October is ADHD Awareness Month!

What is ADHD?

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting both children and adults. It is described as a “persistent” or ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that gets in the way of daily life or typical development. Individuals with ADHD may also have difficulties with maintaining attention, executive function (or the brain’s ability to begin an activity, organize itself and manage tasks) and working memory.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

Deciding if a person has Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a several step process. There is no single test to diagnose ADHD: many other problems, like anxiety and depression, can have similar symptoms. Thus, diagnosing ADHD should be done only by trained health care providers.

Myths about ADHD

ADHD is caused by bad parenting.

FALSE. ADHD is not caused by bad parenting. ADHD is caused by the accumulation of many environmental and genetic risk factors. Brain-imaging studies show that differences in brain structure and wiring cause problems with attention, impulse control and motivation.

Only boys have ADHD. 

Boys are diagnosed two to three times as often as girls, but about 4.2% of girls have received a diagnosis of ADHD at some point in their life. Overall, however, women and girls are less likely to be properly diagnosed with ADHD, with boys and men being more likely than girls and women to be referred for services even when their symptom profiles are exactly the same. Women and girls with ADHD have a higher incidence of depression and anxiety. This could, in part, be due to a tendency of girls and women to exhibit internalizing behavior while boys and men in general are more likely to display behaviors that are more externalizing.

Tips for those with ADHD! 

1. Practice gratitude. 

2. Keep communication with teachers open. 

3. Use digital tools.

4. Build boundaries. 

5. Hydrate. 

6. Consistent and calming environments help.

7. Make a list to prioritize tasks.

8. Seek professional help when needed. 

9. Check out support groups. 

10. Practice self-compassion!  

Sources: https://www.adhdawarenessmonth.org/