Is ADHD Real or an Excuse? Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not an excuse but rather a genuine disorder with a strong biological cause.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not an excuse.

Affecting about 8.4 percent of children and 2.5 percent of grown-ups, ADHD is one of the most widely recognized neurodevelopmental disorders that include difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness, which begins in childhood and persists into adulthood.

ADHD is caused by multiple factors, both genetic and environmental. It is related to cognitive and functional deficits that are linked with abnormalities in the brain structure. The anterior cingulate gyrus and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex are found to be smaller in people who are affected by ADHD.

Is ADHD just an excuse?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a genuine disorder with a strong biological cause. ADHD occurs due to problems in the brain biophysiology, which is not under voluntary control. ADHD symptoms are the aftereffect of neural messages in their brain not being effectively transmitted. Individuals with ADHD often have other family members with similar complaints.

Studies from the past 20 years have clarified that children with ADHD do not constantly "grow out” of the disorder. Between 4 and 30 percent of people with ADHD, youngsters will persist to show symptoms in adulthood too, which depends on whether it is considered just the out-and-out disorder or even a couple of ADHD symptoms.

3 groups of ADHD symptoms

Many of the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms are normal to kids in general. The difference in the affected is that their hyperactivity and inattention are more prominent than expected for their age and cause trouble in their daily functions.

1. Inattention
   • Having a short attention span
   • Being easily distracted
   • Making careless mistakes
   • Forgetful
   • Being unable to stick to tasks that are tedious or time-consuming
   • Unable to listen or carry out instructions
   • Constantly changing activities
   • Difficulty organizing tasks
2. Hyperactivity
   • Fidget and squirm frequently
   • Walks or runs around frequently
   • Run or climb a lot when it is inappropriate
   • Have trouble being quiet
   • Always be "on the go"
   • Talk excessively
3. Impulsivity
   • Hard time waiting for their turn
   • Blurt out answers before someone finishes asking them a question
   • Frequently interrupt or intrude on others
   • Start conversations at inappropriate times

The abbreviated term ADHD denotes the condition commonly known as:
See Answer

Diagnosis of ADHD

There is no single test to diagnose and affirm attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The diagnosis depends on the symptoms that have occurred throughout recent months. A few different tests preclude other medical conditions that could alter how the child behaves.

During diagnosis, the doctor will check for the following:

• The child’s milestones do not correspond to age
• Negative affect on the individual's ability to work or function normally
• Magnetic resonance imaging scan of the brain’s structural abnormality

Treatment of ADHD

ADHD can be managed with the right treatment and rehabilitation. There are various treatment options available; what works best relies on the child and their family.

Standard treatments for ADHD normally include:

• Medications (stimulants, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine and antidepressants)
• Education to cope with the illness
• Skill development
• Psychological counseling (behavioral therapy, marital counseling, and family therapy) 

However, a combination of these is often the best and most effective treatment.