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Overview, Causes, Complications, and Solutions
Overview
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopment disorder usually diagnosed during childhood and follows throughout adulthood and causes shortened attention spans, trouble managing impulsive behavior, and/or hyperactivity. There are three types of ADHD, inattentive ADHD, hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, and combined ADHD.
Mostly Inattentive ADHD:
This type of ADHD involves a relatively short attention span, getting easily distracted and focusing on tasks. It also includes having trouble getting and staying organized.
Mostly Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD:
This type of ADHD involves being hyperactive and impulsive. With hyperactivity, students always feel like they always need to be moving, have trouble sitting still, and struggle with constant fidgeting and talking too much. This usually leads to disruptive behavior. With impulsiveness, students have a hard time controlling their words and actions and act without thinking about the later consequences. This can be very problematic as they grow up.
Mostly Combined ADHD:
This is the most common type of ADHD. Students with combined ADHD demonstrate symptoms for both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD.
Symptoms
Inattentive ADHD symptoms:
Missing details and making careless mistakes at school and social settings
Having trouble staying focus during activities and tasks
Seem not to listen when directly spoken to
Finding it difficult to complete assignments and easily get sidetracked
Having trouble getting and staying organized, managing time, getting ready on time
Avoiding doing tasks that require long periods of mental effort such as reading, studying, and completing homework on time
Losing important items such as books, keys, glasses, etc
Forgetting about doing daily activities
Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms:
Fidgeting and squirming while seated
Getting up and running around when being seated is expected
Restlessness
Trouble doing quiet activities
Constantly moving and seems to be always “on to go”
Talking much more than normal
Having trouble waiting for their turn
Interrupting others
Students with combined ADHD show symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD.
ADHD symptoms usually start before 12 can symptoms can vary in severity. ADHD can also overlap other medical conditions such as conduct disorder, tic disorder, anxiety, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), substance use disorders, and mood disorders. It is also important not to confuse ADHD and mental illnesses with common young children behavior. It's typical for preschoolers to have short attention spans and not be able to stick with one activity for long. Even in older children and teenagers, attention span depends on the level of interest (Mayo Clinic).
Causes
The exact cause of ADHD is unknown. However, factors include genetics, environment, injuries, nutrition and social environments.
Complications
If ADHD is left untreated, it may possibly result in many major consequences such as anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and learning disabilities. This is very problematic for students as they develop in the academic environment and socialize with friends. Moreover, people with ADHD tend to have more accidents and injuries. Students with severe ADHD are more likely to have trouble interacting with peers and adults which can be detrimental to their overall well being and lead to even more problems. Students with ADHD usually are also more likely to be a higher risk of alcohol and drug misuse and suicidal thoughts. Therefore, it is crucial to acknowledge ADHD if it is present and search for solutions to mitigate symptoms and make a student’s life more manageable.
Solutions
Although there is not a cure to ADHD, many things are available to minimize symptoms including medicine, therapy (both psychotherapy (talking therapy) and behavioral), and education/training for parents to give their children strategies to overcome symptoms. However, it is always important to consult with a professional healthcare provider first.
For students, possible solutions to lower symptoms include creating a routine (could be simple to follow easy), managing distractions while working and finding ideal working conditions, keeping a clean work space, limiting choices to prevent overstimulation, and work for a healthy lifestyle with nutritious whole foods, physical activity, and sufficient sleep. Again, it’s always important to consult with a medical professional and/or doctor to analyze solutions.
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