Misconceptions on ADHD

ADHD myths : "It only effects on children. They are just kids. They will be fine as they grow older and mature. "

My story.. before we proceed further about ADHD...

Let me be straight here, I struggled half of my life trying to figure out what is actually right and why am I always failing. I have been misdiagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder when I was 14. I felt nothing is going right for me, I had to work harder to adjust myself to my peers. I was being called the "weird one, without personality", "crazy bitch" (cause I have a psychiatrist). It hurt that much and I felt like my wounds are always wide open unhealed for years. I kept on pushing myself too hard to the extend where I felt tired and just wanted to switch myself off. It was an ongoing endless battle. I felt like a burden and a disappointment.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

As aforesaid, ADHD are most diagnosed in childrens and labelled as a mental disorder. To be honest, it is a real shame and heart wrenching to me when I read and heard those. Let me clarify this.. ADHD is not a mental disorder. It is a brain disorder which affects the mental health conditions. It is not affecting children only but in adults too!

Needless to say, it is commonly diagnosed in children as the symptoms are easily spotted. As such, the behaviour of being unable to keep still and not paying attention in class. However, in my country, as mental health awareness are still shallow. They will say;"Kids are just kids, they're just naughty boys".

To that account, most boys are diagnosed earlier in their childhood and girls are often diagnosed later on in their teenage years (because girls are less jumpy). Unfortunately, many girls have struggled almost half of their life until they entered adulthood. Struggling to fit into the norm of society and expectations. Often will end up having depressions, anxiety, panic attacks and other co-exist mental disorder traits such as bipolar, schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder and so on. Undiagnosed ADHD perchance to be misdiagnosed with other mental disorders in which resulting to worsen the ADHD symptoms itself. To some, it might lead to an unfortunate circumstances such as suicide.

Is ADHD a serious mental health issue?

Yes, it is real and need to be taken seriously. Why? Sad to spill the truth, there is yet to be any cure for ADHD. However, the symptoms can be managed provided with the right treatment/medication/education/therapy plans. So let's get deeper into this. There are 3 types of ADHD that you need to know;

• Inattentive

• Hyperactive-impulsive

• Combined of both above

Click on the links to read more..

Here are some cited brief explanations;

Inattentive ADHD (commonly known as ADD)

Subtype of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder that often manifests as limited attention span, distractibility, forgetfulness, or procrastination. They make careless mistakes because they have difficulty sustaining focus, following detailed instructions, and organizing tasks and activities. They are easily distracted by external stimuli, and often lose things. They may leave projects unfinished and appear not to listen when you speak.

Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD

Can't sit still. They are talking a mile a minute. They are just high-energy person. Hyperactivity is just one sign of ADHD in kids where they seem to always be on the move. Kids who are hyperactive also tend to be impulsive. They may interrupt conversations. They may play out of turn. Nonetheless, adults can also have this type of ADHD but it’s less common because hyperactivity tends to lessen with age.

Combined ADHD

Characterized by both hyperactivity (moving constantly including in situations where this is not appropriate, fidgeting, excessive talking, restlessness, “wearing others out”) and impulsivity (making hasty, unplanned actions such as interrupting others or making big decisions without considering consequences and/or a desire for immediate rewards or inability to delay gratification) as well as inattention (difficulty concentrating or sustaining attention, procrastination, hesitation, and forgetfulness).

Symptoms of ADHD? Do you have it?

Diagnosis of adult ADHD can be very complex as hyperactivity is not obvious as shown like in kids behaviour. This notwithstanding with the symptoms in kids, adult hyperactivity is more likely to show unusually high level of activity and difficulty inhibiting impulsiveness. Especially when it comes to spending wise (irrelevant shopping spree) and motor hyperactiveness (restlessness and always on the move). Adult with ADHD are common to encounter financial management problems and car accidents. Symptoms can be seen from an ADHD person ;

• Fidgeting (unable to keep still)

• Anxiety (always sweating or nervous)

• Excessive talking (chatty and out of context)

• Impatient (trouble waiting for turn)

• Interrupting others (especially during conversations)

• Zoned-out (space-cadet)

• Difficulties in following instructions (due to forgetfulness)

• Careless (not paying attention to details and surrounding)

So if you always have troubles as mentioned, by means it is affecting your quality of life at the moment. Especially work, relationships and responsibilities. Please seek to a certified practitioner for further assessment. There are actually more to explain, but this will be continued yea.

Do not be shy about it, voice out if you need help. Hence, this is what my blog is designed for. Reach out, and lets discuss. Well, this will be about it for now. More posts will be coming up about ADHD. Do stick around and help each other! :)

What is my type of ADHD?

Well.. mine is hyperactive-impulsive in addition with mood disorder (yet to be specified). Hence, I may show both combined ADHD as well.

Thanks for reading. Peace out.