October is ADHD Awareness Month
I hope that this blog helps to destigmatize Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and brings greater awareness to the general public.
Please take a moment to step into the world of someone with ADHD and consider what’s going on in their minds.
Everything is so hard!
I get so bored doing schoolwork; I am so bad at doing (X) even though others tell me I’m not!
I can never follow instructions
I forget to do my homework or where I put things.
I can never do anything right.
I’ll never be successful.
Why are my thoughts so intrusive?
I am such a failure, a failure, a failure…
Imagine the frustration; it is no wonder why people with ADHD feel out of sync at times, unable to concentrate, and become easily angered or disengaged. What many people think of as rebellious behavior is simply a person’s attempt to self-regulate.
Every behavior, whether positive or negative, can be seen as an individual's effort to maintain some level of internal balance or achieve a desired outcome, which is the core concept of self-regulation.
While many with ADHD struggle, most do not recognize or are never told some of their positive attributes. Allow me to name a few.
Creativity
Compassionate
Intuitive
Problem-solving skills
Hyper-focus
Passionate
Humorous
Loyal
What is ADHD?
ADHD is often first diagnosed in childhood and comes in various forms with different symptoms. Most research suggests ADHD is passed down from parent to child (genetically). But the environment can also affect the severity of the condition. Children raised in a stressful environment may experience more severe symptoms.
Breaking down the name of the disorder helps us to understand critical indicators of the disorder.
Attention Deficit problems often include:
difficulty focusing
easily distracted
daydreaming
Hyperactivity:
Constant restlessness or fidgeting and continuous movement.
Disruptive and/or impulsive.
Often have difficulty in relationships.
Impulsivity and inattentiveness can also lead to being accident-prone.
While hyperactivity and impulsiveness often improve as a person matures, many attention problems never go away.
Inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsive behavior often show up at school. Teachers frequently report to parents that their child won't listen, is hyper, causes trouble, and is disruptive.
Most children with ADHD want to be good students, be accepted, and feel normal, but their symptoms get in the way. Most people, including teachers, parents, and friends, can seem and are often unsympathetic because they see the behavior as bad or odd.
Inattentive type:
This type of ADHD is characterized primarily by inattentive symptoms, without hyperactivity or impulsivity.
Hyperactive-impulsive
This type is characterized by mostly hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, without inattention.
Combined
This type is characterized by a mix of inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive symptoms. Combined is the most common type of ADHD.
Treating ADHD:
Pharmacological:
While the pharmacological scope is outside of my expertise, ADHD is best treated under the care of a knowledgeable provider.
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), two classes of FDA-approved medications are used for ADHD treatment: stimulant and non-stimulant.
Stimulants:
Methylphenidate and amphetamine are the two most commonly used stimulant medications for treatment of ADHD in adults (FDA-Approved Stimulant Medications for Adult ADHD). They both affect dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake in certain parts of the brain and, as a result, increase the amount of these neuro - transmitters to facilitate brain functioning. While methylphenidate and amphetamine have different mechanisms of action in the brain, they generally have a similar effect in terms of improvement of ADHD symptoms.(Treatment and Management, n.d.)
Non-stimulants:
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is currently the only non-stimulant approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD in adults (FDA-Approved Non-Stimulant Medications for Adult ADHD). It is a potent selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It lacks the abuse potential of stimulants and is not a controlled Schedule II drug. The effects of atomoxetine take longer to achieve. Some people report small changes in hyperactivity and impulse control within two weeks, but it may take 4 to 8 weeks for the drug to achieve maximum effectiveness. (Treatment and Management, n.d.)
Self-Medication:
How Does Cannabis Affect the ADHD Brain?
Cannabis use impairs areas and functions of the brain that are also uniquely impaired by ADHD.
Evidence suggests that people with ADHD often self-medicate, and those who misuse marijuana also experience higher levels of hostility, suspiciousness, and thought disturbances. (Gujska et al.)
How can Therapy Help me manage my ADHD?
Coming soon!
References:
Photo by Tara Winstead: https://www.pexels.com/photo/adhd-super-powers-written-on-chalkboard-8378741/
Gujska JH, Silczuk A, Madejek R, Szulc A. Exploring the link between attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and cannabis use disorders: A review. Med Sci Monit. 2023;29:e939749. doi:10.12659/MSM.939749
“How Does ADHD Affect Relationships and Marriage?” ADHD Aware, adhdaware.org.uk/living-with-adhd/how-does-adhd-affect-relationships-and-marriage/.
Olivardia, Roberto. “The Damaging Effects of Cannabis on the ADHD Brain.” ADDitude, 3 Apr. 2020, www.additudemag.com/cannabis-use-disorder-marijuana-adhd/.
“Treatment and Management.” Www.aafp.org, www.aafp.org/family-physician/patient-care/prevention-wellness/emotional-wellbeing/adhd-toolkit/treatment-and-management.html.
