Mental Health and Illness

Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Please note that the information provided on these websites is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are experiencing difficulty with any symptoms listed here, please consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent and impairing symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ADHD can affect individuals of all ages, including adults, and can have a significant impact on various aspects of their lives, including work, relationships, and daily functioning.

DSM-5 Diagnostic criteria for adult ADHD:

Persistent and current symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity:
- Inattention: Difficulty focusing or staying on task, trouble with organization and prioritization, forgetfulness, easily distracted by external stimuli, lack of follow-through on tasks or projects.
- Hyperactivity-impulsivity: Restlessness, fidgeting, difficulty sitting still, impulsiveness, difficulty waiting their turn, interrupting others during conversations or activities.
These symptoms must have been present during childhood (before age 12).
The symptoms must be present in multiple settings, such as at work and at home.
The symptoms must cause significant impairment or distress in social, academic, or occupational functioning.
The symptoms cannot be better accounted for by another mental disorder, such as anxiety or depression.

It is important to note that the presentation of ADHD in adults can differ from that in children. While hyperactivity may decrease in adulthood, symptoms of inattention and impulsivity can persist or become more prominent. Additionally, adults with ADHD may have developed coping mechanisms to compensate for their symptoms, making it more difficult to recognize the disorder.

Adults with ADHD may experience a range of associated problems, such as low self-esteem, difficulty with social relationships, and substance use disorders. Treatment for adult ADHD typically includes a combination of medication and behavioral therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or coaching.

What distinguishes ADHD from other non-ADHD attention problems?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a specific neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that cause significant functional impairment. Other non-ADHD attention problems may share some of these symptoms, but there are several key features that distinguish ADHD from other conditions:

Duration and persistence: The symptoms of ADHD must have been present for at least 6 months and be present in more than one setting, such as at home and at school or work. These symptoms must also have been present before the age of 12.
Severity and impairment: The symptoms of ADHD must cause significant functional impairment or distress in social, academic, or occupational functioning. This impairment should be greater than what would be expected for an individual's developmental level or age.
Impulsivity: Impulsivity is a core symptom of ADHD and is characterized by acting without thinking, difficulty delaying gratification, and interrupting others during conversations or activities. Other attention problems may not include impulsivity as a core feature.
Hyperactivity: Hyperactivity is another core symptom of ADHD and is characterized by excessive movement or restlessness. Other attention problems may not include hyperactivity as a core feature.
Specificity of symptoms: ADHD symptoms are specific and include both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Other attention problems may only involve inattention or hyperactivity without the presence of impulsivity.
Exclusionary criteria: The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for ADHD includes exclusionary criteria, meaning that other medical or psychiatric conditions must be ruled out before a diagnosis of ADHD can be made.

Overall, while other conditions may share some similarities with ADHD, the presence of specific symptoms, duration, severity, and functional impairment are key features that distinguish ADHD from other non-ADHD attention problems. A comprehensive evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional is necessary to differentiate between ADHD and other conditions with similar symptoms.

Non-ADHD causes of attention problems:

Attention problems can have multiple causes aside from ADHD. Some common causes of attention problems include:

Sleep disorders: Insufficient sleep or sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can cause attention problems, including difficulty concentrating and decreased alertness.
Anxiety and depression: Anxiety and depression can cause difficulty with attention and concentration. In some cases, symptoms of anxiety or depression may be misdiagnosed as ADHD.
Learning disabilities: Learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia can interfere with attention and concentration in academic settings.
Medications: Certain medications, including some antidepressants, antihistamines, and blood pressure medications, can cause attention problems as a side effect.
Substance use: Substance use, including alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs, can affect attention and concentration.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI): TBI, such as a concussion, can cause attention problems that may persist long after the injury has occurred.
Chronic stress: Chronic stress, such as that experienced in high-pressure work environments, can interfere with attention and concentration.
Nutritional deficiencies: Deficiencies in nutrients such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins can cause attention problems.
Vision and hearing problems: Vision and hearing problems can interfere with attention and concentration, especially in academic or work settings.

It's important to note that attention problems can have multiple causes, and a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional is necessary to determine the underlying cause. Treatment for attention problems will depend on the underlying cause and may include medication, therapy, or lifestyle modifications.

Strategies that an adult with ADHD can use to manage their condition:

Medication: Taking prescribed medications can help manage ADHD symptoms, including stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based medications (Adderall).
Therapy: Behavioral therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help individuals with ADHD develop coping strategies to manage symptoms.
Organization: Developing an organization system, such as using a planner or to-do list, can help individuals with ADHD keep track of tasks and deadlines.
Prioritization: Prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance can help individuals with ADHD manage their time more effectively.
Time management: Using timers or setting reminders can help individuals with ADHD manage their time and avoid getting distracted.
Exercise: Regular exercise can help improve focus and reduce hyperactivity in individuals with ADHD.
Mindfulness meditation: Mindfulness meditation can help individuals with ADHD improve their attention and reduce distractibility.
Mind mapping: Mind mapping is a visual technique that can help individuals with ADHD organize their thoughts and ideas.
Breaks: Taking regular breaks can help individuals with ADHD manage their energy levels and prevent burnout.
Positive self-talk: Positive self-talk can help individuals with ADHD stay motivated and manage negative thoughts or feelings.
Simplification: Simplifying tasks or breaking them down into smaller steps can help individuals with ADHD manage their workload and reduce overwhelm.
Accountability: Working with an accountability partner, such as a coach or therapist, can help individuals with ADHD stay on track and motivated.
Sensory support: Using sensory aids such as fidget toys, noise-canceling headphones, or weighted blankets can help individuals with ADHD manage sensory overload and increase focus.
Regular routine: Establishing a regular routine can help individuals with ADHD manage their time and reduce stress.
Sleep hygiene: Maintaining good sleep hygiene, such as establishing a regular sleep schedule and avoiding caffeine before bedtime, can help individuals with ADHD manage fatigue and improve focus.
Nutrition: Eating a balanced diet with plenty of whole foods and avoiding sugary or processed foods can help individuals with ADHD manage their energy levels and improve focus.
Journaling: Keeping a journal can help individuals with ADHD process their thoughts and emotions and reduce stress.
Hobbies: Engaging in enjoyable hobbies or activities can help individuals with ADHD manage stress and increase motivation.
Social support: Building a support network, such as joining a support group or talking to friends and family, can help individuals with ADHD manage their condition and reduce stress.
Positive reinforcement: Celebrating small successes and progress can help individuals with ADHD stay motivated and positive.

Mental Health and Illness

Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Please note that the information provided on these websites is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are experiencing difficulty with any symptoms listed here, please consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

DSM-5 Diagnostic criteria for adult ADHD:

Persistent and current symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity:

Inattention: Difficulty focusing or staying on task, trouble with organization and prioritization, forgetfulness, easily distracted by external stimuli, lack of follow-through on tasks or projects.

Hyperactivity-impulsivity: Restlessness, fidgeting, difficulty sitting still, impulsiveness, difficulty waiting their turn, interrupting others during conversations or activities.

These symptoms must have been present during childhood (before age 12).

The symptoms must be present in multiple settings, such as at work and at home.

The symptoms must cause significant impairment or distress in social, academic, or occupational functioning.

The symptoms cannot be better accounted for by another mental disorder, such as anxiety or depression.

What distinguishes ADHD from other non-ADHD attention problems?

Duration and persistence: The symptoms of ADHD must have been present for at least 6 months and be present in more than one setting, such as at home and at school or work. These symptoms must also have been present before the age of 12.

Severity and impairment: The symptoms of ADHD must cause significant functional impairment or distress in social, academic, or occupational functioning. This impairment should be greater than what would be expected for an individual's developmental level or age.

Impulsivity: Impulsivity is a core symptom of ADHD and is characterized by acting without thinking, difficulty delaying gratification, and interrupting others during conversations or activities. Other attention problems may not include impulsivity as a core feature.

Hyperactivity: Hyperactivity is another core symptom of ADHD and is characterized by excessive movement or restlessness. Other attention problems may not include hyperactivity as a core feature.

Specificity of symptoms: ADHD symptoms are specific and include both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Other attention problems may only involve inattention or hyperactivity without the presence of impulsivity.

Exclusionary criteria: The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for ADHD includes exclusionary criteria, meaning that other medical or psychiatric conditions must be ruled out before a diagnosis of ADHD can be made.

Non-ADHD causes of attention problems:

Attention problems can have multiple causes aside from ADHD. Some common causes of attention problems include:

Sleep disorders: Insufficient sleep or sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can cause attention problems, including difficulty concentrating and decreased alertness.

Anxiety and depression: Anxiety and depression can cause difficulty with attention and concentration. In some cases, symptoms of anxiety or depression may be misdiagnosed as ADHD.

Learning disabilities: Learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia can interfere with attention and concentration in academic settings.

Medications: Certain medications, including some antidepressants, antihistamines, and blood pressure medications, can cause attention problems as a side effect.

Substance use: Substance use, including alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs, can affect attention and concentration.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI): TBI, such as a concussion, can cause attention problems that may persist long after the injury has occurred.

Chronic stress: Chronic stress, such as that experienced in high-pressure work environments, can interfere with attention and concentration.

Nutritional deficiencies: Deficiencies in nutrients such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins can cause attention problems.

Vision and hearing problems: Vision and hearing problems can interfere with attention and concentration, especially in academic or work settings.

Strategies that an adult with ADHD can use to manage their condition:

Medication: Taking prescribed medications can help manage ADHD symptoms, including stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based medications (Adderall).

Therapy: Behavioral therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help individuals with ADHD develop coping strategies to manage symptoms.

Organization: Developing an organization system, such as using a planner or to-do list, can help individuals with ADHD keep track of tasks and deadlines.

Prioritization: Prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance can help individuals with ADHD manage their time more effectively.

Time management: Using timers or setting reminders can help individuals with ADHD manage their time and avoid getting distracted.

Exercise: Regular exercise can help improve focus and reduce hyperactivity in individuals with ADHD.

Mindfulness meditation: Mindfulness meditation can help individuals with ADHD improve their attention and reduce distractibility.

Mind mapping: Mind mapping is a visual technique that can help individuals with ADHD organize their thoughts and ideas.

Breaks: Taking regular breaks can help individuals with ADHD manage their energy levels and prevent burnout.

Positive self-talk: Positive self-talk can help individuals with ADHD stay motivated and manage negative thoughts or feelings.

Simplification: Simplifying tasks or breaking them down into smaller steps can help individuals with ADHD manage their workload and reduce overwhelm.

Accountability: Working with an accountability partner, such as a coach or therapist, can help individuals with ADHD stay on track and motivated.

Sensory support: Using sensory aids such as fidget toys, noise-canceling headphones, or weighted blankets can help individuals with ADHD manage sensory overload and increase focus.

Regular routine: Establishing a regular routine can help individuals with ADHD manage their time and reduce stress.

Sleep hygiene: Maintaining good sleep hygiene, such as establishing a regular sleep schedule and avoiding caffeine before bedtime, can help individuals with ADHD manage fatigue and improve focus.

Nutrition: Eating a balanced diet with plenty of whole foods and avoiding sugary or processed foods can help individuals with ADHD manage their energy levels and improve focus.

Journaling: Keeping a journal can help individuals with ADHD process their thoughts and emotions and reduce stress.

Hobbies: Engaging in enjoyable hobbies or activities can help individuals with ADHD manage stress and increase motivation.

Social support: Building a support network, such as joining a support group or talking to friends and family, can help individuals with ADHD manage their condition and reduce stress.

Positive reinforcement: Celebrating small successes and progress can help individuals with ADHD stay motivated and positive.

Articles of interest

Adult-onset ADHD may not exist. (2017)

Information about ADHD. The three types, diagnosis and treatment. (2017)

ADHD: Short-term treatment with stimulant medication is justified, but long-term treatment may not be. (2017)

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is effective treatment for ADHD in adults