Being aware of certain mental health conditions can help sufferers and those around them be more informed of how these conditions affect individuals. Dealing with facts can bust myths and misconceptions about conditions such as ADHD, which can affect people in many different ways. With this in mind, here are ten facts about ADHD that you may possibly not be aware of.
If you are young and have ADHD, then you are not alone. The prevalence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is around 5% among children and adolescents across the globe. This means that there is a possibility that children or adolescents in the same educational establishments across the world could have ADHD and, therefore, can help support each other.
These individuals may need extra help with everyday learning activities, including social interaction with fellow students that do not have this condition. However, meeting a fellow ADHD sufferer can boost confidence and social interaction in itself.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder which means that it affects how the brain works and develops. Instead of treating the condition, the emphasis is more on managing the symptoms, which include trouble concentrating, hyperactivity, and behaving impulsively.
Whilst all these combined can make life difficult, if ADHD is diagnosed early, then these symptoms can be managed successfully.
Since the symptoms of ADHD appear early in life, they can also be diagnosed quickly, and the symptoms managed whilst the sufferer is still a child or adolescent. Symptoms can appear as early as six years of age.
Diagnosing ADHD early can still be difficult because not all symptoms can be severe, and those that are present can often overlap with other mental health conditions. Behavioural disorders are common in many mental health disorders, but if the main group of ADHD symptoms is severe, then this can lead to specialists quickly ruling out other issues and making a confident diagnosis.
Despite there being various symptoms that accompany ADHD, these can be managed with certain medications that can help to balance the brain chemistry.
It is not just drug therapy that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD by altering the chemistry of the brain. Other therapies, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, can also help. These non-drug therapies can be used alongside conventional medication for the best results in symptom management.
Although the behaviour of an individual is affected by ADHD, their mental health can also suffer due to the consequences of their symptoms. Those with ADHD can often feel isolated and anxious because they do not consider themselves to be normal. This thought process can lead to depression and loneliness.
Those with ADHD can still be passionate, ambitious, and driven to succeed, despite the presence of a mental health condition that affects the way the brain works and develops. ADHD sufferers can bring extra creativity, energy, and spontaneity to their chosen careers.
Regular exercise, eating healthily, getting eight hours of sleep a night, and having time during the day to relax can help improve ADHD symptoms. Even avoiding certain situations that can lead to increased stress and anxiety can help.
Cases of ADHD are more likely to occur in families with a history of ADHD sufferers within it. Genetic factors may play a role, but no particular gene has been singled out as the main cause of ADHD.
Although the symptoms of ADHD can be overwhelming, the facts are that the earlier ADHD is diagnosed, the better the outcome is for the sufferer. They can go on to live normal lives and even bring extra energy and creativity to the careers they choose to pursue!