Causes of ADHD, How to Take Care, and Benefit

ADHD is a mental disorder with both advantages and disadvantages. Understand the disorder and find out how to care for coworkers, partners, or children with ADHD now. 

Causes of ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder. Researchers have found that genes play a crucial part in causing ADHD. Apart from genes, premature birth, low birth weight, consumption of alcohol, and other harmful drugs during pregnancy are the causes of ADHD in children and adults. 

Causes of ADHD in Adults

ADHD mostly affects children aged 12 and below. 3 out of 5 children grow into adults with ADHD according to data while the rest grow out of it as they age. Adults unaffected by clinical ADHD during their childhood, acquire the disorder later in life due to brain injury, medication, or exposure to poisoning (lead or methane poisoning).

Symptoms of ADHD

ADHD symptoms differ from person to person and evolve with age. The most common ADHD symptoms include:

ADHD Symptoms in Children

• Getting distracted easily and fidgeting 
• Hyperactive and impulsive 
• Talkative and interruptive in nature
• Inability to wait or follow a process

ADHD Symptoms in Adults

Children with ADHD usually grow out of it as they hit teenage. Others can experience symptoms similar to those in childhood or exhibit different symptoms as they age. The common symptoms of ADHD in adults are:

• Inability to complete tasks or meet deadlines
• Irritability, frustration, and intolerance
• Multitasking, planning and prioritizing will be challenging
• Restlessness, forgetfulness, and inactivity

Adults with ADHD are comparatively less hyperactive than children with ADHD. Evolving symptoms and triggers lead to a disruptive lifestyle. 

Symptoms of ADHD in Women

Anxiety, stress, and depression will worsen ADHD in adults, especially during pregnancy. High levels of estrogen during pregnancy will minimize ADHD symptoms considerably. But, the symptoms will return with high intensity post childbirth. This could contribute to postpartum depression. 

What Are ADHD Triggers?

Medication, food, environment, technology, sound, light, and stimulants are the common ADHD triggers. Individuals diagnosed with ADHD can exhibit stronger symptoms and behave out of their usual when triggered. Identifying these triggers and avoiding them will make life easier. 

Can Individuals With ADHD Have a Normal Life?

Normalcy for individuals with ADHD is very different from the normal experienced by people without ADHD. There are thousands of people with undiagnosed ADHD. Individuals diagnosed early in life have access to mediation, therapy, and other treatments. The rest live a chaotic life with low esteem and often feeling out of control. 

How to Take Care of People with ADHD?

People with undiagnosed ADHD can affect people around them negatively. Getting diagnosed is the first step. 

Coworker with ADHD

You can make things simple for a co-worker with ADHD by 

• Dividing tasks into smaller manageable portions
• Prioritizing and planning their day along with them
• Identify their triggers and give them enough space to work
• Always keep in mind that they are trying their best 

Partner with ADHD

An understanding partner can help ADHD-affected individuals have a successful relationship and parenthood. You can make things easier for your partner by understanding the following:

• They are not lazy. Make small notes or give gentle reminders one at a time to get things done.
• They are trying their best to take care of your children. Look out for simple ways to make them feel included.
• Understand that they too need to be encouraged but don’t try to parent them.
• Listen and have a let go attitude

Children with ADHD

Early diagnosis can help children overcome ADHD as they age. You can adopt several ways to parent a child with ADHD efficiently. 

• Reward them when they follow rules
• Establish healthy habits
• Listen to them and be attentive
• Find windows where they focus to make them learn

ADHD has its own set of positive traits as well. People with ADHD are good at socializing, very creative, resilient, and their energy and impulsiveness make them outstanding.