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ADHD – Attention Deficit Hyper-activity Disorder
Characteristics of ADHD are typically listed as: physically hyper-active, impulsive, intrusive, rebellious, bossy, irritation, show off, egotistical, attracts friends, but does not easily bond, more prone to oppositional defiant or conduct disorders. It is also thought to be a brain disorder due to a chemical imbalance in the brain and between 3 and 5 percent of children are thought to have ADHD. Furthermore, ADHD is characterized by hyperactivity (e.g. being too active, being fidgety, talking too much, being restless, or having your mind be always racing with thoughts); inattentiveness (e.g. difficulty paying attention, mind wandering, forgetting or losing things); and impulsivity (e.g. acting first without thinking, interrupting others, not thinking about the consequences of your words or actions). Not all three types of symptoms may present itself. If you only have problems with paying attention, this is called ADHD--Inattentive Type. This type of ADHD used to be called ADD, however if you mostly have problems with hyperactivity/impulsivity, this is called ADHD-- Hyperactive/Impulsive Type. If you have both sets of symptoms, this is called ADHD--Combined Type. Many teens mostly have trouble with inattentiveness, which creates lots of problems with paying attention in class, easily distracted and procrastinating. ADHD can also trouble relationships. For instance, you may be more likely to interrupt others, to lose your temper and overreact to things, to forget what you promised to do, and to not pay attention when someone is talking to you. It can be harder to maintain friendships and relationships as a result, alienating others. A more serious consideration surround learning difficulty or disability For many teens with ADHD this is sadly also a reality. Trouble learning certain subjects, such as reading, math, writing, and spelling. It does not mean that they are not smart! Some teens with ADHD and LD are placed in LD classes to help them learn more effectively. Other ADHD teens have trouble with what is called executive functioning. This makes it hard to start things, stay focused while working on them, avoid distractions, and complete them. What causes ADHD? is a question posed quite often and the jury is still out on the exact cause(s): most hypothesize that it is the imbalance in certain brain chemicals (called neurotransmitters) that are needed for paying attention and controlling behavior. Two of these neurotransmitters are norepinephrine and dopamine. Recent studies are also demonstrating difference between brain activity of people with ADHD, as compared to people without ADHD. People with ADHD have less activity in certain areas of the brain that help you to pay attention. The medications that are used to treat ADHD work by increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain. |
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