ADHD

Most people are aware that ADHD involves having trouble focusing, but may not be aware of the myriad of ways this can manifest, how it looks from the outside, and how it feels to the person experiencing it.

Mayo Clinic defines ADHD as:

“Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition that affects millions of children and often continues into adulthood. ADHD includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.” – Mayo Clinic, (emphasis added)

Although ADHD is often thought of as a children’s condition, many adults have it as well. Many of them were never diagnosed or weren’t diagnosed until adulthood, so it’s crucial to understand how ADHD symptoms can present in both children and adults. While the different types of ADHD are distinct (discussed more below), they can also overlap. But the main thing to know about ADHD is that it involves difficulty paying attention for sustained periods.

ADHD Statistics

According to Healthline, the average age for a diagnosis is seven years old, and symptoms often start to recognizably appear between the ages of three and six. Along gender lines, boys are three times more likely to be diagnosed than girls. It’s thought that 5-10% of American children have ADHD, and 4% of American adults have ADHD.

These statistics show us that ADHD is common, especially in the United States. And it’s encouraging to know that getting a diagnosis and understanding what’s wrong can make a big difference in quality of life. ADHD can be disruptive to one’s life and daily routine, but it can also be treated and managed.

ADHD sometimes coexists with other conditions. Some of the most common ones are learning disabilities, conduct disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, and sleep disorders. Talk to your counselor or doctor about any other symptoms you’re experiencing.

Although we don’t know exactly what leads to the development of ADHD, we do know some common risk factors that make a diagnosis more likely. If any of these factors apply to you, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they cause the condition, just that they’re correlated to it. Parents may be able to control certain factors, but ultimately the condition can happen no matter what.

Interestingly, children from primarily English-speaking households are four times more likely to be diagnosed than children from homes where other languages are spoken. Having a lower income increases the risk of a child developing ADHD, as does having a relative with the condition. Other risk factors include exposure to lead or other environmental toxins, premature birth, maternal drug use, alcohol, or smoking during pregnancy, and excessive screen time.

Types of ADHD

As mentioned above, there are three different types of ADHD, and they’re identified based on which symptoms are the most prominent in an individual.

Predominately inattentive type ADHD involves more inattention symptoms than hyperactive symptoms.

Predominately hyperactive/impulsive type ADHD is the type where you’d be more likely to notice the impulsive behavior than the lack of focus.

There is also combined ADHD, where neither type is predominant, and symptoms strongly overlap. Understanding the different types of ADHD is important because if an individual doesn’t exhibit the more obvious or well-known symptoms, a diagnosis can be more difficult. Not all ADHD presents the same way.

Just like with other mental health or behavioral concerns, ADHD can range from mild to severe depending on the individual. Symptoms can also vary widely depending on gender and age. Keep in mind that the presence of one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily indicate ADHD; a mental health professional can help you reach a diagnosis.

There could be a related disorder, an addiction, a health issue, or trouble focusing that doesn’t rise to the level of a disorder. Counseling for attention issues can help you identify and address the underlying problem.

In boys, it’s more common to show symptoms of impulsivity, acting out, and inability to focus, while girls may tend to become withdrawn and exhibit signs of low self-esteem and anxiety. Girls may also tend to struggle academically, become verbally aggressive, or spend a lot of time daydreaming.

Of course, a lot of these behaviors could also be perfectly normal developmental phases or struggles, so you may be wondering, “Could my child have ADHD?” or, “Should I have my child evaluated for ADHD?” Here’s one way to distinguish between normal vs. disordered behavior, according to the Mayo Clinic:

“Children who have problems in school but get along well at home or with friends are likely struggling with something other than ADHD. The same is true of children who are hyperactive or inattentive at home, but whose schoolwork and friendships remain unaffected.”

Either way, don’t ignore your parental instincts! There’s nothing to lose by talking to a counselor for ADHD. Early intervention can help your child manage their symptoms and learn to flourish even with a challenging condition.

Common signs of predominately inattentive ADHD:

• Distractibility
• Avoiding mentally strenuous tasks (like schoolwork)
• Forgetting to follow through on instructions, homework, chores, etc.
• Moving quickly from one task or play activity to the next
• Losing things often
• Lack of organization
• Trouble listening
• Not meticulous

Common signs of predominately hyperactive/impulsive type ADHD:

• Have trouble with turn-taking
• Talk a lot or when it’s not the right time
• Run and climb in the wrong situations
• Have trouble sitting still
• Fidget and/or squirm frequently
• Interrupt others frequently
• Struggle with quiet play or activities

ADHD symptoms present differently in adults than in children. In adults, it’s more common to have symptoms like:

• Low tolerance for stress
• A quick temper and frequent mood swings
• Difficulty with planning, time management, and prioritizing
• Restlessness and impulsiveness
• General disorganization and struggles with task completion

If you think you or your child may have ADHD, there is hope for improvement. Call our office today at [phone #] to share your concern with a licensed, professional Christian counselor in a risk-free initial session.

There are multiple evidence-based approaches and options for treating ADHD in children and adults. Your counselor at [Christian Counseling] may consult with your medical doctor to create an individualized treatment plan for you or your child.

For parents, intervention therapy can help you teach your child organizational skills, as well as create a predictable routine, using rewards to help your child learn coping mechanisms and necessary skills. Behavioral therapy can help children and adults manage their symptoms successfully. Counseling for ADHD can help you manage the emotions that come with the disorder, such as shame, fear of failure, etc.

In some cases, medication may be indicated. Medication for ADHD can help reduce symptoms, but medicines also have side effects, so it’s important to take all the information into account and work with both your doctor and counselor to see whether medication could help you or your child.

If you’re interested in Christian counseling for ADHD for children and adults, please reach out today by filling out our contact form or calling our office. Take your first step toward ADHD healing today.

Resources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350889

https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/facts-statistics-infographic

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adult-adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350878