What is ADHD?
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. People with ADHD have trouble staying focused, can have a lot of energy, and sometimes don't put thought into things before doing them. These symptoms take place over a long period of time and in multiple settings, leading to a distinct difference in behavior and ability from all kids who naturally show excitement and energy.
Common Characteristics of ADHD
What Some Childhood Symptoms Lead to
Types of ADHD
1. Classic ADHD: They have symptoms of ADHD and also impulsivity and hyperactivity. Stimulant medications work well with those with Classic ADHD.
2. Inattentive ADHD: Also has symptoms of ADHD, but have really low energy. They respond to stimulant medications well.
3. Overfocused ADHD: Have symptoms of ADHD with negative thoughts and behaviors. Antidepressants combined with stimulants treat this type of ADHD the best.
4. Temporal Lobe ADHD: Symptoms of ADHD and experience memory and learning difficulties and are easily irritated. Instead of stimulants, anti-seizure medications are more effective.
5. Limbic ADHD: Symptoms of ADHD with difficulty getting motivated and experiences little energy. Uses stimulant antidepressants to treat.
6. The Ring of Fire: ADHD and Bipolar symptoms. There is a lot of mood swings, aggressiveness, and built up anger. Anticonvulsants and antipsychotic medications are used to treat this type of ADHD rather than stimulants.
2. Inattentive ADHD: Also has symptoms of ADHD, but have really low energy. They respond to stimulant medications well.
3. Overfocused ADHD: Have symptoms of ADHD with negative thoughts and behaviors. Antidepressants combined with stimulants treat this type of ADHD the best.
4. Temporal Lobe ADHD: Symptoms of ADHD and experience memory and learning difficulties and are easily irritated. Instead of stimulants, anti-seizure medications are more effective.
5. Limbic ADHD: Symptoms of ADHD with difficulty getting motivated and experiences little energy. Uses stimulant antidepressants to treat.
6. The Ring of Fire: ADHD and Bipolar symptoms. There is a lot of mood swings, aggressiveness, and built up anger. Anticonvulsants and antipsychotic medications are used to treat this type of ADHD rather than stimulants.
Statistics and Facts About ADHD
- On average, about 1 to 3 children that have ADHD in a classroom of about 30 students.
- 75% of boys who have AHDH are hyperactive; 60% of girls who have ADHD are hyperactive.
- Teens with ADHD are four times more likely to have a car accidents than their non-ADHD peers, and are 7 times more likely to get into another accident.
-40% of children with ADHD have a parent who also has ADHD.
-25% of children with ADHD have a severe learning disability.
- 75% of boys who have AHDH are hyperactive; 60% of girls who have ADHD are hyperactive.
- Teens with ADHD are four times more likely to have a car accidents than their non-ADHD peers, and are 7 times more likely to get into another accident.
-40% of children with ADHD have a parent who also has ADHD.
-25% of children with ADHD have a severe learning disability.
- Children with ADHD develop 30% slower than children without ADHD.
- 65% of children with ADHD have issues with authority figures.
- 65% of children with ADHD have issues with authority figures.
Differences in Kids with ADHD and without ADHD in Brain Activity
The top two brains are those of 14-year-olds. The one to the left is a female without ADHD that has low theta activity, whereas the brain to the right has high theta activity. The bottom two brains are those of 9-year-olds. The brain to the left is of a male without ADHD that has low alpha activity, and the brain to the right is of a male with ADHD and high alpha wave activity.
ADHD Medications
Stimulant medications are effective in treating 70-80% of people with ADHD, and is known to treat very mild to severe cases of ADHD.
Stimulants:
- Adderall
- Concerta
- Ritalin
- Methylin
Non-Stimulants: Used for people with ADHD who face side effects from stimulants, have other conditions, or find that they simply don't work for them.
- Strattera
- Intuniv
Stimulants:
- Adderall
- Concerta
- Ritalin
- Methylin
Non-Stimulants: Used for people with ADHD who face side effects from stimulants, have other conditions, or find that they simply don't work for them.
- Strattera
- Intuniv
Common Myths About ADHD- ADHD is a disorder that only children have.
- If you can focus on some activities, you are not considered to have ADHD. - The cure for ADHD is medication. - Children who are taking ADHD medication are more likely to take drugs as teenagers - Children with ADHD were not raised right, therefore they have ADHD. |
The Truth About These Myths- ADHD is a disorder that is continuous throughout the life span in which treatments are necessary to control the level of ADHD one has.
- Even though people with ADHD have trouble staying focused, they still are able to take part in activities or pay attention to things that interest them. - ADHD medications help control the symptoms of ADHD, not take it away; people with ADHD have the disorder throughout their lifetime. Medication is not the only source people with ADHD use to help their disorder. People also use their own strategies to lessen the effects of their disorder such as organizational skills or thoughts. - Those who are taking stimulants for ADHD are actually at a lower risk to becoming involved with drugs at an older age even though they are more open to taking risks. They are however at a higher risk for drugs and alcohol use when they have other coexisting conditions along with their ADHD. - ADHD is caused by a condition in their brain. This causes them to have difficulty controlling their actions/behavior. One cannot control whether they have ADHD or not. |