory skills

• Inability to focus or highlight

• Restlessness

• Mood swings, irritability and a quick temper

• Inability to handle stress

• Impatience

• Substance misuse issues, especially with alcohol

• Relationship challenges with partners, family, or co-workers

• Risk-taking in activities, often with little or no regard for personal safety or the safety of others – for example, driving dangerously (Healthline, 2022).

ADHD Treatment:

There are two lines of treatment for ADHD, i.e., medication and therapy. The medicine involves the usage of stimulant and non-stimulant drugs. Sometimes, the side effects of medicines are immensely harsh and do not suit the individual and need to be reviewed and stopped.

Therapy involves psychological and social techniques to help the individual deal with and manage the symptoms and the consequences. Behaviour Therapy and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) are the two most widely used therapies for people diagnosed with ADHD. For treatment, a person can visit a trained and qualified psychologist.

Behaviour Therapy 

Behaviour Therapy involves helping people with ADHD learn skills that control their symptoms and help them manage tasks. Behaviour therapy aims to replace negative behaviours with positive ones by teaching people strategies to improve problem areas like organization, focus, and impulse control. An experienced psychologist educates parents and family members about effectively handling ADHD.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) 

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is very effective for adolescents and adults with ADHD. CBT focuses on the thought patterns of the individuals and the accompanying feelings and behavioural consequences. It helps identify cognitive distortions, engage in cognitive restructuring, planning and scheduling activities, positive self-talk or affirmations, and successive approximation to facilitate the management of tasks. A few lifestyle changes to promote well-being among people with ADHD:

• Try to have adequate sleep of 6-7 hours

• Do not watch any screen for at least 1 hour before sleeping

• Regular exercise (working out for 30 mins, 4-5 days a week)

• Avoid all packaged food products

• Avoid sugar, flour, rice flour, dairy products

• Limit the intake of caffeine

• Increase the intake of fresh and non-processed food products

The general public needs to educate themselves about ADHD, as it makes them aware of the condition, the symptoms, and intervention strategies, busting myths and creating acceptance and support among people.

Dr Nisha Khanna is a qualified, experienced, and trained Teenage Psychologist with 20+ years of experience and is a Senior Consultant – Counselling Psychologist at Panchsheel Enclave in New Delhi who offers online, telephonically and face-to-face Counselling Services. A person in Delhi, India or any other part of the World can approach us through any of these mediums. For details, visit Bye Tense or call us at +91–9818211474