#Signs #Prove #Attention #Deficit #Disorder
Do you have difficulty concentrating? Are you easily distracted? Do you often forget your wallet or your glasses? Maybe you just have an empty head, but it could also be attention deficit disorder, also known as ADHD.
Attention disorders or ADHD (attention disorders with or without hyperactivity) affect up to 5.6% of schoolchildren in France. In adults the figure drops to 3%, but what about these undiagnosed or misdiagnosed children?
Clearly defined for the first time in 1980, ADHD remains a complex psychological disease to determine, particularly due to the many prejudices that surround it. In fact, many patients tend to reduce their disorder to simple laziness or individual fatigue. In addition, according to the High Health Authority: “We see that health professionals are little or not trained in this disorder”. The latter also believe that other pathologies present signs close to or related to those of ADHD. Thanks to many studies, we can still analyze various behaviors as part of this disorder. Among others, inattention and impulsiveness.
The neglect criteria
Many of you will surely recognize yourself in these criteria, if the lack of attention can be caused by a particular context, the latter only becomes problematic if these symptoms become a disadvantage at work or in social relationships.
- He finds it difficult to pay attention to certain details, especially in his work, he makes many careless mistakes in his school work.
- You find it difficult to stay focused over time on a specific task, during your lessons or during a conversation.
- You have a lot of difficulty finishing a job, a domestic task, you get easily distracted.
In fact, according to clinical psychologist Carole Brianchon quoted in Le Mag de la santé: “ADHD puts a lot of emphasis on working memory overload, that is, having a lot of information from daily life in your head with difficulty prioritizing and prioritizing. Everything is on the same level, which can lead to burnout.”
- You find it difficult to respect a specific schedule or a predefined organization in your work. In other words, you have poor time management. You establish avoidance mechanisms to avoid facing certain tasks that require sustained mental effort.
- You often lose your personal items and supplies: glasses, computer, wallet, pencils, books, mobile phone.
- You forget to perform certain tasks of daily life: cleaning, shopping, bills, administrative procedures, appointment times.
Criteria for hyperactivity and/or impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity are the flip side of attention disorders. They do not necessarily present with attention problems and therefore can complicate the diagnosis of professionals.
- Often fidgets with hands or legs, such as frantically playing with a pen or tapping a rhythm with his fingers.
- You find it difficult to sit still in situations where you are supposed to sit still.
- You find it difficult to stay calm and follow the rules during a sports activity or a board game.
- you talk too much
It’s also common for people with ADHD to interrupt the other person, finish their sentences, or answer their questions before they’ve finished asking them.
- You can’t wait your turn, especially when you’re standing in line.
- You impose your presence by breaking into conversations.
Do you recognize yourself in many of these symptoms? Know, however, that just one of these characteristics is not enough to be defined as ADHD. You must have at least 5 symptoms of inattention and 6 of hyperactivity or impulsivity.
In addition, it is estimated that one third of adults with ADHD in childhood will see their symptoms decrease with age. For the rest, there are already several treatments, in particular medications through methylphenidate, or behavioral through cognitive-behavioral therapies.
Sources used:
Haute Autorité de Santé: Attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD): identifying suffering, supporting the child and the family
ADHD France: History of ADHD
ADHD France: Positive diagnosis of ADHD in adults
Le Mag de la Santé: adults too