how to detect it and deal with it

Driven by his impulsive and reckless behavior, David climbs onto a crane and falls into the void. This marked a turning point in the young university student’s life as the accident left him diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

This is the plot of a story I wrote a while ago and which was later adapted into an animated short to draw attention to the fact that, like David, There are many people who suffer from ADHD without even knowing it.. Identifying and treating ADHD can significantly reduce its impact on the lives of those who suffer from it. That is why it is so important to consider its main characteristics, which we will do below.

Pay attention to the following symptoms

ADHD is characterized by three main sets of symptoms:

• Inattention. Difficulty paying attention to details, making careless mistakes, forgetting daily tasks, and losing important items.
• Hyperactivity. Restlessness, an inability to remain still in situations where one is expected to do so, and difficulty calmly participating in leisure activities define this type of behavior.
• Impulsiveness. This is reflected in making decisions without considering consequences, constant interruptions, and difficulty waiting one’s turn in social situations that require it.

Other common symptoms include emotional dysregulation, which can manifest as low tolerance to frustration, irritability and emotional lability.; Difficulties with executive functions, which are expressed, for example, in a low ability to plan activities.

Although ADHD symptoms typically begin in childhood, they tend to persist and become apparent into adulthood. Approximately, 50% of affected children will continue to meet criteria that define this disorder in adulthood.

Over time, symptoms of impulsivity tend to decrease. while levels of inattention persist – and even increase –. Moreover, as in David’s case, ADHD often goes undetected in childhood and is discovered in adulthood when it worsens. problems related to performing workinterpersonal relationships and quality of life in general.

The best research suggests that the incidence of ADHD in adults is about 3%. although many of these cases remain undiagnosed

. Additionally, most people diagnosed in childhood but not in adulthood are thought to have subclinical symptoms (that is, not sufficient to warrant a diagnosis). This encourages us to understand ADHD. as a sustainable feature of a person’s lifestyle, the negative consequences of which can be minimizedas you grow older, through the creation of habits.

Here’s How ADHD Interferes with Everyday Life

It is important to emphasize that these symptoms occur constantly in the general population. That is, many people may experience certain degree of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity at a particular point in life. ADHD is perceived as the “tail” of this distribution, where symptoms reach clinically significant levels that affect daily life and functioning.

A disorder is considered to exist only when the associated features significantly interfere with with daily activities, interpersonal relationships and academic or work performance. A common criticism is that there is no precise point at which people can be considered to be within or outside normality, but the same is true for problems with weight or blood pressure, for example.

The reality is that ADHD symptoms in adults are associated with poorer functioning, personal and family conflicts, higher rates of mental disorders (anxiety, depression), substance use, physical changes (obesity or sleep disturbances), and increased risk taking. victims of road accidents or crimes.

Timing of diagnosis and treatment

So, if a person believes that they are suffering from these symptoms and that significantly interfere with your daily lifewhat should he do?

Although general practitioners can potentially refer to a specialist or even self-diagnose, They often refuse due to lack of time or knowledge.. In these cases, it may be necessary to contact a private specialist.

In any case, it should be emphasized that the diagnosis is clinical and that the main tool should be the interview. Other methods such as symptom questionnaires or cognitive tests (including computerized ones). They can complement the first ones, but their effectiveness is moderate.. Finally, the usefulness of techniques such as electroencephalography has not been demonstrated.

Treatments considered effective can be divided into three categories:

• Psychoeducation. The focus is on providing information and educational resources to improve understanding of the disorder and develop management strategies.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy. Addresses thought and behavior patterns and teaches problem solving skills associated with ADHD.
• Prescribing pharmacological treatment to control symptoms.. They are usually divided into stimulants and non-stimulants.

Although there is some social controversy surrounding the use of these psychotropic medications for ADHD, experts agree that These are very safe treatments that can be of great help in treating primary and secondary symptoms.. In a study we conducted, we showed that children with ADHD have a lower risk of accidents, injuries, and poisonings when they take medications. Other studies show similar effects in adults, as well as driving or drug use risk.

In Spain, for example, first-line treatment in adults are non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine. Stimulants are usually reserved for those who continue to take them from childhood and have a good response.

As with identification, there are various treatment methods that, despite their popularity, have not shown their usefulness, since neurofeedback or training exercises about executive functions similar to video games and brain training textbooks (brain training).

Thus, knowing how ADHD manifests itself in adults is critical for its early detection. provide effective interventions, reduce stigma and provide support in work and personal life. However, as we concluded in David’s video, when identifying and treating this disorder, we do not seek to change the person suffering from it, but rather to ensure that they remain themselves, but happier.

Gonzalo Arrondo, Ramón y Cajal researcher, Mind-Brain group of the Institute of Culture and Society (ICS), University of Navarra

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original.