ADD and ADHD are important as well!

hi cherubs!

today we'll be discussing ADD along with ADHD and how they affect those who deal with them.

(please go check out the link to the picture above (just click on the image) it's so cool!)

do you know the difference between ADD and ADHD?

nowadays, ADD and ADHD coincide with one another. while ADD is the "older" term, they both consist of pretty much the same thing. the "H" in ADHD is just adding the term, hyperactivity, into the mix.

according to ADDitude, ADD is the term used to describe "symptoms of inattention, distractibility, and poor working ability." ADHD is additional symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. (https://www.additudemag.com/add-adhd-symptoms-difference/)

ADHD is very common, with at least 3 million cases in the US per year. beginning in childhood and persisting in adulthood it can cause poor self-esteem, trouble in friendships and relationships, and difficultly in daily life.

how to identify ADHD: (from Mayo Clinic)

• impulsiveness

• being disorganized and inability to prioritize

• lack of time management

• inability to focus

• inability to multitask

• being uneasy or restless

• low frustration tolerance

• mood swings

• problems completing tasks

• having a hot temper

• trouble coping with stress

cause:

while the actual cause of ADHD is unknown, here are some of the factors involved in development of ADHD:

• genetics

• environment

• problems with development

risks that may increase ADHD development:

• other blood relatives have ADHD

• mother smoked, drank, or used drugs during pregnancy

• exposed to environmental toxins during childhood

• born prematurely

complications from an ADHD diagnosis:

• poor performance

• unemployment from performance

• financial problems

• problems with the law

• other misuse with alcohol or substance

• frequent accidents

• unstable relationships

• poor physical/mental health

• poor self-image

• attempted suicide

coexisting conditions:

• mood disorders

• anxiety disorders

• other psychiatric disorders

• learning disabilities

treatment:

while there isn't a cure for ADHD, there are medication that can help manage the severity of symptoms.

• stimulants

• cognitive-enhancing medication

• antihypertensive drug

if you think you or your child have symptoms of ADHD, please reach out to your primary caregiver and schedule an appointment to diagnose and get treated for the issues. While some cases may be manageable, others will not be. Seek help to find what's best for you.

---

thanks for tuning in today!

I hope this post was both educational and fun to read!

see you next week(:

xx, Loryn