Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) frequently begins in childhood. People who live with ADHD can have trouble paying attention, might not be able to determine the “appropriate” amount of physical activity for a given situation, act before thinking, find themselves daydreaming a lot, and/or find it hard to focus, organize, and finish tasks. ADHD is treatable.

Each person is unique, and should explore their options and select for themselves the most effective coping mechanisms for dealing with ADHD. That being said, many people have found successful treatment for ADHD through various types of psychotherapy, medication, behavioral interventions, education and training, mindfulness, and spiritual and indigenous practices. Usually folks with ADHD have better outcomes when they combine more than one type of treatment.

Approximately two-thirds of children with ADHD will no longer meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis as adults

Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)

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Up to 30% of children and 25-40% of adults with ADHD have a co-existing anxiety disorder, and up to 70% of people with ADHD will be treated for depression at some point in their lives

National Resource Center on ADHD

Thoughts:

A person with ADHD might think things like:

  • “I can’t concentrate on one thing; my mind moves to the next thing before I can do anything about it”
  • “I’m trying to focus on this test, but different sounds, ideas and memories keep pulling my attention away”
  • “I don’t know why I blurted out that answer… I’m not even sure it’s what I think”

Feelings:

A person with ADHD might feel:

  • Confused and out of control
  • Unable to concentrate on just one thing
  • Like there’s a TV in your mind that’s you can’t turn off and that keeps switching channels by itself

Less than 1 in 3 children with ADHD received both medication treatment and behavior therapy, the preferred treatment approach for children ages 6 and older

Center for Disease Control

Additional Resources

ADDitude: Strategies and Support for ADHD and LD Online version of the magazine and comprehensive resource for those living with ADHD, including information about medication, dietary tips, and tools for educating and parenting children with ADHD and LD. Offers a variety of resources including free downloads, eBooks, Webinars and suggested blogs and discussion groups. Go to site
Attention Deficit Disorder Association Website for adults with ADHD seeking support and connection. Includes a directory to network and communicate with ADHD professionals, and a series of “TADD” Talks offered by mental health professionals. Information on public policy issues that affect individuals with ADHD and provides contacts for Members of Congress and news and research related to advocacy and awareness.  Go to site
SAMSHA: Understanding Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Young Adults: Get the facts. Check out this fact sheet that gives young adults facts on living with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, discusses causes and treatment approaches, and provides a list of helpful resources. For the Caregiver: Provides caregivers with a general overview of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in youth and young adults, gives guidance on how to provide support, highlights recommended treatment approaches, and includes a list of helpful resources. Go to site

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