Destigmatizing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Arts for Relief
- Oct 31, 2020
- 3 min read
Written by Nishagie Hettiarachchi
Edited by Julianne Duong
October is ADHD Awareness Month. Did you know that the existence of ADHD is still debated as a controversy? This is just one example of how ADHD continues to be invalidated due to stigma. Well, in this article, we're breaking down the important facts and resources that you can use to learn more about this disorder, and hopefully pass the information along to those who need it!
Graphic made by Celine Nguyen, from Arts for Relief
What is ADHD?
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the ability of a person to pay attention, stay still, and control behavior. This disorder can be diagnosed in anyone, regardless of age or gender. The signs of this disorder can usually be seen when a child has trouble paying attention or sitting still at home or in school.
How many types of ADHD are diagnosed? What are the symptoms that lead to a diagnosis?
There are three types of ADHD. These are Inattentive, Hyperactive-Impulsive, and Combined.
Inattentive symptoms can include:
Being easily distracted
Not able to pay attention
Forgetfulness and losing items easily
Trouble listening
Problems with organization
Trouble following directions and completing tasks
Hyperactive-Impulsive symptoms can include:
Moving around; fidgeting
Trouble sitting still
Talkative
Impatient
Interrupting others
Speaking and acting on impulse without thinking
*Combined: Symptoms from both
What causes ADHD?
The causes of ADHD are still largely unknown, however, some causes may be:
Family lineage
Brain injuries
Exposure to harmful environmental toxins such as lead during infancy or being in the womb
Malnutrition or substance abuse while in the womb
Premature delivery
How can you get diagnosed and treated for ADHD?
To get a proper diagnosis, doctors usually recommend psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychotherapists. There are four main treatment options for ADHD, medication, therapy, support groups, and/or healthy living.
To receive medication, consulting a doctor or therapist is the best option. They may prescribe stimulant medications such as Amphetamine, Dexmethylphendiate, Dextroamphetamine, Lisdexamfetamine, etc. to help control hyperactive and impulsive behavior. These, however, may not work for everyone. People with ADHD that are older than the age of six may use non-stimulant medications such as Atomoxetine, Clonidine, Guanfacineu, etc. When taking medication it is important to stay consistent in order to get the best results. While these medications don’t eradicate ADHD, they lessen the more severe symptoms in order to make it easier to do daily tasks and necessary functions.
There is also the option to attend therapy. For small children, special education or therapy can benefit learning in school. Psychologists, psychiatrists, or psychotherapists can exercise behavior modification, which is the process of fixing and replacing bad behaviors with good ones. Psychotherapy and counseling are also options in which those who have ADHD can learn how to better handle emotions and frustrations, increase self-esteem, and understand the disorder more. Social skills training also helps with learning how to get along with others both inside and outside of school.
Support groups are used to remind those who may have a hard time with the disorder that they are never alone. Countless people experience a variety of issues with ADHD and it's important to find people that can relate and share their struggles.
Staying healthy is an important factor in treating ADHD. Eating a well-balanced or healthy diet is important to maintain energy and distribute it evenly throughout the day. Exercising can also manage energy, making it easier to channel it in a specific area that won’t affect other parts of the day. Getting enough sleep is important, and so is limiting time on electronics.
No matter what the situation is, it is important to know that everyone matters wholly and fully. It is important to stay educated on these topics and to help others around you learn more about these disorders. Lastly, remember to take care of yourselves and actively check in on the mental health of those around you.
Resources for Help
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