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5 Tips for Reaching the Underachieving Child

Excerpted from Raising Mentally Strong Kids, by Daniel Amen, MD, and Charles Fay, PhD Underachievement is one of the most complex challenges facing children, parents, and schools, and it can have devastating effects on a young person’s sense of self-worth and mental strength. Too often, parents start with the assumption that the child is simply being lazy. Then these well-meaning adults often resort to practices that make the problem worse. Here’s an overview of methods that seem like they should work but that tend to backfire. Plus, you’ll find 5 proven tips for reaching the underachieving child to boost their confidence, motivation, and performance. Underachievement is one of the most complex challenges facing children, parents, and schools, and it can have devastating effects on a young person’s sense of self-worth and mental strength.
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WORST WAYS TO MOTIVATE UNDERACHIEVING KIDS

 Some of the most common but wrong ways to try to motivate underachieving children include: Those approaches look like they should work, and decades of parents and teachers have used them. In fact, those tactics may yield some positive short-term results. In the long run, though, they make underachievement worse by creating: Those practices also lower feelings of self-competence, especially with kids who are dealing with problems related to learning, family and peer relationships, mental health, and other deeper issues. As perceptions of self-competence diminish, so does motivation and social and emotional health. Here are 5 better ways to motivate underachievers.

5 TIPS FOR RAISING AN ACADEMICALLY SECURE AND MOTIVATED CHILD

Tip #1: End the control battle.

As soon as a control battle begins, anxiety increases and academic motivation decreases. As soon as power struggles start, the bond we have with our kids weakens. Control battles can damage many aspects of our children’s development. 

Tip #2: Transition responsibility for learning to your child.

Whose learning are we talking about? Is it yours or your child’s? Obviously, you can’t do school for your kids. While true, this doesn’t stop many parents from taking way more ownership in their kids’ learning than their kids do.

Tip #3: Respond with empathy and reasonable, logical consequences.

Anger shuts the door on learning. Empathy opens the door to learning. Anger implies that the problem is ours. Empathy allows it to remain our child’s. Empathy, in and of itself, assists in meeting most of the needs for love and belonging. It calms anxiety, and it helps us communicate that we understand our child’s feelings.

Tip #4: Follow some guidelines for helping with homework.

Successful parents care about their children’s homework, and they follow some basic guidelines for helping in productive ways:

Tip #5: Look for underlying causes of underachievement.

If you’ve tried these strategies but still aren’t seeing increased motivation or achievement in your child, don’t beat yourself up and don’t get angry with them. Be curious, not furious. Investigate what might be causing the problem. A biological condition, brain health issue, or mental health problem may be at play.

RAISING MENTALLY STRONG KIDS

You will find several more strategies to reach underachieving children in the book Raising Mentally Strong Kids. In the book, Raising Mentally Strong Kids, Dr. Daniel Amen, a brain and mental health expert, and Dr. Charles Fay, a child psychiatrist and the founder of Love and Logic have teamed up to reveal what’s missing from most parenting books. It’s the fact that you need to address both the brain and the mind of your child (and yourself) in order to be an effective parent and raise competent humans. In this groundbreaking, science-backed book where neuroscience meets practical psychology, parents are given proven tools to help children of all ages go from defiance, meltdowns, and power struggles to being responsible, resilient, and confident. Order your copy now and put your child on the path to a brighter future. If you want to join the tens of thousands of parents and children who have already learned how to be mentally stronger at Amen Clinics, speak to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.   This blog has been updated from its original publish date. It seems like every family has at least one relative who excels at creating drama during the holidays. Think about the “crazy maker” at your family gatherings and try to identify them among this cast of characters: • Uncle Jim is intoxicated by 4 pm, then has a brutally honest “nugget” to share with someone else in the family. Why is he always sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong and instigating arguments? • Then there’s Cousin Lucy. She’s riddled with worry over uncle Jim’s drinking and still holds a grudge over the rude comment he made to her last year, which resulted in an uncomfortable argument during dinner. • Or what about Grandpa Joe, who sits in the corner of the room and looks spaced out all day? Even though he refuses to participate in family games, he complains about being bored all the time. What makes family members act this way? It could be they have ADD. Did you know that there’s more than one type of ADD? Daniel G. Amen, MD has identified 7 different types. Three of those types are represented in our hypothetical family: Uncle Jim has Ring of Fire ADD, Cousin Lucy is dealing with Over-focused ADD, and Grandpa Joe has a bad case of Inattentive ADD.

The Dangers of Undiagnosed ADD

While ADD is most often thought of as a disorder for children and adolescent boys with behavioral issues, 4.1% of all U.S. adults have ADD, and 41% of them have cases the National Institute of Mental Health classify as severe. However, those are just the adults who are diagnosed with ADD; scores more struggle through life never realizing they have it. When left untreated, ADD can be incredibly debilitating, not only for those dealing with it but their loved ones as well. People with untreated ADD often suffer from other disorders as well, including: social isolation, depression and anxiety. If you suspect someone in your family has ADD, here are some practical steps you can take to ensure a stress-free holiday…

5 Ways to Prevent Your Holiday from Being Ruined

1. Leave Early

People with ADD often struggle with procrastination. The prefrontal cortex is the brain’s supervisor and is involved with forethought, judgment, planning and impulse control. When this part of the brain is low in activity, which is the most common research finding in ADD, people can’t supervise themselves very well, which can lead to chronic lateness and irritated family members. Set multiple alarms to keep your family on track and tell everyone in your house that you’re leaving 30 minutes before you actually have to depart. Avoid the last-minute scramble to get out the door, which can lead to stress, anxiety, and arguments.

2. Minimize Conflict

Many people with ADD can focus well with stress, but not well without it. Conflict-seeking behavior and arguments can be used as a form of self-medication to wake up the brain, and people with ADD can get addicted to it. So how do you handle someone who thrives on conflict? Fighting fire with fire, by raising your voice or using abusive or unsavory language, certainly won’t help matters. Avoiding confrontations isn’t the answer either, since minimizing or brushing aside a dispute can further embolden the aggressor and make things even worse. Resist the urge to participate in discussions that can offend or create family strife. Always look for a way to redirect negative tirades or inappropriate conversations. If that doesn’t work, isolate the individual from the rest of the group to prevent them from ruining the holidays.

3. Get Active

If you need a break from a movie marathon or if you just want to work off that extra slice of turkey or ham, get the family outside for some fresh air and exercise. Engage in a brain safe activity or take a long walk. Walking can help you clear your mind, decrease anxiety, improve your mood and burn some calories all at the same time. Intense physical exercise boosts blood flow to the brain. When everyone in the family is thinking clearly, better decisions and behaviors should follow. It’s always better to stimulate the brain with physical activity than family drama.

4. Lose the Booze

Many people think serving alcohol at a holiday gathering will help to settle everyone down, but it’s more like rocket fuel for impulsivity and family conflict. Alcohol predisposes you to sugar abuse, stimulates your appetite, prolongs the time you sit during a meal and is associated with continued eating even though you feel full. Alcohol exerts substantial influence on the circulation in your pancreas, which increases the production of insulin. This leads to low blood sugar levels, which can negatively affect your decision-making. Instead of alcohol, serve a low-sugar hot apple cider – it makes the house smell amazing and will warm cold hands after outdoor family fun.

5. Steer Clear of Sugar

There’s mounting evidence that sugar is toxic…even lethal. Excessive sugar intake, which is linked to diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, is responsible for 35 million deaths a year globally. Sugar increases erratic brain cell firing, has been implicated in aggression, and increases the types of inflammation that worsen ADD symptoms. Low blood sugar levels are associated with overall lower brain activity, which means more cravings and more bad decisions, like reaching for a sugary snack or soda. The best way to regulate your blood sugar is to eat a healthy snack every 3-4 hours. Natural snacks, like whole fruits, seeds, and nuts, are portable and are ideal for fending off hunger between meals.

We Can Help

ADD is a neurobiological disorder with serious psychological and social consequences. Children, teens, adults and parents need to know that it’s not their fault, they didn’t cause it, and there is hope. ADD isn’t just one thing, so one treatment plan will never fit everyone. Amen Clinics is here to help you understand the ADD brain and provide customized solutions that address more than just symptoms. For more information about our full range of services and treatments, call us today at 888-288-9834 or visit us online to schedule an appointment. As a preschooler, Jarrett was hyperactive, impulsive, and restless. He also talked incessantly, interrupted others, and had trouble with focus. His doctor diagnosed him with ADD/ADHD and put him on stimulant medications, a standard treatment option. But the medicine didn’t work. In fact, it made him worse. The little boy’s mother took him to another doctor, who prescribed a different stimulant, but it didn’t improve his symptoms either. Eventually, Jarrett saw 5 doctors and tried 5 stimulant medications for ADHD. None of them helped. Instead, they led to rollercoaster mood swings and intense rages. At home, the youngster punched holes in the walls and frightened his siblings. At school, he had trouble making friends. And his teachers warned his mother that Jarrett would never amount to much and urged her to lower her expectations. In time, his behavior became so disruptive that his physician recommended antipsychotic medication. Why didn’t the standard ADD/ADHD treatment work for Jarrett? Years later, a brain scan revealed why. In treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), also called attention-deficit disorder (ADD), medication is often a first line of defense. In some cases, it can be a lifesaver. For others, like Jarrett, the drugs can exacerbate symptoms. Why don’t stimulants work for everyone with ADD/ADHD? That’s just one of 9 questions about ADD/ADHD medications answered here. In some cases, ADHD medication can be a lifesaver. For others, like Jarrett, the pills can exacerbate symptoms. Why don’t stimulants work for everyone with ADD/ADHD?
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9 QUESTIONS ABOUT ADD/ADHD MEDICATION

  1. How do ADD medications work?

Current research shows that stimulant medications increase activity in areas of the brain such as the prefrontal cortex. Brain-imaging shows that people with ADD/ADHD typically have low activity in the prefrontal cortex, especially during concentration. This means the harder people with ADD/ADHD try to pay attention, the harder it gets. Stimulant medications also increase levels of important neurotransmitters, such as dopamine.  People with ADD/ADHD tend to have low levels of dopamine, which is involved in motivation, mood, memory, and attention.

  1. How can stimulant medication help people with ADD/ADHD?

Research shows that stimulant medications can improve ADD/ADHD symptoms in approximately 70% of adults and 70%-80% of children. Improvements in symptoms include: In general, these medications can improve performance at school, at work, at home, and in relationships.

  1. What are some of the most common stimulant medications currently available?

Stimulants are the most common form of medication prescribed for ADD/ADHD. The majority of stimulants are either amphetamines or methylphenidates.

  1. Why don’t stimulant medications work for everyone with ADHD?

ADHD medication that works for one person may not work for another. In part, this is because the brain-imaging work at Amen Clinics clearly shows that the condition isn’t just one thing. Brain SPECT scans shows there are 7 types of ADD/ADHD, and medication needs to be targeted to your ADD type. SPECT is a functional brain-imaging technology that measures blood flow and activity in the brain. It reveals areas of the brain with healthy activity, too much activity, and too little activity. Stimulant medications tend to work better in people who have too little activity in certain brain regions. In people who have overactivity in the brain, they can make things worse. Take Jarrett, for example. Jarrett’s brain SPECT scan showed dramatic overactivity in a pattern the physicians at Amen Clinics call the “Ring of Fire.” Overall increased activity: Ring of Fire ADHD Using stimulants on an overactive brain is like pouring gasoline on a fire. Published brain-imaging research at Amen Clinics shows that stimulants make the Ring of Fire brain pattern worse in 80% of people.

  1. How long does the medication last?

These drugs come in short-acting and long-acting formulas. When short-acting products wear off, people may experience rebound effects. This can include a significant drop in energy levels and moods and a sharp increase in hunger. Based on the experiences of tens of thousands of ADD/ADHD patients at Amen Clinics, Adderall tends to last longer than Ritalin and is gentler as it wears off.

  1. What is the usual dosage?

When it comes to these medications, everyone is different. Some people require only one dose per day, while others need to take it 5 times per day. Other individuals do best with larger doses of stimulants. Take note that the proper dosage often has nothing to do with a person’s body weight or age. Finding the most effective dose can require some adjustments.

  1. What side effects are associated with ADHD medication?

Common side effects of stimulant medications include: Be aware that some people may experience mood swings and subtle changes in personality. These side effects typically go away in about 1-2 weeks. If they persist, it means a change in medication may be necessary. Less common side effects include: It’s important to note that early studies revealed concerns that stimulants might stunt growth. However, newer long-term studies have found that taking stimulants for ADHD does not result in changes in adult height. In addition, the side effects of having untreated ADD/ADHD are generally more significant than those associated with medication. Untreated ADD/ADHD is associated with increased risk for depression, school dropout, substance abuse, financial problems, divorce, and incarceration.

  1. How long do stimulant medications need to be taken?

Every individual is different. Some people benefit from taking ADD/ADHD medication for just a few years while others may need it for many years.

  1. What are some alternatives to taking stimulant medications for ADHD?

There are many natural ways to help ADD/ADHD, including lifestyle changes and nutritional supplements. For Jarrett, this involved nutraceuticals to calm overactivity in the brain, regular exercise, adequate sleep, a higher-protein lower-carb diet, goal setting, and more. Over time, Jarrett experienced significant improvement in his behavior. The temper outbursts subsided, he started making the honor roll at school, and he had an easier time making friends. His life completely turned around. If Jarrett had never gotten that brain scan, no one would have known that his brain was overactive. If he had just kept trying different stimulant medications, his future likely would have been very different.

SEEKING TREATMENT FOR ADD/ADHD

If you or a loved one has ADD/ADHD, it’s critical to discover your type to find the most effective solutions. Make an appointment with a mental health professional who understands that this is a brain-based disorder that has multiple types. Brain imaging with SPECT can be helpful in determining which treatments will work best. This means you can find the right solutions more efficiently, which means faster healing.   ADD/ADHD and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.       Many people are aware of the most common ADD/ADHD symptoms, such as a short attention span and impulse control problems. However, there’s another challenge that doesn’t get as much publicity—difficulty managing emotions. People with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), also called attention-deficit disorder (ADD), often struggle with their emotions. They may feel things more intensely or feel overwhelmed by their emotions at times. Types of emotional issues facing people with ADD/ADHD include: Learning more about these types of emotional challenges can help people understand how to better manage their ADD/ADHD emotions. Types of emotional issues facing people with ADD/ADHD include emotional hyperarousal, emotional dysregulation, and rejection sensitive dysphoria.
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3 TYPES OF ADHD EMOTIONAL ISSUES

  1. ADHD Emotional Hyperarousal

Visible hyperactivity is not as common as you might think in ADD/ADHD individuals. Some data suggest it occurs in just 25% of children and 5% of adults. Interestingly, though, the disorder’s hyperactivity can be experienced as an internal feeling of hyperarousal, where an individual is unable to calm their buzzing, overactive brain. This activity manifests in extreme emotions, a condition known as emotional hyperarousal. Emotional hyperarousal in an ADD/ADHD individual means that they experience passionate feelings, thoughts, and reactions that are considerably more intense than a neurotypical person. They typically have high highs and low lows. On the upside, they experience happiness intensely. On the downside, they experience criticism extremely harshly.

  1. ADHD Emotional Dysregulation

People with ADD/ADHD often experience emotional dysregulation, which may include any of the following signs: Research shows that ADD/ADHD brains tend to have an overactive amygdala and underactive prefrontal cortex, which makes emotional regulation difficult.

  1. Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria in ADHD

A common form of emotional dysregulation seen in people with ADD/ADHD is rejection sensitivity. In fact, it is estimated that nearly all individuals with ADD/ADHD are hypersensitive to rejection. Differences in brain function are believed to play a role in rejection sensitive dysphoria. In people with ADD/ADHD, the brain tends to have difficulty regulating emotions related to rejection, which renders them intensely painful and practically unbearable. Rejection sensitive dysphoria symptoms include feeling extreme emotional pain whenever an individual with ADD/ADHD face rejection—real or perceived. This can include: These intense feelings can also be prompted through self-criticism over a personal failure—real of perceived. In general, the emotional response to a situation is typically out of proportion. In some cases, people express their pain as rage directed at the person—or situation—that rejected them. The emotional upheaval may trigger noticeable shifts in mood—quickly sinking into a dark mood followed by a relatively quick return to normal. ADD/ADHD individuals who experience rejection sensitive dysphoria tend to cope in one of two ways.

HOW TO MANAGE ADHD EMOTIONS

There are healthier ways to cope with ADD/ADHD emotions. Here are 8 strategies to get a handle on your ADD/ADHD symptoms and emotional well-being. By incorporating as many of these strategies as possible, you will be better able to manage your ADD/ADHD emotions and other symptoms. ADD/ADHD and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. When you hear the terms ADHD or ADD, you likely think about problems with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactive behavior. These are some of the hallmark symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), formerly known as attention-deficit disorder (ADD). But they aren’t the only symptoms of this common neurodevelopmental disorder. In fact, there are many lesser-known symptoms of ADD/ADHD that are often overlooked. When you hear the terms ADHD or ADD, you likely think about problems with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactive behavior. But there are many lesser-known symptoms of ADD/ADHD that are often overlooked.
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ADD/ADHD BASICS

Many healthcare providers use the guidelines in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th edition (DSM-5), to help diagnose ADD/ADHD. However, the manual’s diagnostic criteria mostly describe the symptoms of ADD in children. As a result, ADHD symptoms in older kids and adult ADHD symptoms are not as well known. Additionally, a number of common ADD symptoms in both children and adults—typically ones that are also found in other mental health conditions—are not criteria for diagnosis. Consequently, although ADD/ADHD is a growing national health crisis, it continues to be highly misunderstood and incorrectly treated. Less than 20% of adults with ADD/ADHD receive an appropriate diagnosis and treatment, according to research. There’s a lot more to be learned about the disorder. For example, the brain SPECT imaging work at Amen Clinics clearly shows that ADD/ADHD is not just one thing. In fact, there are 7 types of ADD that can have a variety of symptoms and root causes. Below are 7 common but often overlooked symptoms of ADHD.

7 OVERLOOKED SYMPTOMS OF ADD/ADHD

  1. Hyperfocus

Pop quiz! Ask yourself, what are symptoms of ADHD? When you answered this question, hyperfocus is probably not what came to mind. Yet, it is a common symptom of ADHD, research has found. However, it is not a symptom used for official diagnosis. With hyperfocus, instead of having trouble paying attention, an ADD/ADHD brain can have difficulty shifting attention. An individual with ADD/ADHD may become hyperfocused by intensely zeroing in on a compelling project or activity. This can occur for hours at a time and frequently to the exclusion of everything else. It is the antithesis of distractibility and is seen in both children and adults. Why does this happen? Key aspects of the brain’s reward system are often underactive in people with ADD/ADHD. Experts believe that certain activities engage the brain’s reward system to such a degree, an individual with ADD/ADHD has trouble disengaging with that interest or activity. This is a hallmark symptom of what the physicians at Amen Clinics call Type 3: Overfocused ADD.

  1. Sleep Issues

The Sleep Foundation reports that anywhere from 25% to 50% of people with ADHD experience sleep issues. One 2020 longitudinal study found that ADD/ADHD symptoms and sleep issues have common neural correlates, including structural changes of certain areas of the brain. Since symptoms of sleep issues can look a lot like ADD/ADHD, and poor sleep makes ADD/ADHD symptoms worse, either disorder can get overlooked or misdiagnosed. Children with ADD/ADHD commonly experience nightmares. Starting around puberty, however, people with ADD/ADHD become more apt to have shorter sleep times, including trouble falling asleep and staying asleep.

  1. Mood swings

It’s very common for people with ADD/ADHD to experience mood swings, research has found. Moods, emotions, energy levels, and concentration in ADD/ADHD individuals fluctuate a lot, sometimes many times in a day. A population study involving more than 5000 children found mood swings in 38 % of kids with ADD/ADHD. An individual with ADD/ADHD may switch from excited one moment, to sad, anxious, and angry the next. It may stem from fluctuations in attention, going from inattention to hyperfocus or feeling emotions intensely and having trouble containing them. Individuals with ADD/ADHD can also get frustrated and angry easily, oftentimes due to the condition.

  1. Low Self-Esteem

Compared to neurotypical peers, research consistently indicates people with ADD/ADHD have lower self-esteem. There are many factors that may contribute to this. One study shows ADD/ADHD individuals have been discriminated against, criticized, and even bullied because the general population has little understanding or acceptance of neurodiversity and individuality. When ADD/ADHD goes untreated or undiagnosed, self-esteem is particularly hurt. The individual receives criticism for their behavior, which may be perceived as a personal failing rather than a consequence of a brain that works differently. This can go on for a lifetime and damage self-worth. While an adult diagnosis of ADD/ADHD can be a huge relief, getting an ADD/ADHD diagnosis as a child in itself can harm self-esteem. Young kids don’t want to be different and often misinterpret their condition to mean there’s something wrong with them.

  1. Hypersensitivity

Research shows that individuals with ADD/ADHD do not process sensory information like neurotypical people do. As a result, they can be hypersensitive to physical (sound, sight, touch, or smell) and/or emotional stimuli with a tendency to be easily overwhelmed by too much information. For example, if someone with a neurotypical brain is wearing a sweater with an itchy tag, they may feel the tag at the back of their neck, but they will eventually stop sensing it is there. Instead, their attention goes to more important things. However, an ADD/ADHD brain has trouble filtering out unimportant sensorial information. It will continue to notice the tag. All sorts of other information will keep coming in, piling up until the system is overwhelmed. Common sensory triggers for ADD/ADHD individuals may include any of the following: Additionally, ADD/ADHD individuals are sensitive to being around too many people, being exposed to strong feelings (their own or other’s). When an individual with ADD/ADHD experiences sensory overload, they may overreact to a situation by lashing out or underreact by shutting down. Overload may also increase anxiety, levels, panic attacks, irritability, trouble focusing, and restlessness.

  1. Intrusive Thoughts

At one time or another, most of us will experience intrusive thoughts—sudden, unwanted, often negative and/or bizarre thoughts or images that can sometimes be disturbing, violent, or sexual. When they are frequent, they are often associated with mental health conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or stress. However, it turns out intrusive thoughts are also a symptom of ADD/ADHD. One study  compared college students diagnosed with ADD/ADHD with neurotypical college students on measurements of intrusive thoughts. Participants with ADD/ADHD scored significantly higher. Intrusive thoughts are most often associated with inattentive ADD/ADHD and distractibility. It is believed that differences in brain function and neurotransmitter levels (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine) in people with ADD/ADHD may play a role in the development of intrusive thoughts.

  1. Rejection Sensitivity

Rejection sensitivity is a form of emotional dysregulation linked to ADD/ADHD. Experts suspect it happens due to differences in brain structure of individuals with the condition. Their brains have trouble regulating rejection-related emotions and behaviors, which makes them painfully more intense. Indeed, rejection sensitivity symptoms include experiencing severe, almost unbearable emotional (and sometimes physical) pain when an ADD/ADHD individual receives real or perceived rejection (withdrawal of love, approval, acceptance, or respect), teasing, or criticism (even when it’s constructive). It can also be prompted by self-criticism following a real or perceived personal failure. The response is usually greatly out of proportion to the situation that triggered it. It can be followed by a noticeable mood shift. In some people, the pain is expressed as rage at the rejecting person or situation. But the moods return to normal fairly quickly.

KNOW THE SYMPTOMS

If you recognize any of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, be sure to reach out to a qualified mental health professional for an evaluation. ADD/ADHD and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Content updated from previous publish date. Although attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)—also known as attention deficit disorder (ADD)—is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in children, it remains highly misunderstood, frequently undiagnosed, and incorrectly treated—especially in adults. If you have ADD/ADHD, suspect you might have it, or know someone who has it, you probably have questions. Here are answers to 9 of the most common questions the psychiatrists at Amen Clinics hear from their patients. SPECT scans show when people with ADHD try to concentrate, activity in the prefrontal cortex decreases. The harder you try, the worse it gets. Your brain betrays you. It’s like you put your foot on the gas pedal, but your car goes slower not faster.
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ANSWERS TO 9 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ADD/ADHD

1. Why does my ADD/ADHD get worse when I try harder to concentrate?

The brain SPECT imaging work at Amen Clinics shows that when people with ADD/ADHD try harder to concentrate, activity in the prefrontal cortex decreases, which makes it even harder to pay attention. This means that the harder you try, the worse it gets. With ADD/ADHD, your brain betrays you. It’s like you put your foot on the gas pedal, but your car goes slower rather than faster. This is what podcaster, author, and motivational speaker Mel Robbins learned when she visited Amen Clinics to get a brain scan as part of an episode of Scan My Brain. Robbins didn’t discover she had ADD/ADHD until age 47 and seeing her brain scans at rest compared to during concentration helped her understand so much about the struggles she’s had. Her scans revealed that activity in her brain dropped dramatically when she was trying to focus, causing her to exclaim, “This explains why I can’t write a book!”

2. How does ADD/ADHD medication work?

Think of people with ADD/ADHD like those who need glasses. People who wear glasses aren’t crazy, dumb, or lazy; their eyes are shaped funny. It’s the same for people with ADD/ADHD. They aren’t crazy, dumb, or lazy either; their brains work differently, and medication can improve brain function in some cases. But medication doesn’t necessarily work for everyone. This is because ADD/ADHD is not a single or simple disorder thing. Brain SPECT imaging shows that there are 7 types of ADD/ADHD. Knowing your type is key to getting the most effective treatment.

3. Can I live a productive life with ADD/ADHD without medication?

Generally, yes, but it takes effort. There are many natural ADD/ADHD solutions that can help, but you need to choose strategies that work for your type. Strategies that benefit all 7 types of ADD/ADHD include: In addition, take supplements based on your ADD/ADHD type. And if you have really severe ADD/ADHD symptoms, such as inability to focus or impulsivity that gets you into trouble, consider medication.

4. Is a person ever too old to begin taking medicine for ADD/ADHD?

No. Look at one 94-year-old woman who came to Amen Clinics after her great-grandchild, her grandchild, and one of her children had already been treated there. When she was asked why she was seeking treatment, she said, “I want to finish reading the paper. I can never finish the paper.” Her SPECT scans showed that she clearly had ADD/ADHD and it’s likely that her family members had inherited a genetic predisposition for the disorder from her. After only one month of treatment, she returned to the clinic and announced that not only was she reading the whole paper, but she had also just finished reading her first book!

5. What is the function of dopamine in ADD/ADHD when it comes to focus and being productive?

Mel Robbins asks this question in her Scan My Brain episode after learning that dopamine is typically low in people with ADD/ADHD. Low dopamine is associated with decreased motivation, trouble focusing, and a lack of the horsepower required to get things accomplished. This is why people with ADD/ADHD often seek out conflict or engage in risky behaviors as a way to stimulate the brain and trigger the release of dopamine.

6. My ADD/ADHD got worse after having kids. Is that common?

This is very common. People who have ADD/ADHD often figure out how to manage their own lives, but when there’s a new baby or multiple toddlers in the house, it gets more challenging. Sleep deprivation and increased stress make it much harder to cope. Plus, if you have ADD/ADHD, odds are your kids will have ADD/ADHD too, which can really increase your stress. All that added stress can exacerbate symptoms. The best strategy is to adopt brain-healthy habits, learn stress-reduction techniques, and teach them to your children too.

7. Can a hormonal imbalance cause ADD/ADHD?

If you have ADD/ADHD, you typically have it your entire life. It’s not just something that develops in midlife when you’re going through perimenopause or menopause. However, menopause and hormone imbalances can cause symptoms that are commonly seen in ADD/ADHD. So, the determining question is, have ADD/ADHD symptoms—short attention span, disorganization, distractibility, procrastination, and poor impulse control issues—been the story of your life? Or did the symptoms just show up as you went through a hormonal change?

8. Can an ADD/ADHD diagnosis be due to a traumatic brain injury (TBI)?

It’s very common for people who have had one or more concussions or sub-concussive head injuries to develop symptoms seen in ADD/ADHD. In fact, it is so common, that the physicians at Amen Clinics considered making the effects of TBI an eighth type of ADD/ADHD! Rehabilitating the brain trauma can help resolve ADD/ADHD-like symptoms. However, if you hit your head repeatedly, as many boxers or football players do, it can lead to lifelong ADD/ADHD symptoms. The key to recovery is rehabilitating your head trauma with strategies like hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), neurofeedback, and more.

9. Which diet plan should a person with ADD/ADHD follow?

The best diet plan depends on your ADD/ADHD type. For most of the types, a higher-protein, lower-carbohydrate plan works best. For those with overfocused ADD/ADHD, however, it’s better to eat lower amounts of protein and higher amounts of complex carbohydrates. All 7 types of ADD/ADHD can benefit from optimizing brain function by stabilizing and balancing blood sugar. Eliminate sugar and foods that quickly turn to sugar and eat a lot of healthy fat salmon, avocado, nuts, and seeds. Gaining a better understanding of ADD/ADHD can help you learn how to better manage your symptoms. If you still have questions that aren’t answered here, seek help from a mental health professional who understands that ADD/ADHD is a brain-based disorder with multiple types. This can help you get a more personalized treatment plan so you can improve your focus, organization, and impulse control. ADD/ADHD and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Content updated from previous publish date. Our brains are hubs of electrical activity. At any moment of the day or night, electrical impulses are sparking signals between neurons, allowing communication that enables us to live our lives. When the brain is healthy, the electrical activity keeps the proverbial lights balanced, so various regions can communicate quickly and effectively. When the brain isn’t operating optimally, electrical activity can flicker, fade, or intensify. In some people, this is associated with ADD/ADHD symptoms such as inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, distractibility, and procrastination. The good news is, that you can retrain the brain to balance electrical signaling and improve ADD/ADHD symptoms with a non-invasive therapy called neurofeedback. You can retrain the brain to balance electrical signaling and improve ADD/ADHD symptoms with a non-invasive therapy called neurofeedback.
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For anyone who is looking for natural ADD/ADHD treatments other than stimulant medication, neurofeedback may be beneficial, offering benefits that continue to persist well beyond each treatment session. And while stimulants are associated with a number of side effects, such as irritability, anxiety, headaches, decreased appetite, stomachaches, and trouble sleeping, neurofeedback has none of these negative side effects.

WHAT IS NEUROFEEDBACK?

Simply stated, neurofeedback, also called brainwave biofeedback, is a noninvasive therapy that measures brainwave activity in real time to help a person modulate brainwaves to achieve a desired brain state. There are 5 main types of brainwaves:
  1. Delta waves: very slow brainwaves, seen mainly during sleep
  2. Theta waves: slow brainwaves, seen during daydreaming and twilight states
  3. Alpha waves: brainwaves seen during relaxed states
  4. SMR (sensorimotor rhythm) waves: brainwaves seen during states of focused relaxation
  5. Beta waves: fast brainwaves seen during concentration or mental work states
Basically, neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback that lets people gain control over brain processes that are typically involuntary. By learning greater self-regulation over brain functions, people can optimize brain patterns until they become automatic. Neurofeedback allows adults and children to retrain their brain function to address certain mental health symptoms, such as ADD/ADHD, and achieve improvements in behaviors, emotions, and learning.

BENEFITS OF NEUROFEEDBACK

According to research in Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, people who have engaged in neurofeedback therapy have reported numerous benefits, including

RESEARCH ON NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADHD

For decades, clinicians have been reporting the effectiveness of this natural and non-invasive process for treating ADD/ADHD. A growing body of research confirms that neurofeedback can be effective for ADD/ADHD, as well as other psychiatric, behavioral, and learning disorders. Studies point to neurofeedback as a promising treatment for issues such as depression, addictions, schizophrenia, insomnia, autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, anxiety, and memory problems. The American Academy of Pediatrics has approved neurofeedback as a “Level 1: Best Support” intervention for childhood ADD/ADHD. This indicates that adequate studies with sufficient sample sizes have been completed showing that neurofeedback is an effective and safe treatment for ADD/ADHD. For example, a quantitative review published in 2020 looked at systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and multi-center randomized controlled trials. It concluded that neurofeedback is a well-established treatment protocol with remission rates of 32%-47% and results are sustained after 6-12 months. One systematic review of 9 studies appearing in a 2021 issue of the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that neurofeedback therapy resulted in improvements in behavior, sustained attention, and impulse control in individuals with ADD/ADHD. Another systematic review in a 2019 issue of European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry reported positive effects on hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.

HOW DOES NEUROFEEDBACK WORK?

Neurofeedback therapy takes place in the presence of a qualified professional and involves EEG technology and a computer.
  1. Getting equipped. Neurofeedback sessions typically begin by outfitting the patient with a cap, headband, or helmet that is equipped with electrodes that are attached to the scalp. These sensors evaluate the brain’s electrical signals and brainwave patterns and transmit the information to a computer.
  2. Participating in a computer-based activity. During the session, the patient—child, teen, or adult—may be asked to play a video game, watch a movie, or engage in some other activity using the computer screen. A trained therapist monitors the activity and maps your brainwave patterns in comparison to the optimal state the patient is attempting to achieve.
  3. Getting feedback. In real-time, the computer provides cues to the patient on how the brain is functioning. These cues allow the patient to respond in ways that help the brain reach the desired state. If the patient gets distracted, the computer provides feedback encouraging the patient to re-focus their attention on the activity.
  4. Earning rewards. When the brain responds in the desired way, the computer software delivers on-screen rewards.
  5. Repeating sessions. To gain long-lasting benefits, neurofeedback therapy involves multiple sessions. The number you (or your child) will need depends on your condition and individual needs.

LASTING BENEFITS OF NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADD/ADHD

Over time, children and adults with ADD/ADHD can literally retrain their brains to function more optimally, and naturally. Neurofeedback therapy is powerful, in part, because the patient becomes an active part of their healing by gaining more control over their own physiological processes. ADD/ADHD and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Content updated from previous publish date. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), also called attention deficit disorder (ADDD) is a national health crisis that continues to grow. Even though it is now being diagnosed more frequently than ever, it remains one of the most misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and incorrectly treated illnesses of our day. Prescription medication is the traditional default treatment for ADD/ADHD, but it is NOT the only treatment. There are many ways to manage this condition without medication. Here are 5 natural solutions for ADD/ADHD you need to know. Prescription medication is the traditional default treatment for ADD/ADHD, but it is NOT the only treatment. There are many ways to manage this condition without medication.
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THE PROBLEM WITH ADD/ADHD MEDICATIONS

Medication is one of the most common treatment methods for people with ADD/ADHD. About 62% of kids ages 2-17 with ADD/ADHD take medication for the condition, according to statistics in a 2018 study. Among adults with ADHD, the rate of those taking medication hovers around 33%. Kids and adults are often put on powerful stimulant medications in short office visits without any biological information. While medication may help some people with the condition, it doesn’t help everyone, and it can make some people worse. Taking medication for a mental health issue such as ADD/ADHD should never be the first or only thing you do. Healing ADD/ADHD requires a more comprehensive approach that includes a host of natural solutions.

ADD/ADHD TREATMENT WITHOUT MEDICATION

Here are 5 effective interventions that can help ADD symptoms without using medication:

1. Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback is a specialized treatment that uses advanced computer technology to help balance and optimize the brain. During each session, you (or your child) play a video game using just your brain. It’s a fun, interactive, and engaging treatment that helps strengthen and retrain the brain to achieve a healthier, more focused state. Using real-time displays of brain activity, neurofeedback for ADD/ADHD helps you learn how to regulate your own brain function.

2. Nutrition

A nutritional intervention can be especially helpful for those with ADD/ADHD. A higher-protein, lower-carbohydrate diet that is relatively high in healthy fats can be beneficial in reducing symptoms. This diet has a stabilizing effect on blood sugar levels and helps with both energy levels and concentration. Unfortunately, the Standard American Diet is filled with some of the worst foods for ADD/ADHD. Many popular food items, including high-glycemic snacks and treats lower dopamine levels in the brain and make it harder to concentrate. Dopamine is typically low in people with ADD/ADHD and eating foods that decrease it further can have a negative impact on symptoms.

3. Ask Yourself, “Then What?”

For anyone with ADD/ADHD, the two most important words in the English language are: “Then what?” In other words, “If I do this, then what will happen?” and “If I say this, then what will happen?” For example, “When I eat 3 chocolate doughnuts, skip the gym, get really drunk on the weekends, or call my husband a jerk, then what will happen? Do any of these behaviors help me achieve what I want for my life or help me with my goals?” Clearly, they do not! According to research in the book The Longevity Project, the people who live longest and achieve great success are the most conscientious. They know what they want and then they act in consistent ways over time to get it. This can be a unique challenge for those with ADD/ADHD because they often struggle with impulse control. Put up these two words where you can see them every day: Then what? and practice using them.

4. Exercise

Physical activity increases blood flow to all parts of the body, including the prefrontal cortex in the brain, which is particularly beneficial to those with ADD/ADHD. In people without ADD/ADHD, concentration typically increases blood flow and activity in the prefrontal cortex. However, the brain SPECT imaging work at Amen Clinics shows that when people with this condition try to concentrate, activity in this area of the brain decreases, making it harder to stay focused. Exercise also increases the availability of serotonin in the brain, which has a tendency to calm hyperactivity. At Amen Clinics, the psychiatrists have seen a direct relationship between the level of exercise a person gets and the severity of their ADD/ADHD symptoms. In general, aerobic exercises that get the heart pumping and cause you to break a sweat are best for people with ADD/ADHD. Play a recreational sport like table tennis, basketball, or pickleball. Swim, ride a bike (always wear a helmet to protect your brain), or simply walk at a fast pace for 30 to 45 minutes 4-7 days a week.

5. Meditation

Decades of research have shown that meditation can calm stress, enhance brain function, and benefit those with ADD/ADHD. Learning to meditate is easy—even kids can do it. Whether at home or at work, find a quiet spot where you can sit comfortably, then gently close your eyes and focus on your breathing. When your thoughts drift away (which they will), simply draw your attention back to your breathing. Start with just a few minutes and work up to 10, 15, or 20 minutes if you can. Make a meditation practice part of your life and watch your brain function improve.

FINDING NATURAL SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR ADD/ADHD TYPE

Did you know that ADD/ADHD is not just a single and simple disorder? The brain-imaging work at Amen Clinics—more than 225,000 brain scans—has helped identify 7 types of ADD/ADHD. Each type has unique symptoms and requires a targeted treatment plan. Giving everybody with ADD/ADHD the same treatments invites failure and frustration. Knowing your type (or your child’s type) is critical to finding the natural solutions that work most effectively for you. ADD/ADHD and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Content updated from previous publish date. “I’m so stupid.” “I’m always messing things up.” “No one will ever love me.” Does this sound like your inner critic? We all have a little voice in our head that whispers—or screams—to us throughout the day. Sometimes, our inner thoughts help us make better decisions so we can keep on track toward our goals. Other times, however, our inner critic kicks into overdrive and spews automatic negative thoughts (ANTs) that are toxic. Negativity is common, but it is especially prevalent in people with mental health issues. This negative self-talk can dampen our moods, ignite stress and anxiety, and hold us back from achieving our dreams. If you’re riddled with ANTs, you can learn to fight back. Here are some of the most common types of negative thoughts, how they damage your mindset, and a simple 5-step technique to eliminate negative thinking patterns. Negative self-talk can dampen our moods, ignite stress and anxiety, and hold us back from achieving our dreams.
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BRAIN-BASED MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS THAT INCREASE NEGATIVE SELF-TALK

Negative self-talk is strongly linked to mental health issues, such as ADD/ADHD, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), among others. The brain SPECT imaging work at Amen Clinics shows that these psychiatric conditions are really brain health issues that can fuel negativity. Here’s a deeper look at the connection between negative thinking, brain health, and mental health. These individuals also often have to endure harsh critiques from others who don’t understand that ADD/ADHD brains work differently. The brain SPECT imaging work at Amen Clinics shows that low activity in the prefrontal cortex is common in people with ADD/ADHD. This region is involved with focus, attention, impulse control, and follow-through, and when activity is too low, it is associated with trouble in these areas, which can lead to negative thoughts about oneself. SPECT scans at Amen Clinics show that the emotional centers of the brain—called the limbic system—are often overactive in people with depression. This heightened activity is associated with increased negativity. On SPECT scans, anxiousness is associated with overactivity in the basal ganglia, important structures deep in the brain. They are involved in setting the body’s anxiety level, and when activity is too high it increases anxious and stressful thoughts. Brain SPECT imaging shows that too much activity in an area of the brain called the anterior cingulate gyrus is common in people with OCD. This is associated with rigid thinking and cognitive inflexibility, both of which keep people locked into their negative thinking patterns.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF NEGATIVE SELF-TALK?

Negative self-talk impacts us in numerous harmful ways, and it all starts in the brain. Your brain is always listening and reacting to every single one of your thoughts. Your thoughts are based on numerous factors, such as sensory input, past experiences, the foods you eat, gut bacteria, and your brain health. When you have a happy thought, it triggers your brain to release chemicals that affect all of the cells within your body, making you feel good.  When you have a negative thought, however, your brain releases chemicals that make you feel bad. Having a few negative thoughts once in a while is normal, but when your thought patterns are predominantly negative, it can have long-term impacts. Rumination and self-blame are associated with increased risk for mental health conditions, according to a study in Plos One. Negativity, worries, and stressful thoughts can also exacerbate existing psychiatric issues. And they can even lead to cognitive problems and memory loss. For example, brain-imaging research in Alzheimer’s & Dementia shows that repetitive negative thinking may be involved in the accumulation of damaging brain deposits typically found in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and may heighten the odds of developing dementia.

9 COMMON TYPES OF NEGATIVE SELF-TALK

There are many forms of negative self-talk. Some of the most common types of gloomy, pessimistic, defeatist, and unhelpful phrases we tell ourselves include the following:
  1. All-or-Nothing: When you tell yourself that people, situations, or relationships are either all good or all bad
  2. Less-Than: When you compare yourself to others and think that you aren’t as good as others
  3. Just-the-Bad: When you only see the bad in situations, people, or relationships
  4. Guilt-Beating: When you talk to yourself using words like should, must, ought, or have to
  5. Labeling: When you attach negative labels to yourself or someone
  6. Fortune-Telling: When you predict the worst possible outcome for a situation with little or no evidence for it
  7. Mind-Reading: When you believe you know what other people are thinking—and you generally assume they’re thinking something unkind about you—even though they haven’t told you what they are actually thinking
  8. If-Only and I’ll-Be-Happy-When: When you argue with the past and long for the future rather than making the most of the present
  9. Blaming: When you blame others for your problems, or conversely, when you blame yourself for others’ problems

5 STEPS TO ELIMINATE NEGATIVE SELF-TALK

Defeating the negative self-talk that infests your mind takes work, but there is a simple technique that can help you learn to manage your mind. Here are 5 steps to combat negative thinking:
  1. Whenever an automatic negative thought enters your mind, train yourself to recognize it and write it down. This helps get the thought out of your mind.
  2. Identify the type of negative thought.
  3. Ask yourself if the thought is true.
  4. Ask yourself how the thought makes you feel, and how you would feel if you didn’t have that thought.
  5. Turn the thought around to its opposite and ask yourself if this new thought might be more true than your original thought. Find evidence that supports this new thought.
When you learn to become aware of negative thoughts and challenge them, you can begin to eliminate negative self-talk and speak to yourself in a kinder, more positive way that gives you more confidence, improves self-esteem, and motivates you to reach your goals. ADD/ADHD, depression, anxiety, OCD, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Not long ago, health experts mistakenly believed that children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)—also referred to as attention deficit disorder (ADD)—would grow out of the condition in adulthood. Today, researchers have recognized that some ADD/ADHD symptoms do fall away as children grow into adulthood. Other symptoms, however, remain in roughly 60% of diagnosed cases, according to a longitudinal study. Another report from Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) estimates that 80% of kids will still have the condition as adults. ADD/ADHD diagnoses among U.S. adults are growing four times as fast as ADHD diagnoses among children.
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Yet, because ADD/ADHD in adults symptoms are often different from what is seen in children, the myth that one can outgrow the disorder persists. This is one of the reasons why the condition remains highly misunderstood. It also helps explain why some mental health experts report that at least 75% of adults who are affected by the disorder are not aware that they have it. While ADD/ADHD may not be outgrown, it can be managed as the symptoms change from youth to adolescence to adulthood. Here’s what you need to know about ADD/ADHD across the lifespan.

WHAT IS ADHD?

ADD/ADHD is one of the most common childhood neurodevelopmental disorders, affecting about 9.8% of U.S. children aged 3-17, according to the CDC. It also affects 5.4% of adult men and 3.2% of adult women, according to data from the National Institute of Mental Health. The disorder is characterized by pervasive problems with attention. Impulsive and hyperactive behavior is also common but not in all cases. It’s more prevalent in boys than girls. Boys are more likely to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, while girls are more prone to exhibit attention difficulties. It can be diagnosed as young as age 2, but more typically between 6 and 17 years. Some cases are overlooked—particularly in girls who tend to have less obvious symptoms. There are 3 recognized subtypes of ADHD: The core symptoms of ADD/ADHD found in varying degrees in both children and adults include: Ultimately, ADD/ADHD is a disorder of poor self-regulation, executive function, and difficulty with the skills that help to manage daily life. Of course, condition-related behaviors can vary widely among children and adults. In addition, they change over time as an individual grows older and experiences different life events and circumstances. A one-size-fits-all definition of ADD/ADHD does not exist. In fact, brain SPECT imaging at Amen Clinics has helped identify 7 types of ADD/ADHD based on blood flow and brain activity patterns. As ADD/ADHD symptoms in children and adults often show up differently, let’s take a closer look.

ADHD SYMPTOMS IN CHILDREN

In children, inattention symptoms are not as pronounced, one study found. However, they are more often observed in girls. Symptoms may manifest as having difficulty with boring, routine, everyday tasks and needing excitement to stay engaged. ADD/ADHD kids with inattention often have trouble listening to directions, initiating activities, and finishing tasks. They may carelessly miss details that lead to poor grades. Losing things and forgetting to do chores are common problems. Interestingly, kids often have no trouble paying attention to things that are novel, exciting, or frightening. Research indicates that this may be due to dopamine deficiency in ADD/ADHD brains. Exciting activities stimulate dopamine. Hyperactivity and impulsiveness are the most obvious and common symptoms in children with ADHD. These kids are in constant motion—fidgeting when seated and having trouble being still or quiet. They may talk too much, have trouble waiting for their turn, interrupt, and blurt out answers. But here’s where it gets tricky and a bit confusing. Many children who show predominantly hyperactive symptoms can grow into adults who no longer display hyperactive behavior. It may appear that these children have outgrown ADD/ADHD because they act more calmly in daily life. However, more often, symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and disorganization remain.

ADULT ADHD

Symptoms of adult ADD/ADHD include: As you can see, these symptoms differ from those of children. They can be hard to detect, although their negative impact can be great. The inattentive ADD/ADHD subtype is much more prevalent in adults with ADD/ADHD. Like children with inattention, adults also struggle with mundane, routine tasks. They can miss deadlines, sign something without reading the details, and tend to get bored easily. They also may abruptly end relationships or frequently change career direction—possibly because they seek novelty and stimulation due to their neurodivergence. Inattention can cause adverse consequences in the workplace, academically, and personally. In adult ADD/ADHD, hyperactivity and impulsivity can manifest as: Adults with impulsive ADD/ADHD symptoms may interrupt a conversation, cut people off while on the road, or make impulsive purchases they can’t afford. Adults who are unaware of their condition may feel tremendous shame about their lack of organization, lack of focus, and impulsive behavior. They are also more likely to have other mental disorders, such as: These issues may mask ADD/ADHD, research suggests. Indeed, untreated, undiagnosed ADD/ADHD in adults is also associated with higher incidences of obesity, traffic accidents, school dropouts, job failure and unemployment, financial problems, divorce, incarceration, and suicide.

ADHD MASKING AND BRAIN DIFFERENCES

Usually, by the time children with ADD/ADHD reach adulthood, they have developed ways to cope better or “mask” their condition. In some cases, lifestyle modifications, mental health support, medication, or other treatments have helped them to manage symptoms well. In fact, their symptoms may have lessened to a degree that they no longer meet ADD/ADHD diagnostic criteria. However, they still have ADD/ADHD. Evidence shows that ADD/ADHD brains have small but significant structural differences when compared to neurotypical brains, leading researchers to conclude it is a lifelong brain disorder. The brain-imaging work at Amen Clinics, however, shows that with the right treatment plan people with the condition can improve the way their brain functions.

INCREASING RATES OF ADULT ADHD DIAGNOSES

With greater awareness today, more adults are recognizing the signs, getting diagnosed, and getting treatment. In fact, ADD/ADHD diagnoses among U.S. adults are growing 4 times as fast as diagnoses among children, according to research findings. If you recognize the signs of ADD/ADHD in your child, don’t ignore it or expect them to outgrow it. Be sure to reach out to a qualified mental health professional. In particular, look for someone who understands that this condition is a brain-based disorder that can change throughout life. Problems with inattention, hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.