You, your child, or someone you love may struggle with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). According to the Centers for Disease Control, this common mental health concerns affects over 5% of children. ADHD in childhood has immediate and far-reaching effects.1 Better understanding this mental health issue helps you address its impact on your or a loved one’s life.
ADHD is a behavioral issue. It is a mental health issue. It is observed in patients of all ages but generally develops during childhood. Children and adults with ADHD have trouble paying attention. Attention-deficit disorder, ADD, refers to one of three types of ADHD. The clinical term for ADD is ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Presentation. This subtype involves symptoms of procrastinating, lack of focus, and trouble planning. However it does not include the same impulsiveness, hyperactivity or fidgeting as other forms of ADHD. WebMD explains that individuals with ADHD may also do the following:
There is stigma attached to an ADHD diagnosis. Children with an ADHD diagnosis are seen as difficult, defiant, or simple “bad kids.” Children with ADD may not be diagnosed at all. ADDitude Magazine explans, “Individuals with inattentive ADHD rarely get the treatment they need. This leads to academic frustration, apathy, and undue shame that can last a lifetime.”3 Without accurate information and support, children with ADHD often live and grow up with stigma. This impacts self-esteem, mental health, and even physical health. It can lead to individuals self-medicating ADHD symptoms or emotional issues with drugs or alcohol. Denial and drug use are not real solutions to ADHD, but some people may feel they are the only options available to them. These feelings are real and valid, but they do not reflect reality. There are many resources for addiction recovery. There are many pharmaceutical and drug-free options for managing ADHD symptoms.