ADHD

What is attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs due to an imbalance in brain chemicals. The imbalances reduce activity in specific areas of the brain, and the underperforming areas lead to problems with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

The signs of ADHD typically appear before the age of 12, so most children receive a diagnosis at an early age. However, ADHD can go undiagnosed until the adult years, and for many children, the challenges continue throughout adulthood.

What is the difference between ADHD and ADD?

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) was the original diagnosis given to children who struggled to pay attention. However, over decades of treating children with ADD, mental health experts realized that many also had hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. As a result, they combined the three hallmark symptoms into one condition called ADHD.

What symptoms does ADHD cause?

Your child may have ADHD with inattention symptoms, ADHD with hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, or combined ADHD, which means they have both types: 

ADHD with inattentive symptoms (the same as ADD)

Children and adults with inattentive ADHD:

• Don’t pay attention to details
• Make careless mistakes
• Have a hard time attending to specific tasks
• May not listen when you speak to them
• May not follow instructions
• Frequently lose things
• Have a hard time staying organized
• Avoid tasks that require their attention (like reading or homework)
• Become easily distracted by their environment or thoughts
• Forget about daily activities such as chores

ADHD symptoms disrupt all aspects of life, whether at school, work, home, with friends, or during community activities.

ADHD with hyperactive and impulsive symptoms

Children and adults with hyperactive/impulsive ADHD:

• Squirm in their seat, tap their feet, and fidget
• Get out of their chair when they shouldn't
• Run, climb, or get active at inappropriate times
• Can’t stay quiet
• Talk excessively
• Are constantly on the go
• Blurt out answers before you ask the question
• Have a hard time waiting to take their turn
• Interrupt or intrude (disrupt a game or conversation already in progress)

People with ADHD also have a hard time regulating their mood and emotions.

How is ADHD treated?

The team at the ADHD Institute of Michigan specializes in using digital and gamified assessments to accurately diagnose ADHD in children of all ages.

ADHD treatment includes medications, psychotherapy, and parent education to better support their child at home.

Stimulant medications boost the brain chemicals needed to regulate attention and thinking processes. In some cases, your provider may prescribe a nonstimulant medication.

Psychotherapy focuses on the emotional and behavioral challenges caused by ADHD. For example, therapy can teach how to get better organized, socialize, manage stress, and control anger.

If you or your child struggle with ADHD, call the ADHD Institute of Michigan or schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment online today.