Attention Deficit Disorder with or without Hyperactivity ADHD (or ADHD in English) is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose symptoms appear during childhood and generally persist into adulthood.
The Attention Deficit Disorder with or without Hyperactivity ADHD (or ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulty maintaining attention control impulsiveness and modulate the need to move. Symptoms appear in childhood and usually persist into adulthood. These manifestations are frequently accompanied by emotional and behavioral problems.
What are the symptoms of ADHD in babies?
In babies, it is difficult to make a diagnosis, some already presenting precursory symptoms and others not. “Some parents will report symptoms present during pregnancy, with a child who already moves a lot in the belly, or in early childhood with difficulty falling asleep or already increased activity. Others will only find difficulties when entering primary school“, explains Romane Nicolay. Symptoms of inattention are less easily spotted than symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity, because they are less the subject of complaints and functional impairment.
What are the symptoms of ADHD in children?
In children with ADHD, schooling is going to be one of the biggest problems, the symptoms interfering on this plan. Romane Nicolay details the events in this context. “In class, these children have an uncontrollable need to move, they can’t stay in their chair only by making intense efforts. They are strong clumsy and commit many oversights, resulting in repeated reprimands and mockery. School activities not being adapted to their disorderthey can’t maintain their attention. These children stand out in class by shouting their answers and comments, they can quickly become the “class jester”“. For the neuropsychologist, despite parental effort and investment at home, the time devoted to homework is “a real hell“. “Homework will have a lot of mistakes, they will be disorganized and messy“, describes the specialist. During teenagehood, hyperactivity evolves into internal restlessness, often interpreted as nervousness, impatience or boredom. “Attention, on the other hand, does not fluctuate, it remains stable regardless of age while the demands on organization and concentration will increase“, describes the professional. Attentional and organizational difficulties have been the cause of poor school performance. Whether school or family, the failures of the ADHD teenager can promote a bad self esteem with some defensive attitudes (even withdrawal), demotivation, depression and gratuitous and incessant disputes. “Due to their impulsiveness, adolescents with ADHD find it difficult to master the dangers as well as the limits and consequences of their actions. At this age, he is looking for sensations and novelties that can increase the risk factor for accidents of all kinds.“.
What are the symptoms of ADHD in adults?
In adulthood, the symptoms mentioned above persist, but are strongly influenced by experiences, failures, successes and the personal and professional environment. “Attention disorder is less visible, but still causes many inconveniences. The organizational, planning and management difficulties come to the fore and their consequences worsen with the growing responsibilities“, specifies Romane Nicolay. The distraction will manifest itself by missed appointments, loss of documents and frequent omissions, for example. On the side of hyperactivity, we also find the same symptoms as in adolescents, that is to say restlessness, discomfort while waiting… The ADHD adult also remains impulsive. “He has a tendency to make decisions too quickly and not to think before speaking. He does not take well to frustrations and his mood is often changeable“, develops the neuropsychologist.
What are the symptoms of ADHD in women?
In girls, ADHD can manifest differently. “They tend to present a so-called inattentive form, that is to say with more symptoms of inattention than hyperactivity/impulsivity“, reveals the neuropsychologist. Conversely, boys tend to present a predominant impulsive/hyperactive form.”This different presentation can, unfortunately, delay the diagnosis of ADHD in women and, therefore, without treatment, cause more difficulties. However, this difference tends to disappear in adulthood.“, indicates the specialist. For her, we see a difference in the comorbidities which are therefore added to the basic disorder. “Women will tend to have internalized disorders (depression, anxietyeating disorders …) while men will tend to present externalized disorders (addictions, behavioral disorders, etc.).
What test to do to diagnose ADHD?
According to international recommendations, ADHD is diagnosed on the basis of a clinical interview conducted by a trained and specialized professional. “It is important to specify that it is not on the basis of questionnaires, imaging method or neuropsychological tests (attentional test, inhibition test, etc.) that ADHD can be confirmed.“, warns Romane Nicolay. There are several avenues of support: therapeutic (cognitive behavioral therapypsychoeducation, parental guidance programs, etc.) or medication (ethylphenidate (psychostimulant) and atomoxetine (non-psychostimulant)..). Be careful though. These do not cure people with ADHD, but relieve symptoms and make their daily life easier.
thanks to Romane Nicolayneuropsychologist specializing in the assessment and management of ADHD.