Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, known simply as ADHD, is a brain-based biological condition wherein a person, especially children, has an excess of energy. The two most obvious and recognizable symptoms of ADHD are having an irresistible urge to fidget and being easily distracted by things. “Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a well-known affliction that is characterized by difficulties in impulse control, hyperactivity, and a reduced ability to concentrate for extended periods of time”
Samoon Ahmad, M.D. explains.
Although it is a lifelong condition, there are ways in which ADHD can be managed, given the right mindset.
ADHD is real
People are divided when it comes to the existence of ADHD. There are those who say that there is no such thing as ADHD and that it is only a bundle of different symptoms of over 20 conditions, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and OCD, among others.
However, ADHD is not a new condition, as its discovery dates as far back as 1763, when Scottish physician Sir Arthur Crichton was able to note that some of his patients had trouble focusing on things. He also noted the fidgeting of these patients and their agitation. Joel L. Young, M.D. points out, “Evidence of ADHD exists at least as far back as the 18th century. Like much else, it’s only been in recent years that doctors have truly understood the condition. Some adults are reluctant to accept that which they can’t see or test with a single test. That doesn’t make ADHD any less real.”
In the U.S. alone, the Centers for Disease Control estimates that one in 11 children are diagnosed with ADHD, a steep rise of 42% in the numbers between 2003 and 2014. This a big problem for parents because of their fear of their children needing drugs such as Ritalin and Adderall to suppress symptoms of ADHD. “The vast majority of medications used to treat ADHD are stimulants,” Adi Jaffe, Ph.D., says. “Since the source of the problem is under-activity in the prefrontal cortex, the medication gets this part of the brain to rev up its activity and do a better job of focusing, switching attention, and controlling other important brain areas.”
These powerful stimulant drugs, although considered safe, do have negative side effects. Some of these side effects include paranoia, weight loss, appetite loss, insomnia, and, in very rare cases, heart damage.
Despite this, an estimated 6.1% of the American population aged 4 to 17 is taking these ADHD drugs as of 2011, as compared to only 4.8% in 2007. The statistics merely prove that ADHD is real and that there are people addressing the condition with the use of certain drugs.
All Gas, No Breaks
Modern science has allowed us to have scans of the brain, which clearly show a difference in when the brains of the people diagnosed with ADHD are scanned. Many scientists today believe that ADHD is a result of a malfunction in the brain, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, wherein the “executive functions” such as self-control, planning, and inhibition are processed.
The regions of this brain act as its filter, regulating things such as impulse control, attention, motivation, awareness of time, thinking before acting, and being resistant to distractions. The difference with those diagnosed with ADHD is that this filter in the brain is too permeable, therefore giving the person too much energy to do different things while finding it difficult to stop.
However, having ADHD should not be a problem. There are numerous ways in which ADHD can be managed. Medication, such as the administering of stimulant drugs, can help balance the chemicals in the brain, making the person able to focus more and control his/her actions.
Therapy is another option wherein social skills training plays a role in teaching people with ADHD to act appropriately in social situations. Having a support group can also help to remind you that there is no need to be anxious when diagnosed with ADHD.