In recent years, we have heard a lot about ADHD, but the topic still raises a series of questions. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – ADHD – is a developmental disorder, in which changes in the brain maturation process (mainly in the frontal cortex region) lead to impairments in our executive functions related, for example, to our ability to self-regulate, self-monitor, plan and organize.
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of ADHD worldwide is estimated to 3% to 8% among children and adolescents. Among people over 18 years of age, the estimated prevalence ranges from 2.5% to 3%.
There are three subtypes of ADHD:
- ADHD with predominance of inattention (in 20% to 30% of cases)
- ADHD with a predominance of hyperactivity/impulsivity (in up to 15% of cases)
- ADHD with combined symptoms (in 50% to 75% of cases)
The inattentive subtype is more common in females and causes greater academic impairment. The combined subtype, in turn, is the one that generates greater overall damage.
What are the characteristics of this disorder?
Predominantly characterized by agitated behavior, ADHD is often associated with an accelerated flow of reasoning and difficulty regulating motivation in certain cases, which can cause problems with memorization, maintaining focus and inability to deal with distractions.
The characteristics of ADHD can be divided into three groups:
- Emotional: for example, psychological immaturity, difficulty controlling emotions, low self-esteem, mood swings;
- Cognitive: poor problem-solving skills and low capacity for self-evaluation and self-monitoring;
- Behavioral: impulsiveness, irritability, impatience and restlessness.
What are the causes of ADHD?
ADHD is caused by several factors. Genetic factors are responsible for 77% of a person’s likelihood of acquiring the condition. Studies also show that smoking, ingesting alcohol or drugs during pregnancy, in addition to prematurity at birth can increase the risk of ADHD in children.
Although, most of the time, the symptoms of this disorder appear in childhood or adolescence, there are cases in which they are only detected in adulthood. This may happen because the person only had the opportunity to be evaluated during this period, because they received information about the disorder late or because they were exposed to activities that help them understand the signs and symptoms.
What are the consequences of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?
The damage caused by ADHD can occur in different spheres resulting from excess energy, great difficulty in maintaining focus on activities, lack of motivation and impulsivity. People with ADHD tend to face a more adverse process for completing projects and tasks, are more likely to get involved in risky activities and may exhibit unstable behaviors.
Such issues can significantly impact an individual’s academic and professional life, and emotional changes in the situation end up creating obstacles to maintenance of interpersonal relationships.
The importance of correct diagnosis
“There are people who still question the diagnosis of ADHD, even though it is already a very well-studied condition as determined by mental health specialists,” says Gustavo Estanislau, a psychiatrist and specialist at the Instituto Ame Sua Mente, Gustavo Estanislau. Diagnosis is made through careful observation of the child or adolescent’s history and behavior. This assessment will consider the intensity of the symptoms, the minimum duration of six months, the level of impairment and the presence of these characteristics in more than one environment.
However, some people who live with the disorder are not properly diagnosed, while others are diagnosed (or “self-diagnosed”) incorrectly. In cases of incorrect diagnosis, the individual may be subjected to unnecessary drug treatment. On the other hand, a child with ADHD who does not have the disorder diagnosed may see their condition worsen over time, preventing them from reaching their full potential.
Comorbidities – a situation in which two or more disorders occur simultaneously – very common in ADHD, can also make diagnosis difficult, given that different disorders can present similar symptoms.
“Through adequate diagnosis and treatment, the person usually improves their academic performance, social life and family environment. A delay in diagnosis can cause harm in these areas, as well as cause a drop in self-esteem, difficulty entering the job market, among other problems that tend to manifest themselves throughout life,” explains Gustavo.
How is ADHD treated?
Ideal treatment is carried out through an approach that combines psychotherapy and other necessary psychosocial support. Occupational therapy, psychopedagogy and speech therapy are areas that can contribute greatly to the therapeutic process. Guidance for parents and teachers is also part of the treatment.
Medications, another important treatment resource, often act to increase the availability of dopamine in the frontal cortex of the brain. This neurotransmitter works to improve the functioning of this region, contributing to the stability of motivation and concentration, in addition to bringing more self-control, thus reducing psychomotor agitation.
It is common for there to be a significant reduction in hyperactivity symptoms as the frontal region of the brain develops over the years. However, around 50% of the population still experience ADHD symptoms throughout their lives. Therefore, in cases where symptoms persist, it is important to continue with professional monitoring to control and preserve quality of life.
ADHD should be a topic in schools
As it is a disorder that affects many children and adolescents, it is essential that ADHD be better known in the school environment. The starting point is to understand that the child has more energetic behavior for biological reasons that are largely beyond their control and not because they want to bother people or attract attention. Just as a lack of focus is not negligence or laziness, but a difficulty in the motivation to perform certain tasks.
It is natural for these problems to recur even after a reprimand, as the child does not have full control over their reactions. Among the practical tips for dealing with children with ADHD in the classroom, offering them a little more freedom is essential. For example, the student may be allowed to move a little more at their desk or get up at reasonable intervals to release some pent-up energy.
It is also important to monitor children closely to detect drops in motivation or to identify and praise positive behaviors.
Learn more about ADHD and other topics related to mental health
To find out more about ADHD, it is worth listening to the podcast on the subject available on our website. Ana Carolina D’Agostini spoke with Gustavo Estanislau to clarify several doubts about the disorder.
At the Ame Sua Mente Institute, we work to demystify topics associated with mental health, disseminating scientific knowledge so that society begins to talk about mental health more naturally.
Discover our menu of free content, available on the website in different formats that can be accessed at this link.
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