What is ADHD?
Updated: Jul 15, 2022
By Jessica Raju
Introduction
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a mental health disorder characterized by the lack of dopamine, the happiness neurotransmitter which results in people to hyper focus on activities that interest them. It is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active.
Signs of ADHD
Early symptoms of ADHD can be observed in extremely energetic children, however, children themselves cannot identify these symptoms which is where parents come to action. Sometimes, ADHD can be part of family history. Symptoms include:
Impulsiveness
Disorganization and problems prioritizing
Poor time management skills
Problems focusing on a task
Trouble multitasking
Excessive activity or restlessness
Poor planning
Low frustration tolerance
Frequent mood swings
Problems following through and completing tasks
Hot temper
Trouble coping with stress
How do People with ADHD Feel?
Often being misunderstood, 50% of people with ADHD also have anxiety issues, and being a teenager just adds to this anxiety. They tend to make impulsive decisions which can be harmful. Although they can be exceptionally good at various things, they tend to feel inferior which can affect them socially.