When we look at any diagnosis, it can feel like we’re expected to completely understand it just be its name.
To know how to work with it, not against it; how best to provide supports; how best to come to terms with it, and how best to live with it.
But it’s not as simple as that, is it?
Sometimes, we can only scratch the surface of understanding a diagnostic term. Even experts have only gone so far in their research. And, for ADHD – a spectrum disorder – will we ever truly understand how an individual can respond to the world, with a neurological disability like ADHD?
There are mountains of research out there – but there’s always a need for more. Especially for a multifaceted disability like ADHD.
What can we do to bridge the gap of knowledge, then? We can have a look at what we know so far and seek adequate support.
Let’s baby-step our way through the initial understanding of ADHD together.
What is meant by a spectrum?
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It’s a common neurodevelopment disorder that can be diagnosed in childhood and adulthood.
There are symptoms such as:
- Trouble focusing
- Daydreaming a lot
- Being forgetful
- Taking unnecessary risks
- Being fidgeting
- Talking a lot
- Difficulty maintaining friendships or relationships
Children with ADHD might struggle to control impulsive behaviour, pay attention and might be overly active. But with these signs and symptoms, there’s no hard and fast rule which is why the diagnostic stages of ADHD are highly in-depth. It also might present differently in adulthood.
If you, your child or someone close to show shows any signs of the above, it doesn’t necessarily mean they have ADHD but as it’s a spectrum disorder, the degrees of each symptom will vary from one person with ADHD to another.
We hear this word a lot: spectrum. But what does that mean in relation to ADHD? Or other neurological disorders such as Autism?
A spectrum means a broad range of qualities or things which are similar. The above symptoms, then, can be seen as markers that point to a spectrum or similar disorders which relate to a person’s impulsivity and attention impairments.
Using the identification of the above impairments is the starting point for a diagnosis, not the end point. And, the spectrum model allows us to understand that there are certain psychological, cognitive and functional aspects to ADHD that might overlap.
By using the term ‘spectrum’, we’re not expecting one person to behave the same way as another just because they share the same diagnosis.
Types of ADHD
Though it’s a spectrum disorder, there are key markers such as the three ways ADHD might present itself in an individual.
It also can change the way it presents itself through someone’s life.
As it is so varied, the below three types of ADHD help us to compartmentalise the disorder – and this can help us understand it a bit more.
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: the person is quite fidgety and restless. The person might be very impulsive, interrupting others and be more accident prone.
- Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: the person finds it hard to finish a task or pay attention to key details. The person might get easily distracted and become forgetful.
- Combined Presentation: the person is a combination of the above two types
It depends on what symptoms are strongest in the person diagnosed, but as it’s a spectrum, the key term to look at is predominantly. This is not a definitive definition of what a person will be like but it might help some people to have a category – within the ADHD diagnosis – that they align with.
Treatments
As mentioned earlier, clinicians don’t know everything about ADHD and how it works in the brain. The exact cause of ADHD is not known, either.
What we do know, though, is that there are things to help.
There are natural remedies with anecdotal evidence, and standard treatments such as behaviour therapy and medication.
It’s important to see how the person with the diagnosis reacts to certain treatments. With many things, you should take an individualised approach. What works for someone else, might not work for you.
And, be kind to yourself if you’re supporting a child with ADHD or you, yourself, has the diagnosis. We can’t be perfect every day and with a neurological impairment, the road won’t always be smooth.
Managing symptoms can be made easier with a healthy lifestyle, too.
Try:
- Healthy eating habits such as eating plenty of vegetables, protein, whole grains, fruit
- Participate in exercise and daily physical activities such as sports
- Reduce screen time
- Focus on getting a good night sleep each night
Key takeaways
Trying to understand ADHD can feel like navigating a minefield. But you’re not alone.
Each person diagnosed with ADHD will experience the world differently, so the best response to this is to be adaptable. Easier said than done, right?
Focusing on getting a good support network with experienced clinicians around can be the best course of action after an ADHD diagnosis. Asking questions and sharing your experiences with others with the diagnosis can be helpful, too.
We hope this guide has brought some clarity to ADHD. The team at Kimberley Care Group work with those with many neurological disorders, such as ADHD, and each day on the job is a learning experience for all.
Finding out about some research or how to help manage a client’s symptoms can be invaluable, but remember, we’re not doctors so please book an appointment with your doctor if you’re seeking further information about ADHD.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html
https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/spectrum
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adult-adhd/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350883
https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/natural-remedies#nature