What is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit /Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects focus, impulse control, and activity levels. It is commonly diagnosed in childhood but can persist into adulthood, impacting various aspects of daily life.

ADHD Syndrome vs. ADHD Disorder

Attention-Deficit /Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental ADHD disorder that involves issues related to attention, impulse control, and level of activity. The disorder is most typically diagnosed in children but can extend into adulthood and influence many areas of daily living.

Prevalence and Demographics of ADHD

Approximately 8% of children and adolescents worldwide experience with ADHD disorder. Boys are more likely to have this prevalence (10%) than females (5%). The most prevalent of the three primary subtypes of ADHD was shown to be the inattentive type, which was followed by the hyperactive and mixed forms.

The frequency of ADHD varies by location, and diagnosis and awareness are influenced by cultural and socioeconomic variables.

How ADHD Affects Daily Life

Individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often struggle with maintaining focus, managing time, and regulating emotions. This can lead to academic challenges, workplace difficulties, and relationship struggles. Daily routines may require additional support and structure.

Types of ADHD

ADHD is classified into different types based on symptom presentation. These types help professionals tailor diagnosis and treatment, ensuring individuals receive the most appropriate care for their unique behavioural patterns and needs.

Inattentive Type

People with inattentive ADHD disorder mainly have problems with attention, organisation, and finishing tasks. They can get distracted easily, tend to misplace things and find it hard to follow instructions.

These people can appear to be daydreaming or not interested, but actually, they find it hard to process and hold onto information, which gives them trouble in everyday life.

Hyperactive-Impulsive Type

This type is marked by excess movement, restlessness, and impulsivity. People may cut others off when speaking, have difficulty waiting in line, and act on impulse.

They may fidget constantly, have the urge to constantly move, and have difficulty staying in their seats. Impulsive decision-making is likely to lead to dangerous actions and trouble in personal and business relationships.

Combined Type

The combined type involves symptoms of inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsivity and is the most diagnosed of all ADHD types. The person might be unable to concentrate while exhibiting impulsive and hyperactive behaviours.

This influences academic functioning, job success, and social life, which requires organised assistance and ADHD treatment methods.

Unspecified Type

When symptoms do not fit neatly into the other categories but still cause impairment, an unspecified diagnosis may be used. This type is typically diagnosed when ADHD disorder traits are present but do not fully meet the criteria for the other subtypes.

Despite this, individuals still experience difficulties in focus, organisation, and self-regulation that impact their daily functioning.

ADD vs. ADHD: What’s the Difference?

ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) was once used to describe inattentive symptoms without hyperactivity. However, modern diagnostic criteria now include all forms under the umbrella term Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

This change ensures a more comprehensive understanding, acknowledging that ADHD symptoms can manifest differently in individuals without necessarily including hyperactive behaviours.

Symptoms of ADHD

ADHD symptoms vary by age and individual presentation; therefore, individuals experience them differently.

Early Signs of ADHD in Children

Children with ADHD often exhibit behaviours that set them apart from their peers and can carry forward to their adult lives also.

Daydreaming

Children with ADHD disorder may often appear lost in thought, staring into space and missing out on conversations or instructions. They struggle to stay present in the moment, making it hard for them to follow through with tasks or respond promptly when spoken to.

Difficulty playing quietly

Engaging in quiet, focused play can be challenging. These children may constantly fidget, make noise, or prefer high-energy activities. Even in settings where calm behaviour is expected, they may struggle to control their impulses and regulate their activity levels.

Trouble getting along with peers

Social skills can be a struggle for children with ADHD. They may interrupt conversations, have difficulty taking turns, and act impulsively, which can lead to misunderstandings with peers. Their inability to read social cues properly may result in frequent conflicts and difficulties in forming friendships.

Academic underachievement

Many children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) struggle in school due to difficulties in maintaining focus, following instructions, and completing tasks. Despite being intelligent, they may forget assignments, lose materials, and require extra guidance to stay organised, leading to lower performance than their actual potential.

ADHD Symptoms in Adults

Adults with ADHD may experience challenges in organisation and relationships. These symptoms often persist from childhood and can impact job performance, emotional regulation, time management, and the ability to maintain long-term goals.

Disorganisation and problems in prioritising

Managing daily responsibilities can feel overwhelming, as adults with ADHD struggle to prioritise tasks effectively. They may forget appointments, misplace important documents, and feel constantly behind schedule, making work and personal life challenging to manage.

Poor time management

Punctuality and meeting deadlines can be difficult. Adults with ADHD may underestimate how long tasks take, become easily distracted, and procrastinate frequently. This can result in missed opportunities, workplace stress, and frustration in personal commitments.

Trouble multitasking

Juggling multiple responsibilities is often overwhelming. Adults with ADHD may struggle to switch between tasks efficiently, leading to incomplete projects, increased stress, and difficulty maintaining productivity. They may feel mentally scattered and frustrated by their inability to keep up.

Frequent job changes or employment issues

Difficulty maintaining focus, following workplace structures, and dealing with impulsivity can lead to frequent career shifts or job instability. Many adults with ADHD experience challenges with authority figures, deadlines, and long-term work commitments.

Relationship difficulties

Emotional regulation issues and forgetfulness can cause strain in relationships. Adults with ADHD may struggle with communication, frequently miss important dates, or act impulsively, which can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts with partners, friends, and family members.

Gender Differences: How ADHD Manifests in Boys vs. Girls

Boys with ADHD often exhibit hyperactivity, while girls tend to have inattentive symptoms, leading to underdiagnosis. Girls may develop coping strategies that mask symptoms, delaying recognition and professional support. Recognising these differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and early intervention. Hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty and menstruation, can further influence symptom severity in girls, often leading to emotional outbursts or increased distractibility. Awareness of these nuances helps tailor more effective support strategies for both genders.

Causes of ADHD

ADHD arises from a combination of neurological, genetic, and environmental factors. These underlying causes explain why ADHD treatment approaches must be tailored to individual needs.

Brain Structure and Function in ADHD

Research indicates that individuals with ADHD have structural differences in brain regions that control attention, impulse regulation, and executive functioning.

The prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and focus, tends to develop differently, leading to challenges in self-regulation, organisation, and maintaining attention in various settings.

Neurotransmitters and Brain Networks

Dopamine and norepinephrine, two crucial neurotransmitters, play a significant role in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Lower levels of dopamine affect motivation and reward processing, making it difficult to maintain focus.

Brain networks responsible for attention, such as the default mode network, may show irregular activity, contributing to distractibility and impulsivity.

Genetic Factors and ADHD

ADHD has a strong genetic component, often running in families. Studies suggest that certain inherited genes influence dopamine regulation, brain structure, and cognitive function, increasing the likelihood of developing ADHD.

While genetics alone do not determine ADHD, they contribute significantly to its presence in individuals.

Environmental and Developmental Factors

Prenatal exposure to toxins, low birth weight, premature birth, and early childhood adversity may contribute to the development of ADHD disorder.

Factors such as maternal smoking, alcohol use during pregnancy, and exposure to lead or other pollutants can affect brain development, increasing the risk of attention and impulse control difficulties.

How to Get Diagnosed with ADHD (DSM-5 Guidelines, Behavioural Assessments)

Diagnosis involves clinical interviews, behavioural observations, and standardised rating scales based on DSM-5 criteria. A comprehensive evaluation by a specialist is essential to determine the best approach for how to treat ADHD. The process typically begins by recognising symptoms that interfere with daily life, such as difficulties with focus, impulsivity, or hyperactivity. A clinical assessment follows, where the professional reviews medical history and behavioural patterns. Using DSM-5 guidelines, symptoms are compared against diagnostic benchmarks. Behavioural assessments, including standardised tests and input from teachers or family, are conducted. It's also important to rule out other conditions like anxiety or learning disorders. Based on the findings, a personalised treatment plan is created—often combining therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication.

When to Seek Professional Help for ADHD?

Some of the symptoms can be a part of growing up, but if ADHD symptoms persist and interfere with daily life, academic performance, or relationships, seeking professional assessment and support is advisable.

Their intervention can help each individual navigate their challenges properly and provide effective coping strategies. If you are unsure about which centre to consult, you can start with Cadabam’s MindTalk. Our professionals can help you identify whether your or your loved one's experiences are part of growing up or something else.

Treatment and Management of ADHD

A multi-faceted approach is key to effective ADHD treatment and management. Not every individual has to follow one treatment plan. It can depend on their unique experiences.

Medication Options for ADHD

For some, medications serve as an excellent choice of treatment when other options don't work accurately for their symptoms. Stimulants and non-stimulants can form part of how to treat ADHD when behavioural strategies alone aren’t sufficient.

Stimulants for ADHD Treatment

Enhance dopamine activity to improve focus and impulse control. These medications are often the first-line treatment and can show rapid improvements in attention and behaviour. They help with managing core ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity, distractibility, and impulsivity. Common stimulants include methylphenidate and amphetamine-based drugs. Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers are essential to monitor side effects and long-term effectiveness.

Non-stimulant Medications for ADHD

Alternative treatments for those who cannot tolerate stimulants. They work gradually to enhance focus and emotional regulation without the risk of dependency. Non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine or guanfacine, may be preferred for patients with a history of substance misuse or sleep issues. These medications are typically slower-acting but provide sustained symptom control when used consistently.

Antidepressants for ADHD Management

Sometimes prescribed to address co-existing conditions. They help stabilise mood, reduce anxiety, and improve impulse control in some individuals with ADHD. These can support emotional balance and are especially useful when ADHD co-occurs with mood disorders like depression or generalised anxiety.

Behavioural and Psychotherapy Approaches

These therapies focus on developing self-regulation, coping strategies, and social skills. They help individuals with ADHD manage daily challenges, improve overall well-being and are integral parts of most comprehensive ADHD treatment plans...

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for ADHD

Helps manage negative thought patterns and impulsivity. It focuses on developing coping mechanisms to improve organisation, self-control, and problem-solving skills. CBT is especially effective for adults and adolescents who experience low self-esteem, procrastination, or emotional dysregulation. It empowers individuals to build new habits, overcome limiting beliefs, and enhance personal productivity.

Psychological Counselling

Provides emotional support and coping strategies. Therapy sessions help individuals navigate daily challenges and improve their self-esteem. Counselling helps explore underlying emotional struggles that may be linked to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and fosters better self-understanding. It also serves as a safe space to develop trust, communication skills, and conflict-resolution abilities

Parent Training and Support Programs

Equips caregivers with behavioural management techniques. These programmes teach parents how to create structure and provide positive reinforcement for their child’s development. Training helps reduce family stress and improve parent-child interactions. It also provides tools to manage defiant behaviour, implement effective discipline, and support learning routines at home.

Social Skills Training for Children and Adults

Enhances interpersonal interactions. It helps individuals with ADHD build better relationships by improving communication, active listening, and emotional awareness. Social skills training addresses common struggles like interrupting, misreading cues, and responding impulsively. Group settings allow for practice in real-life scenarios, making it easier to generalise these skills across environments.

Executive Function Training to Improve Organisation and Self-Monitoring

Develops planning and task management skills. This training is valuable for those learning how to treat ADHD and focuses on enhancing time management, setting achievable goals, and improving self-regulation to help individuals with ADHD stay organised and complete tasks more efficiently. It also supports habit formation, working memory, and strategic thinking—key skills for long-term success at school, work, and home.

Combination Treatment Approach

A combination treatment approach for ADHD integrates medication with behavioural therapies, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications. This holistic method enhances symptom management, improving focus, emotional regulation, and daily functioning for long-term success in both children and adults.

ADHD & Co-Existing Conditions

• ADHD & Anxiety: Many individuals with ADHD experience anxiety due to struggles with organisation, time management, and social interactions. The constant worry of forgetting things, missing deadlines, or making mistakes can lead to overwhelming stress, creating a cycle where ADHD symptoms and anxiety feed into each other.

• ADHD & Depression: Emotional regulation challenges in ADHD can contribute to feelings of frustration, failure, and low self-esteem. Frequent struggles with focus and impulsivity may lead to negative experiences in school, work, and relationships, increasing the risk of developing depression.

• ADHD & Autism Spectrum Disorder: ADHD and autism share overlapping symptoms, such as impulsivity, difficulty with transitions, and sensory sensitivities. This overlap can sometimes lead to diagnostic confusion, making it crucial for professionals to assess symptoms carefully to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate support.

How to Overcome ADHD: Effective Strategies for Managing Symptoms

Managing ADHD requires a structured approach with practical strategies tailored to individual needs. Combining behavioural techniques, lifestyle adjustments, and external support can significantly improve focus, productivity, and emotional well-being. If you're exploring how to treat ADHD, start with structured daily routines, clear goals, and emotional regulation techniques.

Developing Daily Routines and Organisational Skills

Creating structured routines helps individuals with ADHD stay on track. Using planners, setting reminders, and breaking tasks into smaller steps can improve time management. Keeping a clutter-free workspace and using visual aids like colour-coded calendars make it easier to stay organised and maintain productivity.

Improving Focus and Time Management

Setting specific goals, using timers for tasks, and taking regular breaks can enhance concentration. The Pomodoro technique, where tasks are broken into short, focused sessions with scheduled breaks, is particularly effective. Minimising distractions by working in quiet environments also helps maintain attention.

Behavioural and Lifestyle Changes

Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep are crucial for managing ADHD symptoms. Exercise helps regulate dopamine levels, improving focus and mood. Avoiding excessive screen time, practising mindfulness, and engaging in hobbies that require focus can also contribute to better self-regulation.

Building Strong Support Systems

Support from family, friends, and professionals is essential for ADHD management. Open communication, understanding, and patience help individuals with ADHD feel accepted and supported. Joining ADHD support groups or seeking therapy can also provide valuable coping strategies and encouragement.

How to Support Someone with ADHD?

Providing support involves patience, clear communication, and understanding of their unique challenges. Encouraging structure, offering reminders, and avoiding criticism help build confidence. Recognising their strengths and reinforcing positive behaviours make a significant difference in their self-esteem and motivation.

ADHD in School & Workplace

Teachers can help students with ADHD by providing structured lessons, using visual aids, and allowing movement breaks.

Employers can create a productive work environment by offering flexible deadlines, minimising distractions, and allowing alternative work arrangements to enhance focus and efficiency. Clear communication and strategic adjustments in school and work settings can support those undergoing ADHD treatment.

ADHD Group Therapy & Counselling

Group therapy offers a sense of community where individuals with ADHD can share experiences and coping strategies. Peer support provides encouragement, reduces feelings of isolation, and helps develop social skills. Counselling sessions focus on behavioural strategies, emotional regulation, and improving interpersonal relationships.

Find the Right ADHD Treatment & Support at MindTalk

Managing ADHD is a journey that requires the right support system. At MindTalk, we offer expert assessments, therapy, and customised treatment plans to help individuals understand how to treat ADHD and navigate their ADHD challenges.

Whether you need professional guidance, medication management, or coping strategies, our team is here to support you. If you're seeking solutions for emotional and mental well-being, Mindtalk’s ADHD Therapists are here to help. Our platform offers comprehensive mental health services, including counselling, therapy, and psychiatric care, provided by specialised experts. With a focus on evidence-based and holistic approaches, we support your path to personal growth and healing. Reach out to us today to book a therapy session. Call us at +91 73534 00999.