About ADHD or ADD
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 cannot find your car keys, you forget an appointment because of stress or you cannot keep your attention during a meeting. That does not automatically mean you have ADHD.
Attention deficit disorder only becomes ADHD when the symptoms are so severe that they negatively affect your life in many areas, such as study, work, family life, finances or social situations.
ADHD is one of the best-known and most common developmental disorders in children and adolescents. It is a broad term and the disorder can vary from person to person. It is estimated that about 5% of children have ADHD, with boys being affected more often than girls. For a long time it was thought that children outgrow ADHD, but it is now known that symptoms can continue into adulthood.
Different types of ADHD
The main symptoms of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, although not all symptoms occur in every person with ADHD. ADHD is divided into the following three categories:
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type. This type of ADHD is characterized by hyperactivity, the need for constant movement and impulsive behavior.
- Predominantly inattentive type. This type is characterized by attention deficit and difficulty concentrating. Hyperactivity and impulsivity are largely absent. You are easily distracted and find it difficult to maintain focus.
- Combined type. With this type of ADHD, you show impulsive and hyperactive behavior, are easily distracted and have trouble staying focused.
Characteristics of hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD
- Difficulty sitting still, fidgeting with your hands or moving your feet
- Little patience and difficulty waiting
- Getting up from your chair when this is not appropriate, for example in class or during a meeting
- Talking a lot and continuing endlessly
- Frequently interrupting other people
- Answering before the question has been completed
- Taking risks without sufficiently considering the consequences
Characteristics of inattentive type ADHD (ADD)
- Easily distracted and difficulty keeping attention on tasks or activities you do not enjoy
- Forgetfulness in everyday situations
- Forgetting or losing important things needed for tasks and activities
- Trouble following instructions
- Quickly becoming bored with a task and finding it difficult to complete it
- Seeming not to listen when people speak to you
- Lack of attention to detail or making careless mistakes
- Difficulty organizing and planning tasks ahead
- Disliking and avoiding 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 hyperactive and impulsive ADHD are often noticed early in children, for example through disruptive behavior, restlessness, noise or poor school performance. The symptoms of ADD are less visible and are not always recognized.
Symptoms of ADHD can range from mild to severe. Some people are inattentive or hyperactive mainly when they are doing something they do not enjoy, while they are able to focus well on tasks they find interesting.
Symptoms of ADHD in adults
The symptoms of ADHD in adults are largely similar to those seen in children and teenagers. However, during the transition into adulthood, the severity and expression of some symptoms may change.
The clearly visible urge to move that is often seen in children tends to decrease in adulthood. It may change into inner restlessness, impatience, erratic behavior or talking quickly and excessively.
Inattention, on the other hand, often becomes more noticeable as the pressures of adult life increase. Symptoms of ADHD in adults are usually more subtle than in children, and both the nature and severity of the symptoms can differ 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 finishing old ones
- Poor organizational skills
- Difficulty focusing or prioritizing
- Constantly losing things
- Forgetfulness, restlessness and irritability
- Speaking out of turn, having difficulty staying silent and frequently interrupting others
- Mood swings, irritability and an increased risk of depression or anxiety
- Difficulty coping with stress
- Extreme impatience
- Impulsiveness leading to poor decision-making
- Taking risks in activities, often with little regard for personal safety or the safety of others, for example dangerous driving
Treatment of ADHD
Because the symptoms of ADHD can vary greatly 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 treatment you are given practical tools to better manage your attention, solve problems, organize, plan and set priorities. You also learn how to deal with stressful situations in a more effective 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.
