There is a major misconception of what ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is. But the reality is that ADHD shows up differently from one person to the next and individuals adhd diagnosis show different symptoms.
Today, according to centers for disease control, over 6 million children across the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD. Many of them are only diagnosed later in life because the condition can be difficult to pin down. In order to better understand the condition, here are a few facts about ADHD to enlighten you.
What is ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder. This means that it causes both hyperactive and disruptive behaviors.
But ADHD is not always characterized by wild antics and children bouncing off the walls. Rather, it causes hyperactivity and disruption of the brain—not necessarily the body.
This results in common symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, restlessness, anxiety, disruptive behavior and sleep patterns and, more.
While ADHD is considered a childhood disease, it can be carried over into adulthood. It can even go undetected for many years and be diagnosed later in adult life.
Facing Reality: Facts About ADHD to Better Understand the Condition
ADHD is a complex disorder. There is also no cure for the condition, however, it can be managed with counseling and some types of medications. Here are the real facts about ADHD that are worth knowing:
1. ADHD Looks Different in Everyone
The symptoms of ADHD do not show up the same in everyone. Some people with ADHD are introverted, withdrawn and suffer from social anxiety, while others are outgoing and extroverted.
Therefore each person’s treatment will differ and will have to be done on an individual basis.
2. Having ADHD Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Focus
When you’re diagnosed with ADHD many people believe your biggest problem is a lack of focus or attention.
But the main problem is the lack of focus on the right things. Most people with ADHD struggle to control what draws their attention. In other words, if something isn’t interesting to them, they’re much more likely to get distracted and tune out.
3. ADHD is Not Just a Childhood Condition
While this condition often starts in children and media focuses on children with ADHD, this condition is also common among millions of adults. In fact, over 4% of adults in the U.S. have ADHD.
However, symptoms of ADHD in adults appear differently, which makes the condition difficult to diagnose and treat. Some adults may also suffer from co-existing disorders such as anxiety and depression.
4. Medication is Not Always the Answer
Managing the condition with medication is not always a one-size-fits-all solution.
Besides medications, adults with ADHD need other types of assistance including counseling and group support. They may need guidance on how to prioritize tasks in their everyday lives or how to make constructive, rather than destructive choices. There are also many assistive technology tools to help them achieve everyday tasks.
5. Not Everyone with ADHD is Hyperactive
As mentioned, ADHD can present itself differently from one person to the next. Most people associate ADHD with hyperactivity and impulsivity, but it can show differently in some people.
It can cause introversion, severe anxiety, and depression. This means that some people are quiet, withdrawn, socially awkward. As adults, these people may need treatment, support, and encouragement.
6. ADHD Often Occurs with Other Mental Conditions
Research has shown that many children and adults with ADHD often struggle with a co-existing mental condition. In fact, over 30% of children and 25-40% of adults struggle with some form of anxiety disorder.
Sleep disorders are also two to three times more common in those with this condition.
7. Short-Term Memory Struggles Are a Daily Reality
Due to the nature of this condition, people with ADHD struggle with their short-term memory. This occurs because the brain is affected by hyperactivity or disrupted thoughts. For example, a person may remember a childhood memory with intense detail but forget about an important meeting they need to schedule.
This is where organizational skills and assistive technology tools are important to help keep track of tasks and other important activities
8. ADHD is Affected by Outside Stress
This is a condition that is affected at different stages of a person’s life. ADHD also presents differently due to life stressors. Symptoms of ADHD may worsen as stress increases. These symptoms may also be exacerbated by different types of stress.
Therefore, it’s important for adults with ADHD to recognize and prepare for periods of extra stress. The same goes for parents — they need to support and encourage their children during stressful times.
9. 3X As Many Men Are Diagnosed with ADHD
It’s a well-known fact that boys are three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls at a young age. This disparity doesn’t mean that boys are more susceptible to ADHD. Instead, it points to the fact that symptoms of ADHD present differently in girls. These symptoms are often quite subtle and difficult to identify.
Typically, girls display symptoms of withdrawal, introversion, depression, social anxiety, persistent daydreaming, and verbal aggression.
10. Cases of ADHD Have Almost Doubled in the Past Decade
Diagnosed cases of ADHD have risen dramatically. The number of children now living with ADHD in the U.S. has increased by 42% over the past 8 years.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that up to 11% of children in America have been diagnosed with the condition.
In 2003, the U.S. saw a 7.8% increase in cases, versus 9.5% in 2007 and 11% in 2011. A major contributing factor to this is the increase in the number of children living in low-income households. Typically, these children are at greater risk, however, ADHD does not discriminate in a demographic sense. The condition impacts children of all races and socio-economic status..
11. ADHD Care Costs $42.5 Billion Annually
When it comes to managing ADHD, the cost is a major factor. Treatment and medications are expensive, while time spent in counseling and constant planning can also take its toll. ADHD, as a condition, takes its fair share of spending in the national healthcare system expenditures..
Studies have shown that the average cost of ADHD care, per person, totals $14,576 each year. This amounts to over $42 billion annually. Other costly factors include loss of work, special-needs education, and the toll on the juvenile justice system.
Find Learning Disability Support Just a Click Away
We hope these facts about ADHD have helped you understand the condition a little better. If you’re looking for learning support for your child or a loved one, the LD Resources Foundation is a great resource center.
Founded in 2001, our mission is to bridge the gap between possibilities and realities for all those with attention deficit disorders.