8 Things You Should Know About ADHD

1.      ADHD is not a choice. It’s caused by a neurological disorder, and this has been backed by years of research. Many people think that ADHD a defect in character, but the brain is actually wired differently. The good news: it’s a very treatable disorder.

2.      The frontal cortex, which is responsible for executive functioning, Studies show that there is under-activity due to decreased blood flow, decreased glucose metabolism and lower levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine.

3.      ADHD doesn’t only cause a lack of focus. It’s a disorder of self-regulation and self-control, and are driven by the brain’s executive functioning, which means ADHD affects self-awareness, inhibition, working memory (verbal and nonverbal), self-motivation, emotional control and emotional planning or problem solving. It can also cause hyperfocus. While a lack of focus is more commonly known, ADHD can cause people to become so deeply focused on one task that they can’t let go and stop when they need to.

4.      There are three types of ADHD: predominatively inattentive presentation, predominantly hyperactive-impulse presentation and combined presentation.

5.      Like many other disorders, diagnosing ADHD can be a struggle. It’s a long and arduous process, where the doctor or therapist will have to take note of symptoms that may have happened from a young age. Factors like school performance, family and social life are all considered.

6.      ADHD doesn’t cause low intelligence. In fact, people with ADHD scores very high on intelligence tests. The fact is, they can get poor grades in school because everything is performance-based and standardized. Students have trouble focusing and tend to lack organization and memory skills.

7.      Understanding time can be a challenge. People with ADHD easily lose track of time, or have “time blindness.” This can also be tied to problems with willpower, but it’s hard to be aware of time and cut things off when they need to go. Think, trying to clean the whole house when you have to leave for an appointment in five minutes.

8.      Although ADHD is considered a life-long disorder, but it’s possible to control symptoms associated with it. There are successful treatments available. Find the right strategies, careers and support system, and symptoms can be reduced or eliminated.