What is ADHD?
ADHD is a attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
In simple terms, this disorder affects your attention span and ways of focusing. The hyperactivity part can represent always having to move or function, speaking fast, or getting easily distracted by other people moving.
How to get diagnosed?
According to the DSM-5 (a book with definitions and symptoms of mental disorders) You must have 6 or more symptoms of inattentiveness and hyperactivity.
Some of the symptoms may include:
Shown continuously for 6 months
Started to show symptom before age of 12
Must interfere with school, sports, social life, or play.
Has to be severe enough (decided by the specialist)
It is also important to mention that there are many different types of ADHD, for instance there is ADD, which is attention deficit disorder, which has the same symptoms without hyperactivity. Not only is there different diagnosis that follow ADHD but depending on the severity, you can get a different diagnosis based on your symptoms.
Here is an example from “the mini ADHD coach” on ADHD:
It is also important to know that women and men show ADHD differently. Men are more likely to show hyperactive ADHD, while women are more likely to show inattentive. The difference, as shown above from The Mini ADHD Coach, hyperactive is seen as talking fast and loud, while inattentive is seen as being quiet and daydreaming. Obviously, the two are complete opposites.
Neuron and brain wise, the reason why people can have ADHD or an attention disorder is because their brain has a smaller right prefrontal cortex, or any smaller brain systems in the right side of the brain, such as the cerebellum. Other than brain systems, people with ADHD have lower grey matter in the brain which focuses on processing sensory and information and helps you make decisions and have self control.
If you believe you are having symptoms of ADHD or any attention deficit disorder, tell your doctor and they will direct you to a specialist or psychologist to help you decide if you need a diagnosis or more.
Always remember that you are enough and loved no matter your mental disorder.
Sources used:
Myer’s AP psychology textbook
DSM-5
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