ADHD in Layman's Terms

Understanding ADHD in Simpler Terms

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition in which someone has difficulty paying attention, or more accuratly not being able to ‘keep focus’ when needed, controlling impulsive behaviors and exhibiting hyperactivity. This condition is most commonly diagnosed in children, however can, and often does, last into adulthood. Understanding ADHD, and finding effective ways to manage symptoms, or alleviate them altogether, is essential for individuals to live a more successful and satisfying life.

ADHD is characterized by three different types of behaviors: inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Those with attention deficits may exhibit poor focus or concentration, trouble paying attention to details and following directions or difficulty completing school or work assignments. People who experience impulsivity may be quick to blurt out answers, interrupt or act without thinking about the consequences. Finally, those who are hyperactive may talk excessively and energetically, fidget or squirm or find it hard to sit still for long periods of time.

Common symptoms include difficulty paying attention, restlessness, impulsiveness, procrastination, difficulty following instructions, knowledge retention issues, disorganization, daydreaming, difficulty sustaining focus, being easily distracted and difficulty managing time.

Getting A Diagnosis for ADHD

Understanding the Process

Receiving a formal diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a crucial step towards understanding and managing the condition effectively. While the process may vary depending on factors like age, symptoms and healthcare provider preferences, there are common steps involved in obtaining an ADHD diagnosis.

1. Initial Consultation:

The journey begins with an initial consultation with a healthcare provider, typically a primary care physician, pediatrician, psychiatrist or psychologist. During this appointment, the individual discusses their concerns, symptoms and any relevant medical history.

2. Comprehensive Assessment:

A comprehensive assessment is conducted to evaluate the individual’s symptoms and rule out other possible explanations. This assessment often includes:

Clinical Interview: The healthcare provider gathers information about the individual’s developmental history, family medical history, academic or occupational functioning and current symptoms.
Behavioral Observation: The healthcare provider may observe the individual’s behavior, attention span, impulsivity and hyperactivity during the consultation.
Standardized Rating Scales: Questionnaires or rating scales completed by the individual, their family members, teachers or caregivers provide additional insights into ADHD symptoms and their impact on daily functioning.

3. Diagnostic Criteria:

The diagnosis of ADHD is based on specific criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). To receive a diagnosis, the individual must exhibit a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity that significantly interferes with functioning or development, as well as symptoms that are present in multiple settings (e.g., home, school, work).

4. Differential Diagnosis:

The healthcare provider may consider conditions with similar symptoms, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, learning disabilities, or sensory processing issues, to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

ADHD in Layman’s Terms

ADHD Is Highly Individualized

Due to the different possible manifestations of ADHD, treatment is highly individualized and can vary. Generally, the first line of treatment includes medication and/or behavioral approaches.

Medications are typically used to improve concentration and focus while helping to reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Depending on the individual, the doctor may, and usually does, prescribe one or more medicines such as Adderall, Ritalin or Concerta.

Behavioral approaches may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or psychotherapy in order to help understand and manage behaviors.

In addition to conventional approaches to managing ADHD, there are natural remedies that may be relied upon in conjunction with medications. Exercising regularly, sleeping enough, eating a healthy and balanced diet and practicing mindfulness can all help to support the individual in dealing with some of the symptoms of ADHD.

Spending time in nature, talking with friends, doing something creative and avoiding stimulants like caffeine may also provide some relief. Ultimately, it is important for those with ADHD to find what works best for them, in order to improve their overall wellbeing.

ADHD in Layman’s Terms

First and Foremost

Of course it goes without saying, but I will say it anyway, always enlist your personal health care provider when concerned with any personal health care issues. ADHD should always first be diagnosed by your doctor and a treatment plan should always be between the two of you. Open communication with your physician will be the first right move in the right direction.

The next best move is to invest in your own wisdom. No one knows you better than you and quite frankly you are about to discover that you probably don’t know you all that well either. So start educating yourself. Start slow but definitely start figuring out which of these symptoms are unique to you. The trick is to begin dissecting the where, when and how’s each of the symptoms relates to you personally.

Get the Facts

Once diagnosed, it’s important to get the facts on ADHD. And trust me, they are everywhere. So much so that it can become overwhelming. Namely for someone with ADHD. But it is important to know exactly what you are dealing with. Knowledge is power and you want all the power you can get. In time, you will become the expert on your ADHD.

Learning about your ADHD is an essential step in managing it. (I keep saying YOUR ADHD, because every case is unique. No two people with the disorder act or react in the exact same way.) So it’s important to become as informed as possible about ADHD and the various treatments available for it. Then determine which pieces and parts work uniquely for you.

Here are a few tips for learning about your ADHD:

1. Read books and articles on ADHD. It’s important to read works written by mental health professionals and the most recent to come to print. Medicine is an ever evolving field and everyday new ideas, therories and treatments come to light. So staying up with the latest research on the subject is paramount. I display books, posts and research throughout this site. When I learn it, you learn it.

2. Speak to other adults who have ADHD and learn from their experiences. Real life is always best and learning what others do to help themselves can never hurt. Also, having someone who actually understands what you are going through can be golden. Try finding an ADHD support group in your area. It can be extremely beneficial for managing symptoms. Being part of a supportive group (even if it’s just a couple people) can help to diminish lonely feelings and provide a space to talk about your struggles and triumphs with those who truly understand.

3. Research medications used to treat ADHD and the potential side effects. This is extremely important. If the cure is worse than the disease, you really want to know this first. Do your own due diligence and talk things out with your health care provider. Remember, knowledge is king. Here are a few common drugs used to treat adult ADHD that you can start researching first.

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/methylphenidate-adults/

https://www.goodrx.com/adderall/what-is

https://www.drugs.com/concerta.html

4. Learn about herbal and natural treatments that help with ADHD. It is said that for every created synthetic drug there is a naturally created counterpart. And I have first hand knowledge that says that might just be true. So, for example, if one of your symptoms is restlessness, then finding that herb, spice, tea or soup that calms you, will be exactly what the doctor ordered. (Check into saffron, an amazing spice that has a very calming effect and studies have shown it quite beneficial for those with ADHD.)

If you discover that taking a meditative walk at the same time every day will allow you to stay on an even keel, then invest in some walking shoes and get moving.

5. Learn about nutrition and dietary changes that will help. You will be amazed at how what you consume (or don’t) effects your brain, so definately get a food journal (here’s the one I like) and start tracking what you eat and drink. This entire site concentrates heavily on what we consume, or don’t eat, that we should. The important thing is to learn about the foods you consume and recognize how your body and brain react to them.

6. And last, but certainly not least, look into the suppliments that might just make all the differance in the world for you. Start with magnesium and vitamine D3. Understand the crucial role these essential nutrients play in managing ADHD symptoms. In particular, these two key nutrients, Vitamin D and Magnesium, that have gained a lot of attention for their potential benefits in supporting individuals with ADHD. Speak with your doctor about testing for magnesium and vitamin D deficiencies. It’s as easy as a blood or urine sample. (Better yet, get a genetic test and know once and for all what your body is lacking. That’s as easy as a cheek swab you do from home.)

Read:

ADHD in Layman’s Terms

Keep Up With The Latest

Keeping up with the latest and greatest on the subject of ADHD is very important. When I began researching the topic, I realized that the sheer volume of data was overwhelming. But I also knew that inside that data (somewhere) were the answers to the questions that all people with ADHD need to know.

Here are a few of my favorites, that I still follow on a daily. You can subscribe to many of them and their latest posts, finding and events will come straight to your email. So find the ones that work for you and start staying on top of the world you actually live in. The world of a woman with ADHD.

One of my favorites is Science Daily. Your source for the latest research news. Go to their home page and put ADHD in the search bar and off you go. You can read a plethora of data easily, comprehend it and remember it. It’s a website I have on speed dial (sorta speak).

Here’s a great post to get you started. It’s titled: Researchers link 27 genetic variants to ADHD.

It’s a fastinating read and will definately get you started on your own due diligence and your search to find the researchers and professionals you can relate to, understand and come to trust.

Also try CHADD. This site too is wonderful for readable, digestable data on ADHD. You can join this organization, get in-depth guides and learn about myths and misunderstandings about this disorder. Check out this article titled: Women and Girls. Informative, readable and easy to understand. It will give you a view of how they deliver their data. It could be just what you need.

And of course I am a constant reader of ADDitude magazine.

These are just a few sites that I follow. You too will find your favorites and learn to rely on their findings. So definately begin your research and start mastering this part of your life. It can only lead to better things to come.

5 studies on adhd you should read for yourself

ADHD in Layman’s Terms

So What Should You Do Right Now

First start with a promise to yourself. And that promise is to be patient with yourself. No matter how long you’ve been dealing with your ADHD, or have just been diagnosed, it’s important to remember to be compassionate with yourself. Self love and self care will soon be your closest companions. Remember you are not trying to change who you are, just tweek a very small part of the whole.

Secondly, get a journal and start learning to learn about you. If you have never journaled before, start simple. But we here at AlllNaturWell believe journaling is the right place to begin. Discovering who you truly are is a great aid in managing not only ADHD, but RSD and Bipolar Disorder as well. It’s a way to ‘take control’ of your situation and allows you to see certain patterns in your day to day that can be used (or un-used) when managing your mental health for the long haul.

I’ve listed a few suggestions below but Amazon has a great variety when it comes to journals, diaries and planners. Again, if you have never journaled, start with something that gives you prompts and reminders. And don’t make it chore. Have fun with it. You might just be the most interesting person you’ll ever have the pleasure of knowing. So go ahead. Let the self discovery begin.

A Few Journals To Get You Started

ADHD in Layman’s Terms

Read Brain Energy and look up the author. This doctor has a whole differant approach to mental illness. He strongly believes that these ‘mental problems’ come from a completely differant place. He believes they stem from poor metobolic health. This is a must read for anyone with ADHD, Bipolar Disorder and/or Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria. Also, binge watch if you can, The Metabolic Link on you tube. You will also look at mental disorders in a whole new light.

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Disclaimer: The information or products mentioned in this article are provided as information resources only and are not to be used or relied on to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The statements made in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by licensed medical physicians. Please consult your doctor or health practitioner for any medical advice.

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