ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is something most people have heard of before. Maybe your little sibling has a ton of energy or your best friend tends to forget when you agreed to hang out. Maybe you’ve just heard the term in passing. But what is ADHD really? Is it just the inability to sit still for very long? I’ll answer that for you; it’s not. ADHD is a neurological disorder found in up to 5% of Americans.
Side Note: Before you continue reading, please note that I am in no way a licensed professional and I do not have the ability to diagnose anyone. If you read this article and suspect it applies to you, seek guidance from a trusted adult. ADHD has to be officially diagnosed by a psychiatrist and cannot be self-diagnosed. That being said, if you have ADHD or know someone who does, I hope this article helps shine some light on it and creates a better understanding of ADHD.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a mental disorder that includes a combination of symptoms. This disorder is found in both kids and adults alike, but the way symptoms are presented can differ between adults and children. The exact cause of ADHD is unknown. It is linked partially to genetics and is highly inheritable. Signs of ADHD differ from person to person but some common signs/symptoms of ADHD are hyperactivity -physically or in the mind (racing thoughts)-, impulsivity, trouble with planning and time management, emotional dysregulation and short temper, trouble focusing, hyperfixation or hyperfocus for periods of time, and difficulty coping with stress. While these are common symptoms, having ADHD does not mean you will experience all of them.
ADHD causes a deficiency in the gene DRD₂. The deficiency in this gene makes it hard for neurons to respond to dopamine. This can cause people with ADHD to crave dopamine a lot more. In simpler terms, people with ADHD look for “highs” more often because they are not getting the natural highs neurotypical people get. Many people with ADHD find this high through substance use or reckless behavior, but that does not have to be the solution. Knowing what makes you happy and seeking innocent ways to get that rush of dopamine is a much healthier way to deal with the deficiency. Doing things like spending time with friends, watching a favorite tv show in the evening, or getting take-out from your favorite restaurant are great ways to give yourself that dopamine rush without turning to potentially harmful solutions.
ADHD is typically treated through medication and types of therapy. Medications are prescribed by a licensed psychiatrist or doctor. There are a few different medications that a person can take but the most common ones are Adderall or Vyvanse. These medications are also known as stimulants because they contain methylphenidate or amphetamine. Stimulants balance and regulate the production chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. Counseling is also a great treatment for ADHD. The type of counseling usually used is psychological counseling (psychotherapy), and this can help someone not only learn about ADHD itself, but how to cope with it and be successful. The more specific types of psychotherapy are cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy.
While ADHD is not preventable, there are things a person can do to improve their quality of life while having ADHD. Using tools such as alarms on your phone, setting reminders, writing things down on post-its, and making lists are all good ways to help you remember things and stay organized. Keeping your environment clean and tidy will also help you because having a messy work space can cause anxiety and make it harder to have a clear mind. Knowing your weaknesses is also important so that you can do your best to improve, but also give yourself the grace you need. Medication and therapy help many people, especially those with high levels of ADHD, but not everyone needs that.
There are also some amazing positives to having ADHD. People with ADHD tend to be extremely creative and great at thinking outside the box. There are many famous people have ADHD from Emma Watson to Michael Jordan to even Albert Einstein. People with ADHD are also very good at problem solving and have a lot of resilience. ADHD does not have to hold someone back from doing just as well in life as a neurotypical person. In fact, being able to overcome the struggles of ADHD is admirable and something you can be proud of.
As you can see, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is not just about having a lot of energy. There are so many more parts to it that many people are unaware of. I want to reiterate that this article is not meant to be used to diagnose anyone. A licensed psychiatrist or doctor is the only one who can make a formal diagnosis. If you are wondering if you might have ADHD, reach out to a parent, guardian, counselor, social worker, or any other trusted adult in your life. I hope this article helped you understand ADHD more or gave you a better understanding of the many upsides to it.
