ADHD Meaning : What exactly is it?

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how individuals focus, control impulses, and manage their energy levels. Contrary to popular belief, ADHD is not just a childhood condition. While it often begins in childhood, many people continue to experience symptoms well into adulthood. The ADHD meaning goes beyond the name itself. It is characterized by a consistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. People with ADHD often struggle with organization, time management, following instructions, and sitting still for extended periods. There are three primary types of ADHD:

1. Inattentive Type: Difficulty sustaining attention, following through on tasks, or listening when spoken to.
2. Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: Excessive movement, fidgeting, talking, and interrupting others.
3. Combined Type: A mix of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.

ADHD Symptoms

Falling under two major groups, with nine symptoms under each

• Inattention symptoms
• Hyperactivity symptoms

Signs of Inattention

You might observe your child :

May avoid focusing on tasks that require longer concentration

Being careless and may not give attention to details leading to mistakes

Not doing things they’re supposed to do or forgetting often

Getting easily distracted by surrounding or their own thoughts

Finds it difficult to organise things

Easily losing things they need

Seems distracted or lost in their own world while someone is talking to them

Initially starting a task easily but then facing difficulties in finishing and subsequently leaves the task altogether

Signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity

You might observe your child:

moves or makes little hand or foot motions, particularly when eating or working on homework.

gets up when they should be sitting still and finds it difficult to play or perform other peaceful activities.

finds it tough to wait for their turn to act

interferes with other people’s activities, such as interrupting a game that other children are playing or stealing an item without consent.

Runs, climbs, jumps, or grows restless when they should remain still

They appear to be constantly “on the go” or “powered by a motor.”

interrupts others or completes their phrases

Talks more than you may anticipate

Along with this, it is also important to remember that these signs may also be seen in normal kids and do not necessarily mean ADHD.

Causes of ADHD

Even though the exact cause of ADHD is still not known, research suggests various contributing factors –  ADHD is genetic i.e a child is born with certain genes that causes differences in brain development. It tends to run in the family. Other factors include, premature birth or exposure to toxins, and childhood trauma or stress. But all these factors are not full proof and not yet accepted as the only causes of ADHD. According to research, the brain of a child with ADHD is wired in a way that makes it difficult for them to use directed attention. They require more energy to do even the simplest of things.

Effects of ADHD

ADHD, if left undiagnosed can impact various aspects of your child’s life –

As many other undiagnosed issues, ADHD generally affects how a person sees themselves. A person may have low self esteem or lack of confidence.

A person with ADHD may suffer academically due to lack of focus and concentration affecting productivity and grades

In social settings, people with ADHD often have difficulty in adjusting due to peer pressure

Various mental health issues may follow people with ADHD like anxiety, depression or low esteem, etc.

Daily chores like paying bills, keeping up with work, etc. may feel overwhelming.

Why is ADHD suddenly popular?

It is not that ADHD is more prevalent now than ever or if it is suddenly increasing in GEN Z but rather the fact that the awareness surrounding such issues have increased. Young people are more open to talking about such issues and are willing to explore diagnoses without any fear of judgement. One such platform which provides affordable therapy for ADHD without any judgement is Venoutt. Ventoutt is a safe, judgement free and affordable mental health platform which provides professional therapy for issues like ADHD, anxiety, or day to day mental health issues. Sometimes, taking an in person therapy may feel overwhelming, hence online therapy on Ventoutt from the comfort of your home with utmost privacy may seem like a good step forward. And if you are not ready for a full fledged therapy option, you can always start with venting about your feelings to Ventoutt’s trained listeners who are available 24/7.

Conclusion

Sometimes mental health issues and problems like ADHD feel really complex and overwhelming but it’s also manageable. The more we talk about it, understand it and remove the stigma – the less isolated people feel. You don’t have to struggle in silence. Give your concerns a voice with Ventoutt.