You may be wondering what this term means; let’s think about race cars, which are driven very fast in circles for a short period. They can be mesmerizing to watch, but for the driver, it is hard to keep the steering wheel straight. A person with ADHD feels the same. ADHD brains are fast; they are powerful. Some of the most creative and successful people on the planet drive one. The unpleasant side is the steering is difficult to use moreover the brakes are lousy.
These days more and more minor patients are diagnosed with ADHD; it's a chronic condition that affects millions of children and often continues into adulthood.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that globally affects 5% – 7.2% of youth and 2.5% – 6.7% of adults. Recent estimates indicate that prevalence is even higher in children in the United States (U.S.), around 8.7% or 5.3 million. Although it has long been conceptualized as a disorder of childhood, up to 90% of children with ADHD continue to experience symptoms into adulthood. Obtaining a diagnosis in adulthood is also possible, as in one study, 75% of adults with ADHD were not previously diagnosed in childhood. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is thought to be caused by a combination of factors: genetic, neurobiological, and environmental. Twin studies show that ADHD is highly hereditable (60–70%), and scientists have identified several genes believed to underlie vulnerability to the disorder. This includes genes that regulate the expression of the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, which plays a role in learning and memory, as well as those involved in the modulation of the brain’s dopaminergic system. Environmental risk factors like perinatal complications and toxic exposures are also believed to play a role.
In 2022, cases of ADHD have increased alarmingly. This year many changes were produced all over the world: COVID-19 spread, the war between Russia and Ukraine started, wildfires on multiple continents, and many more. Since children had no contact with other children, teachers, and friends, their situation regarding ADHD worsened. ADHD-related symptoms such as conduct and prosocial behaviors, behavioral symptoms, and emotional difficulties became more difficult to manage.
To conclude, ADHD is not a new phenomenon, and the number of children with ADHD has risen in the last few years and continues to do so. For those who have been struggling with unrecognized ADHD, there are significant impacts on mental health, social life, and work life. Thoughtful diagnosis and subsequent treatment can make all the difference.
Bibliography:
Comments