Learning about ADHD
This blog post is associated with episode 11 of the podcast with Megan Fass and David Kuang about ADHD.
ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a lifelong neurological disorder that impacts how individuals focus and control their behaviours. The first descriptions and cases of ADHD were as early as 1902 and medication as a form of treatment was first prescribed in 1937.
It also used to be known as ADD (attention deficit disorder), which is no longer an official diagnosis and refers to individuals who do not fall under the symptoms of hyperactivity. Although ADHD is considered a neurological disorder, it is also part of the DSM-5 as a mental health disorder as it affects individuals’ cognitions, behaviours, and moods.
While the exact causes are unknown, research indicates that genetics play a large role. It is usually first diagnosed during childhood and more than six million children between the ages of 2 and 17 have been diagnosed with it. ADHD is often comorbid with other mental health challenges as 64% of these individuals experience anxiety, depression, autism, and Tourette syndrome.
To better understand ADHD, it can be helpful to group symptoms based on three categories:
Inattentive (more common in children):
Hyperactive-impulsive (more common in children):
Combined (more common in adults):
Some of these symptoms might seem like day-to-day occurrences that people will not consider as a possibility of having ADHD. With that in mind and cultural values in tow, it can be challenging for individuals to seek out a diagnosis or treatment because they might be too embarrassed or they shrug it off to being unmotivated or unfocused. To be diagnosed with ADHD, individuals must visit a physician, who may refer them to a specialist such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist, if needed. From there, many individuals are prescribed medication like stimulants, non-stimulants (if the stimulants are not helpful), and even antidepressants. On top of medication, some individuals may seek out psychotherapy to learn healthy coping mechanisms, social skills training, and making behavioural changes.
Over the past few years, I have found that WebMD can only provide so many details about disorders or challenges that individuals face, whereas having conversations or reading about others’ experiences have been incredibly helpful in building my understanding and empathy on topics I am not familiar with. I am grateful that I was able to enlist the help of David Kuang and Megan Fass, who are two friends who have been diagnosed with ADHD. On the podcast, they share their experiences, what helps them, and the treatment they have accessed. Below are some highlights from the episode:
More often than not, we try to adjust ourselves based on the needs of others, which can be overwhelming, exhausting, and discouraging. What can others do to accommodate you?
