What is ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

ADHD: what it is, causes, symptoms and everything you need to know about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders in children and adolescents. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by problems with concentration, hyperactivity and impulsivity. While the cause of ADHD is unknown , it is believed to be due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors. There is no single approach to treating this mental issue, but a combination of medication and therapy is typically recommended. Let's try to deepen the knowledge of this disorder, much more widespread than one might think.

ADHD: what it is, causes and symptoms

What is ADHD? ADHD is an acronym for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder . It is a mental problem characterized by difficulty concentrating , hyperactivity and impulsivity.

The root cause of the disorder is not known. However, it is believed that it may be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. As for the symptoms , they can vary from person to person. Some of the most common are:

– difficulty paying attention;

– difficulty sitting still;

– impulsivity;

– hyperactivity;

– organization and planning difficulties;

– chronic distractibility;

– Difficulty managing time.

If you are concerned that your child may have ADHD, talk to your pediatrician. There is no shame in seeking help and fortunately the condition is treatable .

The treatment of ADHD for children and adults

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is most commonly diagnosed in children , but it can also be present in adults . For toddlers, treatment usually involves a combination of medication and therapy. There are a number of medicines available that can help improve concentration and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. The most common are stimulants, which work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. Instead, therapy can help teach children how to better manage symptoms, and thus serve in learning to better focus and stay on task, set goals, and improve communication and social skills.

Even for adults, treatment usually involves a combination of drugs and therapies. However, stimulants are typically not prescribed. Rather, adults are generally given antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, but individual cases must always be considered. Therapy can help, even in this case, to keep symptoms at bay and improve quality of life.

Strategies for managing the disorder

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing this disorder, a few particular strategies can help. Experts recommend establishing a precise routine and sticking to it, both in private life and at work. It is useful then to divide the activities into smaller steps, especially when it is a heavy task, which can seem daunting. This can help reduce feelings of overwhelm and frustration.

It is advisable then to find a support person , someone to talk to and who can understand what we are feeling. It is also important to exercise regularly, to keep our health good but also to help our mind. In fact, training improves concentration, reduces stress and improves our mood.

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