There has been a lot of talk on social media in recent months about ADHD and ADD, but what is ADHD/ADD? Let’s break down this neurologic condition and give you an overview including symptoms, who it affects, and the treatment options.

What is ADHD/ADD? 

ADHD and ADD are acronyms for the same thing. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder previously called Attention Deficit Disorder. They are oftentimes referred to interchangeably even though the official name is now ADHD. 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a chronic neurologic condition that is characterized by a pattern of recurring attention difficulty, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. It is most frequently associated with early childhood, though ADHD persists throughout adulthood as well.

What are the Symptoms of ADHD/ADD? 

There are three main symptoms of ADHD– impatience, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention–  which each manifest themselves in various ways. 

Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity ADHD symptoms include actions like not being able to sit still, constantly fidgeting, excessive talking, and excessive physical activity. However, hyperactivity isn’t always a physical symptom. Hyperactivity can also include having multiple continuous and everchanging streams of thoughts without the ability to “turn it off”. 

Impulsivity

Impulsivity in ADHD includes not being able to wait your turn, interrupting others when they are speaking, taking action without thinking, and having a skewed sense of danger. 

Inattention

Inattention ADHD symptoms are typically the most severe. These kinds of symptoms can include actions like not being able to focus on a task, the inability to complete tasks even once they are started, the appearance of being unable to listen to conversations, difficulty carrying out instructions, and constantly changing tasks. 

Additionally, inattention can manifest in being disorganized, making careless mistakes, and forgetfulness.

Getting A Diagnosis

For those that feel they may have ADHD, getting an official diagnosis can be challenging as it cannot be done by a general practitioner. A specialist with experience in ADHD whether that be a psychiatrist, licensed mental health professional, nurse practitioner, or physician, is most often required for an official ADHD diagnosis. 

During the process, the provider will go over an extensive history with you asking many questions. They may even ask you to take certain assessments that help reach them a diagnosis. 

Additionally, there is a set of criteria laid out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) which is the standard resource for diagnosing mental illnesses. To be diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder must meet these criteria. 

Available ADHD/ADD Treatment Options

There are two main treatment options for ADHD– medications and lifestyle adaptations. It is important to note that neither provides a “cure”, but rather they both aid in symptom management. 

Medications

The most common medication prescribed for those diagnosed with ADHD is a stimulant. Simulants are a category of medications that increase dopamine and norepinephrine, which are neurotransmitters, in your brain. There are two forms of stimulant medications. 

Immediate-release stimulants as their name suggests are short-acting, so they work faster and do not last as long. Extended-release stimulants are the opposite, they release the medication slowly over time and last a lot longer. Many people with ADHD prefer extended-release stimulants as they have less of a “crash effect” and typically only require one dose per day. 

Examples of stimulants for ADHD include Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, and Concerta. Keep in mind that stimulants are controlled substances which means they are highly regulated by the federal government as they have the potential to cause substance abuse disorders. 

Other medications used to treat ADHD include non-stimulants and anti-depressants, though they are used far less often as there aren’t many non-stimulants available and anti-depressants aren’t technically FDA-approved for ADHD but are rather prescribed off-label. 

Lifestyle Adaptations

For those who cannot or do not want to take stimulant medications or alternatives, lifestyle adaptations are another treatment option to manage symptoms. Lifestyle adaptations are also highly recommended even for those on medication management as well. 

So what are lifestyle adaptations? Lifestyle adaptations are habits, strategies, and methods that you use in your day-to-day life that help you overcome the problems that arise due to your ADHD symptoms. 

These can be things like maintaining a calendar system that helps those with ADHD remain on time and remember important events, body doubling where someone comes to sit with you while you get something done, or a distraction-free environment with low stimulus to help you focus. There are many different lifestyle adaptations for those with ADHD, but it is important to find the ones that work best for you.

Counseling for ADHD/ADD

Counseling can be a great tool to help you discover and establish effective lifestyle adaptations. Working with a counselor means there is someone to hold you accountable, offer solutions based on science and experience, and support you with the emotional toll that ADHD can have. You shouldn’t have to be alone if you are diagnosed or have symptoms of ADHD. 

If you are looking for counseling to help guide you in getting diagnosed and managing your ADHD symptoms, click here, and let’s chat about how we can work together to overcome your current challenges.