Signs & Effects of ADHD

Red River Hospital helps individuals struggling with ADHD build a strong foundation for long-term recovery. Serving Wichita Falls, TX, Red River is the leading provider of ADHD treatment.

Understanding ADHD

Learn about ADHD

Impaired functioning due to enduring patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity is the result of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. A disorder commonly associated with children and adolescents, recent studies are finding that more and more adults are being diagnosed with the disorder as well. Three signals of the disorder that can manifest and need to be present in order for an appropriate diagnosis to be made are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Inability to stay on task, maintain focus, and lacking organizational skills are concurrent with the inattention related to ADHD. Hyperactivity often presents as the inability to sit still, constant fidgeting, and excessive talking. And thirdly, impulsivity, involving a lack of forethought before actions are taken, can take the form of constant interruption of others in conversation and making rash decisions without thinking about the consequences.

With treatment, symptoms of ADHD can be significantly reduced. The combination of therapy and medication have shown effectiveness and can help individuals with ADHD resume normal daily functioning without disruption.

Statistics

ADHD statistics

A common disorder, ADHD is diagnosed in 5% of children and adolescents and around 3% of adults. Boys and men are more often given a diagnosis of attention deficient/hyperactivity disorder than girls and women, however females present with more inattentive features than males. Lastly, in the United States, Caucasians are more often given an ADHD diagnosis than African-Americans and Latino populations, though this could be due to cultural differences that should be taken into consideration.

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes and risk factors for ADHD

While researchers agree that there is no one single cause of ADHD, the following causes and risks factors are agreed-upon contributors to the manifestation and eventual diagnosis of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in a person:

Genetic: Hereditability is proven to increase the chances of a person developing ADHD. Research has found specific genes correlated to ADHD and that those with a first-degree relative with the disorder are known to have a substantially increased chance at receiving an ADHD diagnosis in their lifetime.

Physical: Changes in brain chemistry and chemical imbalances have been known to contribute to the likelihood of an ADHD diagnosis. When these changes and imbalances occur, the parts of the brain responsible for managing behavior can be adversely effected. Furthermore, if the areas of the brain that control mood are disrupted, a person may not be able to fully control his or her emotions or self-regulate. These disruptions in brain functioning could lead to the exhibition of ADHD symptoms in a person.

Environmental: Some studies have found that babies exposed to poor diet, neurotoxins, infections, drugs, or alcohol in utero are more susceptible to developing symptoms concurrent with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Additionally, being raised in a chaotic home environment or having exposure to violence and extreme stress have been known to bring about symptoms of ADHD.

Risk Factors:

  • Being male
  • Family history of mental illness
  • Preexisting mental health disorder
  • Exposure to drugs and alcohol while in utero
  • Exposure to neurotoxins or infections while in utero

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of ADHD

Depending on the person and the severity of symptoms present, the signs and symptoms for ADHD can present differently. Below are the behavioral, cognitive, and psychosocial symptoms that can be seen in a person with ADHD:

Behavioral symptoms:

  • Lack of focus
  • Difficulty completing tasks
  • Engaging in risky behaviors
  • Restlessness
  • Excessive talking
  • Chronic tardiness
  • Lack of self-control

Cognitive symptoms:

  • Boredom
  • Racing thoughts
  • Procrastination
  • Being easily distracted
  • Lack of patience
  • Forgetfulness
  • Disorganized thoughts
  • Inattentiveness

Psychosocial symptoms:

  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety
  • Depressed mood
  • Low self-esteem
  • Insecure feelings
  • Feeling a sense of underachievement

Effects

Effects of ADHD

Untreated attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder could cause a great deal of impairment in a person’s life. With several areas adversely affected, the following can occur:

  • Substance abuse / dependence
  • Family discord
  • Loss in quantity or quality of interpersonal relationships
  • Financial strife
  • Academic failure
  • Lack of social skills
  • Social isolation

Co-Occurring Disorders

ADHD and co-occurring disorders

As with other mental health conditions, ADHD can occur alongside other psychiatric illnesses. Examples of other possible diagnoses that co-occur with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder are:

  • Oppositional defiant disorder
  • Conduct disorder
  • Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Major depressive disorder
  • Intermittent explosive disorder
  • Antisocial and other personality disorders
  • Tic disorders
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder  
  • Autism spectrum disorder

What sets us apart?

We understand the many pressures, concerns, and frustrations that can accompany the effort to find the best treatment option, and we are dedicated to doing all that we can to make this a more efficient and effective process.

Understanding, Expert Staff
Individualized Treatment Plan
Optional Family Involvement

The staff were all incredible, caring and kind. I had a good, fulfilling stay.

– Former Resident
Marks of Quality Care
  • The Joint Commission (JCAHO) Gold Seal of Approval