ADHD; It’s not a Disability, It’s a different Ability.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common mental disorder which affects today’s children, though it also affects adults. It is a neuropsychiatric condition marked by problems such as focusing, holding attention, impulsiveness, and behavior issues related to hyperactivity and impulsivity in certain circumstances. ADHD symptoms can be undetectable; for others, symptoms can be the loss of energy or strength. The average age people, 7 years old, are diagnosed with ADHD, and symptoms are often manifest by age 12; however, it can affect younger children and even adults. In the United States, it is estimated that 9 percent of children and 4 percent of adults are affected by ADHD. Today many people see individuals with disabilities as different people who may have additional disabilities.
Understanding ADHD in adults:
According to studies, ADHD is caused by genes, changes in the environment, and slight differences in how the brain is hardwired. If adults were diagnosed with childhood ADHD, the chances are that they have carried at least one of the symptoms into adulthood. If adults were never diagnosed as a child, it doesn’t mean ADHD cannot affect adulthood. If you are affected by ADHD, you may have anxiety, depression, problems at work, impulsiveness, low self-esteem, forgetfulness, low motivation, etc. These problems can affect you significantly, or they may not bother you much. Problems can appear all of the time or may depend on the situation. Two people with ADHD are not exactly alike. ADHD is a lack of willpower.
People affected with ADHD focus well on things that interest them; they could focus on any other tasks if they wanted to. ADHD is not a willpower problem. It is a chemical problem in the management system of the brain. People affected with ADHD can focus or concentrate on activities they enjoy. They have difficulty maintaining focus when the task is tedious; it doesn’t matter how hard they try. People of all levels of intelligence are affected by ADHD. And although sometimes everyone has symptoms of ADHD, only those with chronic impairments from these symptoms have authorization for ADHD diagnosis. Sometimes ADHD overlaps with other disorders. Someone can have depression, anxiety, or any other psychiatric problem, but it doesn’t mean he is affected by ADHD. Many people struggle all their lives with unrecognized ADHD symptoms. They assumed that their chronic difficulties, like anxiety or depression, were caused by other disabilities that did not respond to usual treatment, so they haven’t received help.
Effects of ADHD in Adults:
If you discover that you have adult ADHD, there are chances that you have suffered over the years due to the unrecognized problem. You may feel like you have been struggling to maintain your head, which is overwhelmed by the constant stress caused by deferral and handling demands at the last minute. People may call you “irresponsible,†“lazy,†or “stupid†just because of your habit of forgetfulness or trouble in completing specific tasks, and you also start thinking of yourself in these negative terms as well. ADHD can contribute to various health problems, including compulsive eating, anxiety, tension, chronic stress, and low self-esteem.
When you neglect important check-ups and appointments with a doctor, ignore medical instructions, and forget to take vital medications. The symptoms of ADHD can put a quality on your work, family relationships, and love. You may be fed up with annoyance from loved ones to listen more closely. On the other hand, the people close to you may feel hurt over your insensitivity and irresponsibility. The effects of ADHD can lead to embarrassment, frustration, disappointment, lack of hope, and loss of confidence. You feel you’ll never be able to get your life under control.
How is ADHD treated?
ADHD can be treated y medicine, therapy, learning more about ADHD or education, and getting family support. Adults with ADHD have been prescribed stimulant medications. Stimulant medications include Dexmethylphenidate, Lisdexamfetamine, and Amphetamine. Stimulants are not always ideal; they have controlled substances that can be misused. Cognitive and behavioral can help with self-esteem. Mentoring may help you support at work and improve job performance. Exercise is ethical for everyone; even a little regular exercise can ease ADHD symptoms. If you regret doing weird things, such as getting angry at others, manage the impulse by pausing.
References:
Learning disabilities and Attention Deficit Disorder | Accessibility Resources (oswego.edu)
Is ADHD a Disability? | The Recovery Village