Overcoming Adhd

Overcoming my ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (also known as ADHD) is a common condition that affects children and adolescents, and can carry on to adulthood. ADHD is a problem with inattentiveness, over-activity, and impulsivity. Depression, lack of sleep, learning disabilities, tic disorders, and behavior problems may be confused with, or appear with, ADHD.
I always had problems paying attention and focusing. I was always extremely hyperactive, always running around wanting to play with my friends and avoid homework. My parents recognized the behaviors I was showing, since both my brother and sister showed them at my age as well, and were both on medication for ADHD. When I turned 14, my parents took me to a psychiatrist to talk about my symptoms of ADHD and see if I was going to be prescribed medication. I wasn’t really sure what it was or how medication would help me with ADHD. When I went to the psychiatrist, she asked me a series of questions, like about my organizational skills, and about homework and grades. After I told her I had trouble getting homework completed, and I was really forgetful and not organized with my schoolwork, she diagnosed me of ADHD and prescribed me on Adderall. Since I’ve been taking adderall, my grades have improved greatly, and I’ve improved so much on focusing and being more organized. I also meet with my psychiatrist every three months to talk about my ADHD and if I think my medication is still effective. The symptoms of ADHD fall into three categories: lack of attention (inattentiveness), hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior (impulsivity). Some children show inattentive behaviors, while others (like me) show inattention and hyper behaviors, also called combined ADHD. Some inattentive symptoms include difficulty organizing or completing tasks, failing to pay close attention to details, and are easily distracted. Hyperactivity symptoms include being fidgety, unable to sit still, and disruptive towards other people. Symptoms of impulsivity include being impatient behaviors.
The diagnosis of ADHD is based on very specific symptoms. Children should have at least 6 attention symptoms or 6 hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms, with some symptoms present before age 7. The symptoms must be severe enough to cause significant difficulties in many settings, including home, school, and in relationships with peers. The child should have an evaluation by a doctor if ADHD is suspected (which is why I went to a family psychiatrist). Sometimes an evaluation by a doctor might even include complete a developmental, mental, nutritional, physical, and psychosocial examination. Treatment of ADHD is between the parents, individual, and doctor, since there are various approaches towards treatment. Such approaches include behavioral therapy and medication. Whatever the therapy chosen, it is important that the individual makes sure they are following the treatment rules as planned. A lot of doctors debate over the proper use of treatment for ADHD since it is seen as a neurological and behavioral disorder. I believe that ADHD is a neurobiological disorder, and it’s symptoms of inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity is shown through behaviors. The first treatment I’m going to talk about is medication. I think medication is a great way to approach ADHD, since it is a neurological and behavioral disorder.