What is ADHD?

Hello Brains! Welcome to my definitions and answers series where I explain common terms related to ADHD. Since this is the first video in this series, let's start with the basics.

What is ADHD? ♪ [Intro music] ♪ Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder as defined by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, or DSM. ADHD is currently diagnosed in both children and adults, based on the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity or impulsivity.

Two of several signs of inattention include making careless mistakes, or having difficulties focussing. A few of the many signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity include fidgeting or restlessness, trouble sitting still, or interrupting and blurting out answers. While everyone does these things sometimes, not everyone has ADHD.

An ADHD diagnosis requires at least six symptoms that are beyond what is age appropriate, that significantly impair multiple aspects of one's life, such as home, school and work, that have persisted for at least six months, been present since before the age of 12, and can't be better explained by a different condition. Not everyone with ADHD has the same symptoms. In fact, ADHD diagnoses are separated into three presentations: primarily inattentive, primarily hyperactive or impulsive, and combined type.

There are different levels of severity and people with ADHD often have coexisting conditions, such as learning disabilities, anxiety, or depression. They can also be gifted. The term for this is "twice exceptional" While there is no cure for ADHD, it is highly treatable.

There is no single treatment that works for everyone with ADHD but the current recommendation based on a ton of research is multimodal treatment. Medication to manage symptoms and behavioral therapy to develop the skills and strategies necessary to minimize impairment. Those with ADHD often struggle with everyday tasks and are at a higher risk for negative life outcomes, such as divorce, job loss, accidents, and addiction.

At the same time, many people with ADHD credit their success to the unique ways in which their brain works. ADHD symptoms, such as impulsivity and distractability, can translate into creativity, curiosity, a willingness to take risks, and an ability to think outside the box. Fun fact: the name "ADHD" has only been around since 1987, but the condition itself has been described by physicians at least as early as 1798.

So, it's nothing new, and our understanding of ADHD is constantly evolving. What it is, what causes it, how it affects us, and how to address it. For example: we might hear many experts refer to it as an executive function disorder.

And, while this isn't listed in the current DSM, emotional dysregulation is also a well-researched aspect of ADHD. As we learn more and more about ADHD, the definition will definitely be updated in both the DSM and the ICD which is the other major reference for medical definitions. Whatever we call it and however we define it, those with ADHD experience its impact on many aspects of their lives.

If you'd like to learn more about ADHD, checkout my "ADHD essentials" playlist here. And if you'd like to support this work, consider donating to How to ADHD on Patreon. The Brain Advocates shown here and all the Patreon Brains are the reason we can create content that helps ADHD Brains, and Hearts who love them, learn to work with their Brains, not against them.

Let me know what you think of this new series and let me know what definitions I should do in the future. Then -- go -- watch more videos . .

. unless you need to sleep, or eat, or study then -- you should probably do that. .

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. Bye Brains!