Believe it or not, ADHD can have quite an effect on someone’s life. Sometimes the ADHD can be so bad that it will literally control someone’s life. Sometimes people will need to change things in their life to help suppress their ADHD. Sometimes things need to be done differently for a person to be able to deal with it. ADHD statistics show that adults and children respond to ADHD and treatments for ADHD differently. In this article, we will take a look at how ADHD can affect your life and some of the side effects you will more than likely face when being diagnosed with ADHD. ADHD affects millions, so never be ashamed if you suffer from this disorder!
Effects of ADHD
The effects of ADHD are pretty much the same for both children and adults. The difference is; most children are faced with the effects while in school, where adults are faced with it at work.
Some of the side effects you encounter include: frustration when you can’t reach a goal you have set, anger because you can’t complete a job or project, being hyper all the time and not being able to suppress your high energy levels, and being unable to remember short-term memories. ADHD statistics also show that a lot of people who are diagnosed with this disorder have difficulty sleeping causing people to be frustrated from always being tired.
Adapting to ADHD
There are some things you will have to change in your life if you suffer from this disorder. Though some changes may be hard, it will only benefit you in the long run. For one, you may have to eventually take medication for your disorder. If this is the case, you may feel out of energy all the time and feel like you just can’t do the things you used to. If this happens, you will need to do certain exercises that will boost your metabolism and help you feel better physically.
If one of your problems is that you can’t meet certain goals you set; then you need to set goals with a different approach. In other words, make smaller goals that are a lot easier to reach so you won’t be frustrating yourself. Setting goals that are easier for you to reach will boost your mentality and make you feel better about yourself.
If you struggle with remembering things that just happened recently, then you need to practice different ways to learn these things. For example, post sticky notes around your home, or on your computer that you can constantly read. This will help you retain and remember things easier. You may have to do things like this five or six times a day, but the effects will be rewarding for you in the long run. The effects of ADHD on your life can be frustrating for you, but you can help relieve the frustration some.
Side Effects of ADHD Medication
Side Effects of ADHD Medication can really be frustrating for the person taking it and for a parent giving it to their child. Side effects of ADHD medication include: depression for the child or adult, loss of weight due to them not eating, and becoming lethargic because the medicine slows them down so much. If these side effects are becoming too much for you to handle, then speak with your doctor and try something different as their are many different treatments for ADHD.
How to Diagnose ADHD
For the most part, the symptoms of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) occur as a child develops. And even adults may have periods of time where they feel unfocused or distracted. It is also very easy to confuse ADHD symptoms with a wide variety of other problems such as learning disabilities and other types of emotional issues. This is why it is important to have a suspected case of ADHD diagnosed by a health care professional.
There is not just one simple physical or medical test that can be used to determine if someone has ADHD. For parents who suspect that their child may have this condition it is important to speak with the child’s physician about their concerns. They will have a checklist of different symptoms and can make sure that the child is not exhibiting symptoms of similar conditions.
In order to diagnose the condition of ADHD a person will display several of the most common symptoms which are classified into three categories: inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity. One thing the medical professional will look at is how severe the symptoms have become. The true symptoms of ADHD will have a negative influence on the family’s life and typically, those with the condition have trouble in several different areas of their lives. Children have difficulty in the school setting and adults in the workplace, finances and social interactions.
They will also want to know when the symptoms were first noticed. They will typically need to have been consistent for a period of at least 6 months and not just sporadic occurrences to be diagnosed as ADHD. It is also typical that these symptoms are not apparent in only one setting, but in multiple settings if the child or adult has the condition.
There are several symptoms that can be warning signs especially when demands on the person are increased at home, school, or work. They will have difficulty following directions or instructions and usually be extremely disorganized in most areas of their lives. Most of those suffering from ADHD will be fidgety and constantly move their feet and hands around. They will also tend to talk too much especially at inappropriate times and settings.
Most children will adjust to ADHD as they grow into adulthood. But there are many who may have inappropriate behaviors and end up dropping out of school. Typically the symptoms will diminish as the person ages but many times their difficulties will continue to affect their careers. While some feel that a diagnosis seems like just another label it is better thought of as an explanation. A diagnosis can explain why a person has trouble paying attention, listening closely, following instructions or getting organized.
Once a diagnosis is made it will be easier for a person to manage their condition. A plan can be developed which can help the individual cope with and control the symptoms of ADHD and medical professionals can prescribe medications which may be able to help control some of the symptoms.
Treating and Suppressing ADHD
New Treatments for ADHD are being discovered every day. There are already quite a few treatments available for those who suffer from it, but with the advancement of technology and medicine, more treatments are being found. There are medication treatments and alternative treatments for this disorder. We will take a look at treatments in this article for both children and adults. Present ADHD statistics show that some adults and kids respond better to treatments than others.
Treatment for ADHD in Children
Treatment for ADHD in Children is about the same as it is for adults. Usually a doctor will recommend alternative treatments before putting the child on medication. A doctor who simply slaps medication on a child to start with doesn’t really care about their well being and instead are just looking for a quick fix to get you out of their hair. If this is the case, get a second opinion. However, if your child has a really bad case of ADHD, then yes; medication should be administered right away.
Children with this disorder can sometimes be treated with alternative treatments such as: ADHD exercises, joining support groups, and seeking counseling once or twice a week. Counseling and support groups have been known to help kids with ADHD because they can get their emotions out and are taught how to control what they are feeling.
ADHD Treatment for Adults
Adults are treated just about the same way as children. The only difference with adults is they are better able to control their emotions. ADHD treatment for adults can be managed with medication, counseling, support groups, and exercise. If you are put on medication and have bad side effects, talk to your doctor and get on something new. If you are using alternative treatments for ADHD and they don’t seem to work, medication may definitely be needed.
Understanding ADHD
Understanding ADHD will help you better understand how to treat it and what exactly people are going through when diagnosed. ADHD statistics show that those with ADHD can’t comprehend things, focus for long periods of time, remember short-term memories, and control their feelings. It is often very frustrating. People who don’t know about ADHD think they have a behavioral or learning problem. If you see someone that has problems with remembering things, doing things, getting angry quick, don’t be so quick to judge. They may just have ADHD or some type of disorder related to ADHD.
Signs of ADHD in Teens and Adults
So what are the signs of ADHD in teens and adults? Well, there are a few signs and symptoms you should look for to best diagnose yourself. Teen signs differ a bit from adult signs and in this article we will highlight the differences.
Signs of ADHD in Teenagers
Signs of ADHD in teenagers are a little different than adults and children. Teenagers with ADHD tend to be in more car accidents. They also are more likely to be in a second car accident. They have problems with gender identity and wanting to dress like the opposite sex or in clothes that we don’t normally accept. Teenagers with ADHD are also more likely to fall into groups and have friends they wouldn’t normally have because of the peer pressure. Their taste in music, clothes, and activities will change. They tend to have more arguments with their parents over authority and almost anything that doesn’t go their way. Teens who suffer from ADHD will also stress and worry themselves sick over tests and exams in school, because of their disability, it is harder for them to retain stuff.
ADHD Effects
ADHD statistics on teens show that they are more likely to drop out of school due to not being able to learn and retain stuff. It also shows that they will more than likely have developmental problems when it comes to their bodies.
Signs of ADHD in Adults
Signs of ADHD in adults are also slightly different than the other age groups. Adults will struggle with work and every day life. Adults tend to wander away while working. After a couple of minutes, their minds will go to another place. In other words; they are easily distracted. Another sign of ADHD in adults is the inability to create goals and reach them. They get far more irritated than those who don’t have ADHD. Adults usually are far more fidgety, and nervous. They tend to try and avoid things that take effort to complete. Some adults with ADHD have no energy and drive to do things, where others affected by ADHD will have the complete opposite affect and be very hyper and active.
ADHD Effects
ADHD statistics on adults show that most adults will be fired often from jobs because they are not able to focus and complete the job at hand. Statistics also show that adults with ADHD will also pick of the habit of smoking, drinking, or using drugs to help relax them and calm them.
Adults with ADHD
ADHD symptoms in adults is pretty similar to the symptoms in children. If you are an adult and you feel like you may have ADHD, continue reading this article. You will learn how to diagnose and find treatment for adult ADHD. If you think you may have ADHD, do not feel ashamed. It happens to many people and it is not something you can help. It is neuro, meaning it has to do with the brain, so you really can’t help it.
ADHD Symptoms in Adults
Here are some ADHD symptoms that you should look for to find out if you are suffering from this disorder. Mental health symptoms and people who suffer from depression or bipolar disease often have ADHD. If you suffer from either one, or both, you may have ADHD.
Learning disabilities in adults is also a symptom of ADHD in adults. This symptom includes things like Dyslexia, being unable to comprehend, not remembering things short-term, and not being able to learn new things. Most types of learning disorders are usually symptoms of ADHD in adults.
Not being able to focus on work, being fired often, not finishing projects on time, and always making excuses why you can’t do your job are all symptoms of ADHD. Having ADHD as an adult can really affect your whole life.
Substance abuse is another symptom. ADHD statistics show that 1 in 5 adults with ADHD will turn to some type of substance like smoking, drugs, or alcohol to relieve them from anxiety and stress caused from the disorder.
ADHD Diagnosis
An ADHD diagnosis is usually done by a professional. Once a professional examines you, they will recommend certain treatment. Most adults with ADHD have different types and need different treatment. If you feel that you have ADHD and your doctor says you don’t, get a second opinion because many doctors will misdiagnose this disorder when it comes to adults.
Treatment for Adult ADHD
There are many treatments used for adults with ADHD. Some of the treatments include medications, support groups, special exercises, and counseling. If you are not the type to take medications, tell your doctor and he or she can best recommend certain exercises, support groups, and other means to help with your ADHD. Some people do just fine with special exercises and support groups. However, if you try these and they don’t help, you may need to go on to medications. There is no shame in taking medications to help with your disorder. Sometimes medications is needed to help balance the part of the brain that is affected by this disease. ADHD statistics show that many adults who have this disorder had it as a child as well.