ADHD Definition - The Facts About Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Explained
A word of warning, if you lose focus while reading this article you could have ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder!
Now that we have got that out of the way why don't we get down to business. Any ADHD definition would need to include the word inattention. Why? The easiest way to explain this would be to take a paragraph out of the Merck Manual of Medical Information titled "Signs of ADHD".
"All signs do not have to be present for a diagnosis of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, signs of inattention must always be present for a diagnosis. Signs must be present in two or more situations (for example, home and school) and must interfere with social and academic functioning."
Couldn't have said it any better myself. As you can see the main central characteristic is not the hyperactivity many people equate with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder rather it is ones inability to focus attention. While this is the case, trying to say that ADHD is solely about failure to focus would be likely preparing clam chowder without the clams. It would no longer be clam chowder, right! So let's add some clams to our boiling pot of ADHD definition. Besides inattention, attention deficit disorder can also include a virtual stew of one's inability to control impulses, behaviors, and emotions along with a healthy pinch of hyperactivity in children and restlessness in adults. OK, now were cooking.
Now that we are getting somewhere let's move on. The three primary symptoms of ADHD are inattention/distractibility, impulsivity, and hyperactivity/restlessness. Out of these three primary symptoms come three different classifications. They are the inattentive type (quite but can't focus), the hyperactive impulsive type (can't stand still or stay quite), and lastly the combined type (like a box of chocolates you just don't know what you might get).
Since the combined type accounts for 75 percent of cases I thought a clearer definition would be helpful. If you have a hard time focusing, plus you also have difficulty sitting still or doing things without thinking, you have the combined type.
Additionally, any ADHD definition must include those stubborn secondary symptoms. Why secondary symptoms you ask? Well most experts believe that the primary symptoms over time make the ADHD personality feel as if they are always climbing uphill until they reach a point of physical and psychological exhaustion, thus producing a virtual cornucopia of very troubling secondary symptoms. A few of these are loss of motivation, boredom, worry, frustration, low self esteem, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and a feeling of hopelessness or despair.
In summary, an ADHD definition is not a simple straightforward characterization rather a complicated mix of primary and secondary symptoms stemming from a chemical imbalance in the brain. For those with attention deficit disorder they may feel like the square peg in the round hole at times, but if you are the parent of an ADHD realize it is not their fault, rather just who they are.
If you would like a more detailed ADHD definition or gather information on ADHD natural remedies Click Here.
Now that we have got that out of the way why don't we get down to business. Any ADHD definition would need to include the word inattention. Why? The easiest way to explain this would be to take a paragraph out of the Merck Manual of Medical Information titled "Signs of ADHD".
"All signs do not have to be present for a diagnosis of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, signs of inattention must always be present for a diagnosis. Signs must be present in two or more situations (for example, home and school) and must interfere with social and academic functioning."
Couldn't have said it any better myself. As you can see the main central characteristic is not the hyperactivity many people equate with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder rather it is ones inability to focus attention. While this is the case, trying to say that ADHD is solely about failure to focus would be likely preparing clam chowder without the clams. It would no longer be clam chowder, right! So let's add some clams to our boiling pot of ADHD definition. Besides inattention, attention deficit disorder can also include a virtual stew of one's inability to control impulses, behaviors, and emotions along with a healthy pinch of hyperactivity in children and restlessness in adults. OK, now were cooking.
Now that we are getting somewhere let's move on. The three primary symptoms of ADHD are inattention/distractibility, impulsivity, and hyperactivity/restlessness. Out of these three primary symptoms come three different classifications. They are the inattentive type (quite but can't focus), the hyperactive impulsive type (can't stand still or stay quite), and lastly the combined type (like a box of chocolates you just don't know what you might get).
Since the combined type accounts for 75 percent of cases I thought a clearer definition would be helpful. If you have a hard time focusing, plus you also have difficulty sitting still or doing things without thinking, you have the combined type.
Additionally, any ADHD definition must include those stubborn secondary symptoms. Why secondary symptoms you ask? Well most experts believe that the primary symptoms over time make the ADHD personality feel as if they are always climbing uphill until they reach a point of physical and psychological exhaustion, thus producing a virtual cornucopia of very troubling secondary symptoms. A few of these are loss of motivation, boredom, worry, frustration, low self esteem, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and a feeling of hopelessness or despair.
In summary, an ADHD definition is not a simple straightforward characterization rather a complicated mix of primary and secondary symptoms stemming from a chemical imbalance in the brain. For those with attention deficit disorder they may feel like the square peg in the round hole at times, but if you are the parent of an ADHD realize it is not their fault, rather just who they are.
If you would like a more detailed ADHD definition or gather information on ADHD natural remedies Click Here.