ADHD
What is ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects approximately 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults, and is characterized by symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While often recognized in school-aged children due to disruptions in the classroom, it can persist into adulthood. Boys are more frequently diagnosed than girls, though this doesn’t imply a higher likelihood in boys. Boys typically exhibit hyperactivity, while girls may display inactivity. ADHD’s impact extends beyond academics, influencing professional achievements, interpersonal relationships, and daily functioning. Left untreated, it can lead to low self-esteem and social challenges in children, and in adults, it may manifest as poor self-worth and heightened sensitivity to criticism. Notably, the presentation and assessment of ADHD in adults differ, with symptoms potentially intensifying as the demands of adulthood increase. If you or a loved one is facing challenges related to ADHD, our practice is equipped to provide comprehensive assistance tailored to different age groups.
We specialize in helping individuals who may have struggled with attention-related difficulties since their school years. Many adults with ADHD might not have been diagnosed during childhood and seek our assistance for issues like trouble focusing. We aim to understand the root of your attention challenges and identify any associated psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. Once a comprehensive understanding is achieved, we collaboratively design a treatment plan tailored to address your specific focusing issues. Our ultimate goal is to witness tangible improvements in your relationships, educational pursuits, and/or professional endeavors. Whether it’s a child, adolescent, or adult grappling with ADHD, our practice is here to provide support.
ADHD in Children
It is common for children to occasionally forget their homework, daydream during class, act impulsively, or display restlessness at the dinner table. However, inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity may also indicate the presence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), also known as attention deficit disorder (ADD).
Distinguishing between normal child behavior and ADHD can be challenging. If there are only a few isolated signs or the symptoms manifest in specific situations, it is likely not ADHD. Conversely, if your child consistently exhibits multiple ADHD signs and symptoms across various settings—home, school, and play—it is advisable to investigate further.
Living with a child with ADHD can be challenging, but as a parent, there are numerous actions you can take to manage symptoms, overcome daily obstacles, and foster a more serene atmosphere within your family.
Teachers and school personnel play a crucial role in supporting parents and healthcare professionals by providing information to assess behavioral and learning challenges. They can contribute to behavioral training efforts. However, it’s important to note that school staff lacks the authority to diagnose ADHD, make treatment decisions, or mandate medication for a student’s school attendance. These decisions rest solely with parents or guardians in consultation with the child’s healthcare clinician.
Students whose ADHD significantly impacts their learning may be eligible for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or, for those not requiring special education, a Section 504 plan under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Children with ADHD can benefit from tailored educational approaches, including instruction in study skills, adjustments to the classroom environment, alternative teaching methods, and a modified curriculum.
Myth VS FACT
Childhood ADHD
All kids with ADHD are hyperactive.
Some children with ADHD are hyperactive, but many others with attention problems are not. Children with ADHD who are inattentive, but not overly active, may appear to be spacey and unmotivated.
Kids with ADHD can never pay attention.
Children with ADHD are often able to concentrate on activities they enjoy. But no matter how hard they try, they have trouble maintaining focus when the task at hand is boring or repetitive.
Kids with ADHD could behave better if they wanted to.
Children with ADHD may do their best to be good, but still be unable to sit still, stay quiet, or pay attention. They may appear disobedient, but that doesn’t mean they’re acting out on purpose.
Kids will eventually grow out of ADHD.
ADHD often continues into adulthood, so don’t wait for your child to outgrow the problem. Treatment can help your child learn to manage and minimize the symptoms.
Medication is the best treatment option for ADHD.
Medication is often prescribed for attention deficit disorder. However, effective treatment for ADHD also includes education, behavior therapy, support at home and school, exercise, and proper nutrition.
Symptoms in Children
When many people envision attention deficit disorder, they often imagine an unruly child in constant motion, bouncing off walls and causing disruptions. However, the reality is far more nuanced. ADHD manifests in various ways—some children are hyperactive, while others appear quiet with their attention drifting elsewhere. Certain individuals may overly fixate on a task, struggling to shift focus, while others exhibit mild inattention alongside heightened impulsivity.
The specific signs and symptoms observed in a child with attention deficit disorder hinge on the predominant characteristics. Children with ADHD might be:
- Inattentive without being hyperactive or impulsive.
- Hyperactive and impulsive but capable of paying attention.
- Inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive (the most prevalent form of ADHD).
Children solely displaying inattentive symptoms often go unnoticed as they aren’t disruptive. However, these inattentive traits come with consequences, such as conflicts with parents and teachers due to not following directions, academic underperformance, or clashes with peers over non-compliance with rules.
ADHD in Girls
Girls are less frequently identified and treated for ADHD compared to boys, with some individuals incorrectly assuming that the condition primarily affects boys. In reality, the symptoms of ADHD can manifest differently in girls, making the disorder more challenging to detect.
Unlike boys, girls with ADHD may not exhibit as much hyperactivity, impulsivity, or disruptive behavior in the classroom. Instead, they might silently grapple with issues like anxiety, forgetfulness, disorganization, and difficulty maintaining focus. To compensate for these challenges, girls with ADHD may employ more effective coping mechanisms, such as investing extra effort in their schoolwork.
It’s common for many girls to receive a formal ADHD diagnosis later in life, and by then, they may have already experienced the consequences of living with an undetected and untreated disorder. These consequences can encompass academic and relational difficulties, alongside issues like diminished self-confidence or even depression. Securing an early and accurate diagnosis is crucial to ensuring that a child receives the necessary support.
ADHD in teens
The teenage years pose unique challenges for all adolescents, but teens with ADHD confront additional hurdles. Puberty intensifies symptoms, academic demands strain executive functions, and a drive for independence can lead to dangerous impulsivity during crucial milestones like learning to drive, engaging in sexual activity, experimenting with substances, and forming new relationships. Navigating these challenges requires close collaboration with school officials and seeking help from a clinician experienced in treating teens with ADHD. Timely intervention, including a combination of medication, behavior therapy, and family-management training, can help minimize risks and negative outcomes.
Many issues faced by teens with ADHD stem from neurological delays, impacting crucial executive skills essential for success in school and life. Despite these challenges, these teens are often mislabeled as lazy or oppositional due to the invisibility and misunderstanding of their neurological deficits. As executive skills typically develop fully in the early 20s, adolescents with ADHD face a prolonged timeline of 3 to 5 years, making tasks requiring executive functioning more challenging. Additionally, emotional maturity lags behind peers, with experts noting that individuals with ADHD may not reach the emotional maturity of a neurotypical 21-year-old until their mid to late 30s due to developmental delays in the brain’s frontal lobes.
ADHD doesn’t emerge suddenly during the teenage years but may become more evident amidst the challenges of high school. Some teens only display noticeable symptoms when they leave home for college. To diagnose ADHD in a teenager, there must be a history of symptoms in at least two settings (typically home and school) that started before the age of 12, significantly impacting the teen’s functioning or development. Diagnosing ADHD requires more than a quick visit to a general pediatrician. It involves collecting information from parents, teachers, and family members, completing checklists, and undergoing a comprehensive medical evaluation, including vision and hearing screening, to rule out potential medical issues and other diagnoses.
TEENS AT RISK
As a group, teenagers make notoriously bad decisions. Among the most serious risks facing teens with ADHD are:
drug use and alcohol abuse
Teens with ADHD are at an increased risk of substance and alcohol abuse, possibly as a result of poor impulse control or an attempt to cope with challenges like attention issues or school frustrations. Their desire to fit in and vulnerability to peer pressure can heighten the risk of alcohol and drug use, with these substances often linked to the leading causes of adolescent death, including accidents, homicide, and suicide.
unwanted pregnancy
Teenage girls with ADHD face a higher risk of pregnancy, with studies indicating that they may initiate sexual activity earlier, have more sexual partners, and are less likely to use contraception. Research shows that girls with ADHD are six times more likely than their peers to become teenage mothers, with 3.2% experiencing early pregnancy compared to 1.4% of teens without ADHD. The heightened risk is attributed to the increased likelihood of externalizing and risk-taking behaviors, making teenagers with ADHD more prone to engaging in risky sexual activities.
sexually-transmitted diseases
Teenagers with ADHD are at a higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Research indicates that teens with ADHD may initiate sexual activity earlier, have more sexual partners, and are less likely to use contraception. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) triples the risk of subsequent STIs among adolescents and young adults, emphasizing the need for targeted sexual health education and intervention for individuals with ADHD.
serious car accidents
Teens with ADHD are at a higher risk of serious car accidents due to difficulties in impulse control and attention. They may drive too fast or daydream instead of focusing on the road, leading to a higher rate of accidents, speeding tickets, and license issues compared to teens without ADHD. A 2019 study found that drivers with ADHD had a significantly higher rate of injury and alcohol-related crashes, highlighting the importance of considering the maturity and executive functioning skills of teens with ADHD before allowing them to drive.
Suicide
Teens with ADHD face a heightened risk of suicide due to their inclination for high-risk behaviors. ADHD increases the chances of developing depression and anxiety, particularly in girls, making them more susceptible to self-harm and suicidal thoughts. The impulsivity linked to ADHD can expedite the transition from thoughts to actions during distress, while untreated symptoms contribute to academic and social struggles, intensifying feelings of failure and hopelessness. Additionally, untreated ADHD is associated with a higher risk of substance abuse, further increasing the danger of acting on suicidal thoughts by reducing inhibitions.
School Performance
Teens with ADHD often face challenges in education, performing lower than their peers on intelligence tests, not due to lower intelligence but potential inefficiencies in test-taking. Despite being within the normal intelligence range, about one-third of teens with ADHD experience academic weaknesses, leading to learning difficulties similar to those with learning disabilities. By high school, up to two-thirds fall behind in basic subjects due to a lack of practice. Additionally, teens with ADHD are more likely to drop out of school and enter the workforce at a lower level, facing expulsion rates two-and-a-half times higher than their non-ADHD peers. Disruptive behaviors, sometimes stemming from poor impulse control, further contribute to academic struggles and social challenges in school.
Personal relationships
Teens with ADHD often find it challenging to build and sustain relationships, experiencing difficulties with friends, family, and partners. Their behavior, marked by impulsivity, disorganization, and sensitivity, can lead to social isolation and misunderstandings. The struggles with inattention and hyperactivity may cause emotional pain and strain in relationships, as individuals with ADHD may unintentionally overlook others' feelings or speak without thinking. These challenges can make friendships and family connections tense and fragile, with potential misunderstandings and clashes.
comorbid conditions
Teens with ADHD often face higher rates of mental health challenges like Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Depression, and Anxiety compared to their peers. Anxiety and mood issues tend to appear between ages 8 and 12, putting these teens at increased risk. Signs of problems include losing interest in activities, feeling worthless, and changes in appetite. Quick intervention by a professional is crucial, especially for impulsive behaviors that might lead to risky situations.
ADHD in Adults
Approximately 10 million adults grapple with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a condition that often lingers from childhood into adulthood. In the transition to adulthood, individuals with ADHD may contend with additional challenges such as depression, mood disorders, conduct issues, and substance abuse. For many adults with ADHD, daily life becomes a juggling act, marked by inconsistent work performance, difficulties in managing responsibilities, and strained personal relationships. Late diagnosis or misinterpretation of symptoms in childhood can lead to labeling, with individuals being perceived as dreamers, slackers, or troublemakers. It’s not uncommon for adults to compensate for ADHD symptoms in their youth, only to confront more significant obstacles as adult responsibilities multiply.
The manifestations of ADHD in adults can vary widely, and symptoms often differ from those observed in children. The challenges may encompass difficulty paying attention, impulsiveness, and restlessness, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Many adults with ADHD may be unaware of their condition, recognizing only the persistent difficulties they face in everyday tasks. Struggles with focus, prioritization, time management, and impulse control are common, leading to missed deadlines, forgotten meetings, and challenges in social planning. Symptoms also extend to difficulties in multitasking, planning, completing tasks, and coping with stress, creating a complex landscape that demands personalized strategies for effective management. While some adults may experience a reduction in symptoms with age, others continue to grapple with significant challenges that impact daily functioning.
Myth VS FACT
Adult ADHD
ADHD is just a lack of willpower. People with ADHD focus well on things that interest them; they could focus on any other tasks if they really wanted to.
ADHD looks very much like a willpower problem, but it isn’t. It’s essentially a chemical problem in the management systems of the brain.
People with ADHD can never pay attention.
People with ADHD are often able to concentrate on activities they enjoy. But no matter how hard they try, they have trouble maintaining focus when the task at hand is boring or repetitive.
Everybody has the symptoms of ADHD, and anyone with adequate intelligence can overcome these difficulties.
ADHD affects people of all levels of intelligence. And although everyone sometimes has symptoms of ADHD, only those with chronic impairments from these symptoms warrant an ADHD diagnosis.
Someone can't have ADHD and also have depression, anxiety, or other psychiatric problems.
A person with ADHD is six times more likely to have another psychiatric or learning disorder than most other people. ADHD usually overlaps with other disorders.
Unless you have been diagnosed with ADHD or ADD as a child, you can't have it as an adult.
Many adults struggle all their lives with unrecognized ADHD symptoms. They haven’t received help because they assumed that their chronic difficulties, like depression or anxiety, were caused by other impairments that did not respond to usual treatment.
ADHD in Women
ADHD in women often presents differently than in men, making it challenging to recognize and diagnose. Girls with ADHD might be labeled as forgetful or talkative, and later in life, women might seek help for symptoms only to be diagnosed with depression or anxiety instead. While women with ADHD may experience challenges such as misplacing items, forgetfulness, and difficulty staying focused, they often develop coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms. These coping strategies, like putting in extra hours at work or relying on productivity tools, help them appear highly conscientious or perfectionist despite underlying ADHD challenges.
The evolving understanding of ADHD in women has led to increased awareness, enabling more women to seek the help they need. Symptoms may not be noticed until later in life when issues arise in work, relationships, or daily responsibilities. While females with ADHD can fall anywhere on the spectrum, they are more often diagnosed with the predominantly inattentive type rather than the hyperactive-impulsive type commonly seen in males. Adult women with inattentive ADHD may face challenges such as making careless mistakes, difficulty multitasking, missing deadlines, and struggling with organization. Hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, though less common, can manifest as restlessness, excessive talking, and difficulty maintaining friendships.
The impact of ADHD on various aspects of life for women is substantial. Relationships may be strained as they struggle to meet societal expectations, and social situations may be overwhelming. In the workplace, women with ADHD may find it challenging to concentrate amidst noise and people, often working more effectively in quiet, empty spaces. The unique manifestations of ADHD in women, sometimes overlooked in school, may contribute to frustration and a sense of falling behind in achievement. Daily life is marked by struggles with paper clutter, overspending, disorganization, and indecision, making it difficult for women with ADHD to relax and achieve their full potential. If you find yourself grappling with the challenges and symptoms discussed here, seeking professional help can provide valuable support and guidance to better understand and manage ADHD, fostering a path toward improved well-being and daily functioning.
Diagnosis
We are committed to assisting individuals of all age groups, including children, adolescents, and adults, through the process of diagnosing ADHD. Our comprehensive approach involves diligently ruling out other disorders that may influence attention, such as depression, anxiety disorders, or nonpsychiatric medical issues. For those not previously diagnosed in childhood, we conduct a careful evaluation to assess whether symptoms extend back to school age. Recognizing that ADHD is not acquired in adulthood but can be traced back to early childhood is fundamental to ensuring an accurate diagnosis.
The diagnosis of ADHD is informed by the number and severity of symptoms, their duration, and the extent to which they impact daily life. Meeting ADHD criteria necessitates the presence of a significant negative impact in at least two major settings. Examples of severity include challenges like failure to pay bills on time, academic or occupational probation due to performance issues, or recurrent driving offenses stemming from distraction and impulsivity. If you, your child, or a family member is navigating these challenges, seeking a professional evaluation at our practice is crucial for obtaining an accurate diagnosis and accessing appropriate intervention strategies tailored to individual needs.
How it Works
Get Started Today
Step 1: Call Our Office
Initiate your mental health journey by calling our office to check appointment availability and discuss insurance options
Step 2: Fill out Paperwork
The next phase of your mental health journey is to fill out our new patient forms and assessments, empowering us to customize your care for optimal support and understanding.
Step 3: Schedule a Session
Schedule your mental health visit in-person or virtually. For telehealth, you must be physically located in North Carolina or Indiana during your session.
Step 4: Start Your Journey
Embark on your path to better mental health by attending your new patient appointment – the essential starting point for personalized care and positive progress.
Get In Touch
Physical Address:
1760 NC Highway 105,
Boone, NC 28607
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1987,
Boone, NC 28607
Email: office@abrownmd.com
Fax: (877) 847-0561
If you are having a psychiatric or medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room. To reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, please call or text 988.
Copyright © Alycia M. Brown, MD
Designed by Ink & Web LLC