Do you sometimes think that your child has ADHD? Or maybe you suspect that you have this condition yourself? The symptoms of ADHD are different from person to person. Therefore, only a specialist can say for sure whether it is present or not. However, there are certain clues, or signs, that we can recognize at every age. Let's talk about them today.
What is ADHD? Are there types?
Simply put, ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurological condition related to brain development. Its main symptoms are difficulty maintaining attention and hyperactivity. However, these symptoms do not occur in everyone the same way. There are three main types of ADHD.
1. Hyperactive-impulsive: These people have difficulty staying in one place, are constantly restless, and act without thinking.
2. Inattentive : These people seem to be lost in a dream world. They forget things and have difficulty getting things done. However, they may not be overtly mischievous.
3. A combination of both: Many people have a combination of characteristics from both types.
The symptoms of each of these types of diseases can change with a person's age. Now let's see how.
Toddlers and preschoolers (2-5 years old)
Young children are really a very mischievous and restless bunch. So how do you recognize a child with ADHD? Usually, the mischievousness and restlessness of these children are much higher than normal.
Imagine, a child like this...
- Running, jumping, and climbing everything without any rest.
- It's very difficult to keep them sitting in a chair for a long time.
- Talking non-stop.
- Many parents say that it's like "driving by OT or like a motor."
- Even when reading a bedtime story at night, they don't really pay attention to it.
But here's something important to remember: Some children with ADHD can focus well on something they enjoy, such as a video game or a favorite toy.
Although these signs may be seen at this age, the diagnosis is usually made a little later. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor about ways to help your child manage them.
School-age children (6-12 years old)
ADHD symptoms become more apparent when a child starts school. Not all children with ADHD are hyperactive. However, if a child is hyperactive, it becomes more apparent at school age. In addition, other symptoms begin to appear.
At this age, a child with ADHD may have more difficulty with these things than other children.
| The section where the discomfort occurs | Symptoms that indicate |
|---|---|
| Social connections | - They don't like to share their things with others. - Can't wait for their turn. - When others are talking, they stop and try to talk themselves. |
| Learning and responsibilities | - Not finishing homework. - I always lose things like books and pencils. - Even if you start a job, you don't finish it. |
| Emotion control | - You get angry and frustrated easily over small things. - If you ask, "Shall we go see a movie?", they keep asking about it. If you say "no", they cause a big commotion. |
| Security | Because they act impulsively, they are often prone to accidents (e.g. falls, injuries). |
There is no specific test for ADHD. Most children will have one or two of these symptoms. But to be diagnosed with ADHD, several of these symptoms must be present for more than 6 months. Also, the symptoms must clearly affect the child's schoolwork and social relationships .
If a doctor confirms that your child has ADHD, you can talk about treatment. Usually, both medication and behavioral therapy are used together.
Young children (13-19 years old)
As they get older, the hyperactivity of childhood diminishes a bit. Instead, they may become restless and restless . It's very difficult for them to sit in one place for long periods of time.
Nowadays, time management, staying motivated, and organizing things are the biggest challenges.
- Even though it's hard to focus on schoolwork, you can focus better on things like video games that provide instant results.
- Although all young people are emotional, someone with ADHD has a much lower ability to control their emotions.
- Because they tend to act recklessly and without thinking about the consequences , they may resort to risky behaviors. For example, using drugs and alcohol, having unprotected sex, lying, and stealing.
- Driving is also a big risk, as impulsiveness and lack of attention increase the chances of accidents.
ADHD among adults
Although hyperactivity decreases with age, other symptoms continue to affect many aspects of life.
An adult with ADHD may look like this:
- Things like the room and the table are very messy and untidy.
- It's hard to pay attention to a task or a conversation.
- It is difficult to finish a job you have started.
- I often lose things like keys, purse, glasses, and phone.
- We look for shortcuts at work and when driving.
- Engaging in risky sexual behavior.
- You can become addicted to drugs and alcohol.
- I quit my job whenever I feel like it.
- You use your credit card until it reaches its limit and you end up in debt.
- You are accustomed to an unhealthy eating pattern.
These people also have a lot of problems in maintaining their marriages and relationships. That's why the divorce rate is high.
But if you find out that you have ADHD as an adult, it can be a great relief for you. Because you will be able to understand the cause of the problems you have faced since childhood. Treatment can control your symptoms. So once you start treatment, don't give up. If the treatment is not giving you the results you expect, talk to your doctor and make the necessary changes.
Take-Home Message
- ADHD is not laziness or a bad habit. It is a real medical condition.
- Symptoms vary from age to age. What was playful in childhood may appear as chaotic in adulthood.
- Don't assume that you or your child has ADHD just because you see these symptoms. Always seek medical advice for an accurate diagnosis.
- Medication and behavioral therapy can successfully manage ADHD symptoms and allow you to live a normal life.
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