The three primary signs of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD---inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity---work against children, teens and adults, making it hard for them to maintain healthy relationships and thrive at school and work. People with this disorder can usually pay attention to things they find enjoyable and exciting, making it confusing for others to understand.
Signs and Symptoms
Children, adolescents and adults who suffer from ADHD have trouble concentrating and paying attention. A child or teen might have ADHD if he can't pay attention long enough to complete a quiz or test and can't finish homework assignments due to distraction and difficulty concentrating. Helpguide.org reports that children with ADHD often lose things, make careless mistakes and have trouble staying organized. An adult might have ADHD if she can't work for at least an hour before needing to take a break. Adults with ADHD often struggle with completing housework, remembering important dates and following through on tasks, such as paying bills on time.
Effects
Children and teens who struggle with paying attention have a very difficult time sitting in class, listening to long lectures and doing well on timed exams. They might get poor grades, become frustrated and develop a low self-esteem. Adults who suffer from ADHD have a hard time succeeding at work. They might struggle to complete college and find a job that can meet their needs. After not turning in assignments on time, running late and forgetting appointments, they risk being demoted or fired.
Considerations
Most children, adolescents and adults with ADHD become frustrated with themselves due to their inattention problems. Parents and teachers sometimes forget that the child or teen doesn't forget appointments and homework on purpose. She's not intentionally daydreaming during a test or losing her school books. These things occur due to the disorder.
Professional Treatment
Medication and therapy are often used to treat ADHD in children, teens and adults. Stimulants are usually the first type of medication that doctors prescribe, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Through cognitive-behavioral therapy, counselors help children, teens and adults change their thoughts and behaviors in order to reduce symptoms of inattention. For example, a therapist might help a teen learn better study habits, so she can get her homework done. The therapist might instruct the teen to break up his homework in 20 minute increments and give himself at least 10-minute breaks between studying.
Self-Help
Adults can benefit from including self-help techniques in their treatment plan to cope with the symptoms of inattention. For instance, adults can exercise daily, eat healthfully and get eight hours of sleep each night to improve their concentration. Helpguide.org reports that these healthy habits are important for anyone, but they are incredibly important for someone who already struggles with concentration. Adults with ADHD should also have an organizational system put into place that works for them. This might include writing down all important dates and appointments in one planner and always carrying that planner or making and crossing off daily to-do lists.
