What is ADHD?

• Attention-Deficient/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects both children and adults. Symptoms of this disorder include impulsivity, disorganization, forgetfulness, short attention span, emotional outburst and preoccupation. Often, agitation, impatience and restlessness are common for those who have hyperactivity, unlike those with Attention Deficient Disorder (ADD) who share the inattention and preoccupation symptoms of the disorder. For adults, these behaviors can pose dire consequences on their lives, because they often struggle with their careers and have trouble with interpersonal relationships. Experts originally thought that only children suffered from this disorder, but millions of adults have ADHD and receive treatment for the condition. Experts give a logical explanation as to why ADHD is not only a disorder that affects children. When a child turns 18 years of age, the disorder does not systematically disappear. Some children enter the adult world with this condition undiagnosed, while others develop the condition later on.
  
  

Causes of ADHD

• Some of the causes of ADHD in adults include biological and neurological responses, hereditary factors and continuous and long-term stress. Biological and chemical examples include properties such as glucose, dopamine, toxins and hormones that play a role in how the brain processes thinking and attention. Clinical imaging shows that the rate at which the brain utilizes glucose is lower than those who do not have the disorder, and the brain has a dysfunctional dopamine system. A lack of dopamine and other necessary transmitters affects thought and concentration. Toxins, such as lead may cause chemical responses and brain dysfunctions. Children may develop ADHD if their parents have the disorder, passing on the genetic link to future offspring.
  
  

ADHD Theories

• Another cause for ADHD is a theory echoed by Charles Darwin's natural selection explained in his book "Origin of Species." Darwin suggests that species survived because they changed and evolved. Behaviors and responses changed according to the adaption needed, determined by the needs of their internal and external environments. Starvation, unpredictable weather and other conditions may have forced humans to respond with impulsiveness and hyperactivity to ward off threats and starvation. These behaviors may have passed on to offspring, yet many humans do not find these symptoms helpful today. Adults may develop these survival traits when traumatic stress or long-term worry becomes a threat to their survival, such as becoming overzealous with their career in order to support their family. In uncertain times, such as war and other worldly threats, humans may need these skills one day again. For now, the inherited or inborn traits of impulsiveness and hyperactivity do not help adults adapt to the norms of life today. For those who need the help, the best rehabilitation for this condition consists of a combination of therapies such as support groups, medication, cognitive psychotherapy and life coaching.