Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that is generally known for affecting attention, but not all complications associated with this condition are well-known. People generally assume that those who are affected by ADHD are hyperactive and bubbly, but this is actually not the whole truth.
There are many different types of ADHD, and they can all affect a person differently. The three main types of ADHD are Inattentive, Hyperactive-Impulsive and Combined. Inattentive ADHD is represented by symptoms such as avoiding tasks that demand attention for long periods of time, forgetting tasks, losing items and getting easily sidetracked. Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD is depicted as overactivity, not being able to sit still, and interrupting.
People tend to forget that ADHD doesn’t just affect a person’s attention. It can create complications in self-esteem, social situations, relationships, the ability to reach one’s full potential and increase the risk of substance abuse, according to MayoClinic.org.
Symptoms usually begin between the ages of 3 to 6, but diagnoses commonly only happen in adulthood. Diagnoses are also mainly in boys, but not because ADHD is more prevalent in boys. According to Psychiatry.org, boys mostly present the hyperactive-impulsive type of symptoms, making it easier to catch. Girls are more drawn to the daydreaming and forgetfulness of the inattentive type.
ADHD is not the same for everyone, either. It affects all people slightly differently. There can also be alternative causes for similar behavior to those who have ADHD, like depression, anxiety and oppositional defiant disorder, according to the Cleveland Clinic. But they can also exist at the same time, along with many other conditions.
It’s easy to feel alone or hopeless when experiencing ADHD. It is considered a disability, but there are accommodations that those who are diagnosed can receive. An estimated 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults have ADHD, according to Psychiatry.org. It doesn’t go away, and it can’t be outgrown, but there are treatments that can help manage it.
If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms of ADHD, there are resources to use to get diagnosed or find the source of their problems.
