ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It’s a mental illness where a person struggles regulating attention span, excessive activity or impulsive behaviour. People suffering from ADHD have trouble focusing their attention on one thing or even staying still for a considerable amount of time. ADHD is usually seen in children but it can also be seen in adults. People with ADHD have challenges in many areas of life, from school to work to everyday living. For example, people with ADHD often struggle to get organized, follow directions, and manage their emotions.
Several studies have also suggested that a lot of people might have ADHD, it’s just a matter of intensity in each person. Below are some symptoms of what ADHD looks like:
1. People with ADHD often get into moments of feeling very energetic or “in the zone”; this is a case of hyperfocus. They may immerse themselves so much in an activity that they want to do or enjoy doing to the point that they become oblivious to everything around them. This concentration can be so intense that an individual loses track of time, other chores, or the surrounding environment.
2. People with ADHD are very emotionally sensitive. Emotions are felt strongly. Many people with ADHD suffer from depression, anxiety, mood swings, and outbursts of anger. They also struggle with rejection.
3. People with ADHD are likely to get engaged in self-harm and a lot of times it’s related to irritability, when they get very irritated it can lead to outbursts against objects but very often against themselves as well. Self harming behaviors also include hairpulling, biting, and scratching oneself.
4. Other than above stated points, they also have trouble completing tasks and frequent procrastination. Short term memory loss is also a noticeable symptom. Losing track of time is also very common for people with ADHD as they often hyperfixate on one thing. They can also sometimes forget basic hygiene unless reminded in some way.
The causes of ADHD are linked to some genetic factors and could also be because of brain injury. Living with ADHD can be very challenging as most people aren’t able to do everyday tasks like normal people do. Many adults with ADHD do not even realize they have the disorder. A detailed evaluation is done where past and current symptoms are reviewed, a medical exam and history, and use of adult rating scales or checklists. Adults with ADHD are treated with medication, psychotherapy or both.