What is ADHD?Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a fairly common psychiatric, developmental disorder characterized by a variety of symptoms. This disorder cannot be cured but can be managed through natural means or with prescribed medication. ADHD is usually diagnosed in young children and must usually be managed through adulthood.
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Characteristics |
Typical symptoms of ADHD include continuous difficulty focusing and behavioral problems related to impulsivity. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), common symptoms of ADHD include the following:
There are three different types of ADHD based on the symptoms present in the individual:
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Diagnosis
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There is no single way to diagnose ADHD. The first stop is to rule out other problems such as hearing or vision impairments. It can also be difficult to diagnose because many other problems such as depression and anxiety, have similar symptoms. Physicians and/or psychiatrists may then evaluate the child to determine what symptoms are continuously present in the child’s behavior. This may also require some assistance from parents and teachers to monitor behavior as well.
ADHD can be treated in a number of ways. For most individuals, some combination of behavior therapy and prescribed medications works best. Behavior therapy is usually the recommended option to begin with, however there is no single treatment that works best for everyone. Each individual will have a different set of symptoms and different treatments work for different people. For the best results, continued monitoring and follow-ups with doctors is highly recommended to determine if treatments should be altered to meet the changing needs of the individual. |