ADHD

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurobiological developmental disorder that affects the brain's ability to regulate attention, impulse control and activity level. ADHD affects both children and adults, but the symptoms can manifest in different ways depending on age and gender.

The condition is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that goes beyond everyday functions, for example in school, work or social situations.

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Main symptoms of ADHD

Inattention:

  • Difficulty focusing on tasks or details.
  • Forgetfulness in daily activities.
  • Difficulty organizing tasks and time management.
  • Easily distracted, even by small things.
  • Trouble following instructions or completing tasks.

Hyperactivity:

  • Restlessness in the body, such as drumming your fingers or moving your feet.
  • Difficulty sitting still, especially in situations where it is expected.
  • Talks a lot or has trouble staying calm during play or activities.
  • Constantly feeling restless and needing to move.

Impulsivity:

  • Acts without thinking through the consequences.
  • Difficulty waiting your turn or being patient.
  • Interrupts others or has trouble completing other people's sentences.
  • Makes decisions in the moment without considering long-term consequences.
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Types of ADHD

ADHD is divided into three main types based on which symptoms are most prominent:

Inattentive type (formerly called ADD):
Mainly characterized by attention deficits without significant hyperactivity or impulsivity. This is often more difficult to detect, especially in adults and women, because the symptoms are not always so visible.

Hyperactive-impulsive type:
Characterized mainly by hyperactivity and impulsivity, with minor attention problems. This type is more often seen in children, especially boys.

Combined type:
A mixture of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. This is the most common type of ADHD.

Causes of ADHD

ADHD has a strong genetic component, and many with the condition have family members who also have ADHD or similar symptoms. In addition to genetic factors, environmental factors such as exposure to tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy, low birth weight, and early birth defects can contribute to the development of ADHD.

Brain research has shown that people with ADHD have different activity in areas of the brain that are responsible for regulating attention, decision-making and impulse control.

How does ADHD affect everyday life?

ADHD can have a major impact on everyday life. For children, it can lead to challenges at school, such as lower academic performance or problems following rules. Adults with ADHD may experience difficulty staying organized, handling responsibilities at work, or keeping relationships stable.

With the right treatment and support, most people with ADHD can learn strategies to manage their symptoms. Treatment often includes a combination of medication, cognitive behavioral therapy and facilitation at school or in the workplace.

Treatment for ADHD often includes a combination of:

Medicines:
Central stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) or amphetamine-based drugs are the most commonly used. Non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) may also be used.

Therapy:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people with ADHD develop skills to organize their lives, regulate emotions and improve concentration.

Psychoeducation:
Increased knowledge about ADHD for both the person with the diagnosis and their relatives can contribute to a better understanding and coping with the symptoms.

Facilitation:
Structured routines, reminders, technological aids and special teaching methods can help make everyday life easier for people with ADHD.

ADHD at different ages

Children: Symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity are often more visible. Children may have problems sitting still, following along at school, or behaving appropriately in social situations.
Teens: Many teens with ADHD will still have problems with concentration and organization, although the hyperactivity may subside. It is common to see challenges with self-regulation, impulse control and social interaction.
Adults: Many adults with ADHD experience symptoms such as problems with attention, forgetfulness, and difficulties in organizing tasks and time. Some may also have emotional challenges that affect work and relationships.

ADHD in women and men

Men are often diagnosed earlier because their symptoms, especially hyperactivity, are more visible. Women with ADHD often have more subtle symptoms, such as inattention, daydreaming, or inner turmoil, which can lead to them being diagnosed later in life. ADHD in women is also often associated with a higher risk of anxiety and depression.

Read more about women and ADHD here

Private ADHD assessment

Dr.Dropin Psykologi offers thorough ADHD investigations led by experienced psychologists and psychiatrists in Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger, or digitally via video.

Private ADHD AssessmentADHD and additional disorders

What is ADHD?

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurobiological developmental disorder that affects the brain's ability to regulate attention, impulse control and activity level. ADHD affects both children and adults, but the symptoms can manifest in different ways depending on age and gender.

How does an ADHD assessment take place?

An ADHD investigation with Dr. Dropin starts with a survey of symptoms through conversations with a psychologist. This includes completing questionnaires, reviewing medical history, and in some cases information from school, work or relatives may be required. The investigation provides an overall picture that helps to make a correct diagnosis.

How long does an ADHD assessment take?

From experience, an investigation of ADHD will take approx. 12 hours including preparation and writing work. However, it is individual how many hours are needed to complete such an investigation. It depends on factors such as the extent of symptoms, the complexity of the problem, the amount of background information and the time it takes to retrieve all relevant information.

Can an ADHD investigation be carried out digitally?

Yes, an ADHD assessment can be carried out online via video.

How do I know if I have ADHD?

If you experience persistent challenges with concentration, impulsivity or hyperactivity that affect your everyday life, it may be a sign of ADHD. A thorough examination by a psychologist is necessary to make a diagnosis.

Is there an ADHD test I can take online?

There are several online self-tests that can give an indication of whether you have ADHD symptoms, but these cannot replace a professional diagnosis. It is important to have a thorough examination by a psychologist to ensure a correct assessment.

What are the symptoms of ADHD in adults?

Common symptoms of ADHD in adults include difficulty maintaining focus, forgetfulness, impulsivity, and difficulty organizing tasks. Some may also experience restlessness and restlessness.

What is the difference between ADHD and other mental disorders?

ADHD is a neurobiological condition, while many other mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety, are mood or anxiety disorders. Although they may have overlapping symptoms, they require different approaches to treatment.

What is the difference between ADHD and ADD?

ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is an older term that mainly describes people with attention deficits without hyperactivity. Now the term ADHD is used as a collective term, with subcategories that describe the different types of the condition.

What are the different types of ADHD?

ADHD is usually divided into three main types:

Inattentive type (formerly known as ADD) – Difficulty with focus and concentration.

Hyperactive-impulsive type – Mainly characterized by hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Combined type – A mixture of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.

How does ADHD affect everyday life?

People with ADHD can experience challenges such as keeping order, completing tasks, organizing time, and keeping concentration in one place. This can affect work, school and social relationships, but with the right treatment and accommodation, everyday life can become easier.

Can ADHD develop later in life?

ADHD is a condition that is usually discovered in childhood, but many adults are not diagnosed until later in life. The symptoms may become more evident in adulthood due to increased demands for organization and responsibility.

Can ADHD affect sleep?

Yes, many people with ADHD have sleep difficulties, such as difficulty falling asleep, restless sleep or waking up several times during the night. Treatment for ADHD can also help regulate sleep.

Can ADHD affect emotional life?

Yes, people with ADHD can have difficulties with emotion regulation, which can lead to sudden emotional outbursts or mood swings. They may also experience frustration over challenges in everyday life, which can affect self-esteem and relationships.

Can ADHD affect self-image?

Yes, both children and adults with ADHD can experience challenges with their self-image. For children, negative experiences at school, such as difficulty keeping up or getting poorer grades, can affect self-esteem. Adults with ADHD may struggle to meet expectations at work or in social relationships, which can lead to low self-esteem.

How does ADHD affect relationships and social relationships?

Both children and adults with ADHD can experience challenges in social relationships. For children, this can be about understanding social cues or being impulsive in interactions with friends. Adults with ADHD may have problems with communication, emotion regulation and following through on commitments, which can create challenges in romantic relationships and friendships.

Can ADHD be treated without medication?

Yes, there are several non-drug treatments for ADHD, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, structuring everyday life, mindfulness, and physical activity. Many people find that a combination of different approaches works best for them.

Is ADHD common in women?

Yes, ADHD occurs in both men and women, but can often be overlooked in women. Symptoms in women often appear in the form of attention difficulties and forgetfulness, rather than hyperactivity, which can lead to the diagnosis being made later.

How does ADHD behave in women compared to men?

ADHD in women is often less visible than in men, because women tend to have more of the inattentive type, which manifests itself in the form of daydreaming, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focused. Women with ADHD may also be more prone to emotional challenges, such as anxiety and depression. In men, ADHD often manifests itself through more acting out behavior and hyperactivity, especially in childhood.

Why is ADHD often diagnosed later in women?

ADHD is often diagnosed later in women because the symptoms may be less obvious. Women often have fewer problems with hyperactivity and impulsivity, which means that their challenges can be overlooked or attributed to other factors, such as stress or depression. This can lead to many women only being diagnosed in adulthood.

Can ADHD change with hormonal fluctuations in women?

Yes, ADHD can certainly be affected by hormonal fluctuations in women, especially at different stages of life such as puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, the postpartum period and menopause. Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone play an important role in brain function, including areas involved in attention, focus and mood, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms during periods of hormonal change.

Here are some ways ADHD can be affected by hormonal fluctuations in women:

1. The menstrual cycle:
During the menstrual cycle, estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate. In the premenstrual period, when estrogen levels are low, many women report a worsening of ADHD symptoms. This can lead to more distraction, impulsivity or difficulty concentrating.

2. Pregnancy:
During pregnancy, levels of estrogen and progesterone increase significantly, which can improve ADHD symptoms for some women. But after giving birth, when hormone levels suddenly drop, many may experience a worsening of symptoms, along with the risk of postpartum depression or anxiety.

3. Menopause:
Menopause leads to a gradual decline in estrogen levels, which can worsen ADHD symptoms, especially cognitive functions such as attention and memory. Many women notice an increased degree of brain fog, difficulty organizing, and emotional swings during this period.

4. Hormone therapy:
Some women with ADHD may experience improvement in symptoms with the use of hormone therapy (eg, birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy during menopause) to stabilize hormone levels. However, the effects vary, and it is important to get individual guidance from a doctor.

Women with ADHD may find that their symptoms fluctuate significantly with hormonal changes, and it may be necessary to adjust treatment strategies based on these changes.

What is the difference between ADHD in children and adults?

In children, ADHD can often manifest itself through hyperactivity and impulsivity, while adults often experience more inattention, organizational difficulties and problems with time management. Symptoms may change with age.

Are ADHD symptoms different in kindergarten compared to school?

In kindergarten, ADHD symptoms can show through restlessness, difficulty sitting still, and problems following rules in play. At school, challenges with concentration, impulsivity and completing tasks often become more apparent, especially when more structure and focus on learning is required.

How does ADHD affect school performance in children?

Children with ADHD may have challenges concentrating in the classroom, completing homework, and following instructions. This can negatively affect their school performance, but with the right support and accommodation, most children with ADHD can do well in school.

How do parents handle children with ADHD?

Parents of children with ADHD can benefit from implementing clear routines, reward systems and structure in everyday life. Many parents also benefit from guidance from a psychologist or pedagogue to learn strategies that can help the child cope with challenges both at home and at school.

How does ADHD develop throughout life?

ADHD symptoms can change with age. In children, hyperactivity and impulsivity are often more prominent, while adults with ADHD often have greater problems with attention and organisation. Many people find that the hyperactivity decreases with age, but other symptoms may persist.

Can ADHD affect working life?

Yes, people with ADHD can have challenges with tasks that require long-term focus, organization and time management, which can affect working life. However, with the right support, facilitation and treatment, they can be successful at work

How can adults with ADHD organize their everyday life?

Voksne med ADHD kan ha nytte av verktøy som kalenderapper, påminnelser og sjekklister for å organisere dagen. Å strukturere oppgaver og sette av tid til spesifikke aktiviteter kan være til stor hjelp. Mange finner også nytte i coaching eller terapi for å lære spesifikke strategier for tidsstyring og oppgaveprioritering.

Can adults with ADHD get accommodation in the workplace?

Yes, adults with ADHD can apply for accommodation in the workplace. This may include changes such as flexible working hours, aids for organisation, or a more adapted work environment to minimize distractions. Open dialogue with the employer is important to get the support you need.