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What is ADHD?
What is ADHD?
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting executive functioning in the brain. There is no biological test for ADHD which is why it is currently assessed and diagnosed based off of symptoms. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), in 2024 11.4% of children in the USA were diagnosed with ADHD (Source). Two-thirds of children have other, comorbid disorders as well (anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder, sleep disorders, learning disabilities), and other conditions can presents with the same symptoms we see in people with ADHD (head injury, lead exposure, fetal alcohol syndrome, and psychological trauma). ADHD symptoms persist to adulthood in 30-50% of cases and can present slightly differently (difficulty completing school and difficulty holding down a job). Inquire for a consult to see if you might benefit from as assessment. Not sure? Checkout this checklist of ADHD symptoms.
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting executive functioning in the brain. There is no biological test for ADHD which is why it is currently assessed and diagnosed based off of symptoms. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), in 2024 11.4% of children in the USA were diagnosed with ADHD (Source). Two-thirds of children have other, comorbid disorders as well (anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder, sleep disorders, learning disabilities), and other conditions can presents with the same symptoms we see in people with ADHD (head injury, lead exposure, fetal alcohol syndrome, and psychological trauma). ADHD symptoms persist to adulthood in 30-50% of cases and can present slightly differently (difficulty completing school and difficulty holding down a job). Inquire for a consult to see if you might benefit from as assessment. Not sure? Checkout this checklist of ADHD symptoms.
With the rise of ADHD diagnoses among adults, and without reliable biomarkers, accurate ADHD diagnosis rests in the hands of trained professionals who can responsibly exercise a degree of subjectivity. Brain functions related to attention, shifting focus, organization, sequencing tasks, managing time, resisting distractions (and more) are all affected by ADHD. Unfortunately, many people are labeled "lazy" instead of having underlying issues assessed. While stimulant medications can help (they increase the transmission of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain), therapy and executive functioning coaching can also help by giving people the tools they never got to manage these issues.
With the rise of ADHD diagnoses among adults, and without reliable biomarkers, accurate ADHD diagnosis rests in the hands of trained professionals who can responsibly exercise a degree of subjectivity. Brain functions related to attention, shifting focus, organization, sequencing tasks, managing time, resisting distractions (and more) are all affected by ADHD. Unfortunately, many people are labeled "lazy" instead of having underlying issues assessed. While stimulant medications can help (they increase the transmission of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain), therapy and executive functioning coaching can also help by giving people the tools they never got to manage these issues.
There are three subtypes of ADHD:
There are three subtypes of ADHD:
Inattentive subtype - not paying attention (31% of all ADHD cases; females tend to exhibit more of this subtype) and may be marked by overlooking details, making careless mistakes, difficulty focusing on tasks or during conversation (even when there’s no obvious distraction), failing to follow instructions, failure to complete tasks, losing items, and forgetfulness.
Inattentive subtype - not paying attention (31% of all ADHD cases; females tend to exhibit more of this subtype) and may be marked by overlooking details, making careless mistakes, difficulty focusing on tasks or during conversation (even when there’s no obvious distraction), failing to follow instructions, failure to complete tasks, losing items, and forgetfulness.
Hyperactive/impulsive subtype - excessively active and acting on impulse (7% of all ADHD cases). Symptoms include, but are not limited to, trouble sitting still, interrupting, difficulty taking turns, fidgeting, talking constantly, and an inability to wait turns in a line. Symptoms of the hyperactive/impulsive subtype are less evident with age. Emotional dysregulation is a core feature, as in an “emotional response that does not fit within traditionally accepted ranges.” Emotional symptoms may include tantrums, crying in situations that don’t affect other people, angry outbursts, and becoming easily stressed and frustrated with seemingly trivial tasks.
Hyperactive/impulsive subtype - excessively active and acting on impulse (7% of all ADHD cases). Symptoms include, but are not limited to, trouble sitting still, interrupting, difficulty taking turns, fidgeting, talking constantly, and an inability to wait turns in a line. Symptoms of the hyperactive/impulsive subtype are less evident with age. Emotional dysregulation is a core feature, as in an “emotional response that does not fit within traditionally accepted ranges.” Emotional symptoms may include tantrums, crying in situations that don’t affect other people, angry outbursts, and becoming easily stressed and frustrated with seemingly trivial tasks.
Combined subtype- People can struggle with a combination of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms (62% of all ADHD cases).
Combined subtype- People can struggle with a combination of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms (62% of all ADHD cases).
There is a higher prevalence of substance use disorders and suicide across all age groups.
There is a higher prevalence of substance use disorders and suicide across all age groups.
What is executive functioning?
What is executive functioning?
Executive functioning is how the brain regulates and controls brain processes. Think about planning a party. There are various tasks to accomplish including forming a guest list, finding a place to have the party, what food will be served, is there a theme with favors, when will the party be and for how long, how do we send invitations, and when? The planner must accomplish these tasks in an organized fashion within a specific amount of time. Now imagine there is a change in plans (like, where the party will be held) and planning needs to flexibly change. The brain is assimilating and accommodating "changes in plans" all the time, with a lot of new incoming information throughout our day. We have to plan, sequence, organize, categorize, remember, and manage the passage of time, let alone a deadline. For people with ADHD, this may be more difficult.
Executive functioning is how the brain regulates and controls brain processes. Think about planning a party. There are various tasks to accomplish including forming a guest list, finding a place to have the party, what food will be served, is there a theme with favors, when will the party be and for how long, how do we send invitations, and when? The planner must accomplish these tasks in an organized fashion within a specific amount of time. Now imagine there is a change in plans (like, where the party will be held) and planning needs to flexibly change. The brain is assimilating and accommodating "changes in plans" all the time, with a lot of new incoming information throughout our day. We have to plan, sequence, organize, categorize, remember, and manage the passage of time, let alone a deadline. For people with ADHD, this may be more difficult.
You may have heard of specific words and phrases to describe these issues, such as "time blindness," "analysis paralysis," "temporal discounting," "task paralysis," "rejection sensitive dysphoria," and "sleep procrastination." These are all ways we try and understand the symptoms of ADHD.
You may have heard of specific words and phrases to describe these issues, such as "time blindness," "analysis paralysis," "temporal discounting," "task paralysis," "rejection sensitive dysphoria," and "sleep procrastination." These are all ways we try and understand the symptoms of ADHD.
One theory of ADHD is that activity in the "default mode network" of the brain increases, decreasing activity related to attention and cognitive control. It is also thought that there is atypical activity in the brain's reward system, making it difficult for some people to accurately estimate the value of short-term versus long-term rewards.
One theory of ADHD is that activity in the "default mode network" of the brain increases, decreasing activity related to attention and cognitive control. It is also thought that there is atypical activity in the brain's reward system, making it difficult for some people to accurately estimate the value of short-term versus long-term rewards.
Book a consult today to learn more.
Book a consult today to learn more.
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