ADHD

What is ADHD?

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and is characterized by attention deficit and hyperactivity. This manifests itself in inattention, restlessness, concentration problems and impulsivity.

Many people suffer from concentration problems or inattention from time to time. It is very recognizable, you can’t find your car keys again, you forgot an appointment due to stress or during a meeting you can’t keep your attention. That doesn’t mean you have ADHD.

Attention deficit disorder (ADHD) only occurs when the symptoms are so severe that they negatively affect your life in many areas, such as study, work, family life, finance or social situations.

ADHD is one of the best-known and most common developmental disorders in children and adolescents. ADHD is a broad term and the disorder can vary from person to person. It is considered that about 5% of children suffer from it, boys more often than girls. For a long time it was thought that children outgrow ADHD over time, but it is now known that the symptoms can continue to manifest into adulthood.

Different types of ADHD

The main symptoms of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, although not all symptoms will occur in all people with ADHD. ADHD is divided into the following three categories:

• predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type. This type of ADHD is characterized by hyperactivity and the need for constant movement, as well as impulsive behavior.
• predominantly inattentive type, characterized by attention deficit disorder and difficulty concentrating. This type of ADHD lacks hyperactivity or impulsivity. Instead, you are easily distracted and you find it difficult to maintain focus.
• combined type. With this type of ADHD, you show impulsive and hyperactive behavior, you are easily distracted and you have trouble staying alert.

Characteristics of hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD

• difficulty sitting still, fidgeting with your hands, moving with your feet;
• little patience and difficulty in waiting;
• you get up from your chair when this is not appropriate (in class or during a meeting);
• talk a lot, carry on and keep repeating;
• you often interrupt other people;
• you already answer before the question is asked;
• you take risks and do not sufficiently foresee the consequences of your actions.

Characteristics of inattentive type ADHD (ADD)

• easily distracted, you find it hard to keep your attention on tasks or activities that you don’t like or don’t care about;
• forgetfulness in everyday things;
• you forget or lose important things necessary for tasks and activities;
• trouble with following instructions;
• quickly become bored with a task and have difficulty completing it;
• you don’t seem to listen when people speak to you;
• lack of attention to details or you make simple mistakes (carelessness);
• you have problems organizing and planning tasks ahead;
• you dislike and avoid tasks that require sustained mental effort.

The predominantly inattentive type of ADHD is also known as ADD. ADD stands for Attention Deficit Disorder.

The symptoms of ADHD (hyperactive and impulsive) can be seen early in children, such as disruptive behavior, restless, noise or poor school results. The symptoms of ADD are less noticeable and are not always recognized.

Symptoms of ADHD can range from mild to severe. Some people are easily inattentive or hyperactive when doing a task they don’t like, but they have the ability to focus on tasks they do enjoy.

Symptoms of ADHD in adults

The symptoms of ADHD experienced by adults are largely similar to those seen in children and teenagers. However, during the transition into adulthood, the severity of some symptoms may change.

The often noticeable urge to move in children (physical hyperactivity) tends to diminish in adulthood and can change towards inner restlessness, impatience, erratic behavior and talking quickly and excessively.

In contrast, inattention tends to get worse as the pressures of adult life increase. Symptoms of ADHD in adults are often more subtle than symptoms in children. And both the nature and severity of the symptoms vary from person to person.

The following symptoms of ADHD can occur in adults:

• carelessness and lack of attention to detail;
• constantly starting new tasks before the old tasks are completed;
• poor organizational skills;
• inability to focus or prioritize;
• constantly losing things;
• forgetfulness, restlessness and irritability;
• speaking out of turn, having trouble keeping silent and interrupting others frequently;
• mood swings, irritability and an increased risk of depression or an anxiety disorder;
• inability to cope with stress;
• extremely impatient;
• being impulsive, leading to poor decision-making;
• taking risks in activities, often with little or no regard for personal safety or the safety of others – for example, dangerous driving.

Treatment of ADHD

Since the symptoms of ADHD can vary from person to person, treatment is tailored to the client’s individual problems and needs.

Psychological support can help you cope better with the symptoms of ADHD. During the treatment, you will be given practical tools to better manage your attention, solve problems, organize, plan and set priorities, or how to deal with stressful situations in a better way.

Contact Psychologen Amsterdam

Do you recognize your symptoms and do you need help or do you just have a question about the treatment of your ADHD? Then call for an appointment or send a message to Psychologen Amsterdam.