Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity characterize children, teens and adults who struggle with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Treatment for this mental health issue includes medication, individual therapy and family therapy. Lifestyle changes can also help decrease negative symptoms of ADHD. Children and teens with this disorder often have difficulties in school and relating to peers. Adults with the disorder often have issues at work and have a hard time making and maintaining healthy relationships.
Inattention
Children and teens with ADHD struggle with paying attention in class, listening when adults are speaking, following through on class work and homework, staying organized and remembering important information such as dentist appointments and test dates. When children get successful treatment for ADHD, these behaviors decrease. A child or teen with this disorder who learns how to cope with this disorder may see an increase in grades, reduce the amount of items he loses and get his backpack and locker organized. One indication that treatment is working is the ability to get through a test without being distracted and being able to concentrate on homework for at least 30 minutes at a time.
An adult with ADHD also has problems concentrating, finishing projects on time and getting places and meeting people on time. She might forget important dates such as her anniversary and mother's birthday even though they are written in her calendar and she might always get to work late and run late when meeting friends or family members. When she's getting treatment and it's successful, these behaviors should reduce. The adult should be able to utilize time management techniques and become more organized and apply these things to work and in social situations.
Hyperactivity
Children, teens and adults who are diagnosed with ADHD have pent up energy. These groups display these behaviors in different ways. For instance, a child with ADHD might get out of his seat while the teacher is talking, not be able to wait his turn, or constantly fidget. Teens and adults who don't have an outlet for their energy might become irritable. Medication can help reduce this restless feeling and pent up energy. However, many therapists recommend incorporating lifestyle changes. A therapist might recommend that a teen join the track team and an adult workout for 30 minutes before work. If these techniques and medications work, the hyperactive behaviors will decrease.
Impulsivity
Children, teens and adults with ADHD are more impulsive than their peers, which can cause problems at work and school and with family and friends. Medication usually helps reduce rash decision making and therapists help their clients learn how to consider consequences before acting. Children who are receiving treatment might be able to stop blurting out answers in class and interrupting their teachers and peers. Teens and adults receiving treatment might take time before deciding to do risky behaviors such as use drugs, have unprotected sex or yell at the boss.
