Types of ADHD (characteristics, causes and symptoms)

What types of adhd are there and how do they differ?

We have all heard of ADHD. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a psychological disorder that seems to be in vogue in recent times: more and more children are going from "being nervous" to being diagnosed with this psychopathology.

Many professionals have raised their voices and warned that perhaps we are abusing this diagnosis too much, but the aim of this article is not to question this issue, but simply to to define ADHD and to detail the criteria for detecting it.. We will also put emphasis on explaining the two types of ADHD.

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

The acronym ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.. It is characterized by severe hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention, and is a type of psychological disorder that appears during childhood.

It is usually associated with other disorders such as oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder or difficulty in reading, and is usually accompanied and detected by difficulties in school performance or conflicts in the family environment or with friends.

Studies of families, adoptions and twins seem to corroborate the importance of the genetic factor in this disorder. in this disorder.

Types of ADHD and its characteristics

There are two types of ADHD:

• Attention deficit-predominant
• With predominance of hyperactivity-impulsivity.

Below you have the symptoms associated with each of these subtypes, but keep in mind that in order to diagnose ADHD, these symptoms must persist for at least 6 months with a maladaptive intensity. and incoherent in relation to developmental level, and that at least six of the following symptoms described in the DSM-5 diagnostic manual must be present.

1. ADHD Inattention

This type of ADHD is characterized by intense symptoms linked to problems in attention management, which affect both academic performance and social interactions.

2. ADHD Hyperactivity

This type of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder focuses on poor regulation of behavior, which is erratic and pauses are few and far between.

Possible Causes

Currently no single cause is currently known to explain the onset of ADHD.However, it has been shown that certain events in the development of the organism are conducive to the onset of ADHD, and it is also known that there are genetic predispositions. For example, tobacco use by pregnant women has an impact on the fetus, increasing the likelihood of developing one of the types of ADHD.

Therapies and Treatments for Children and Adults with ADHD

Finally, it should be noted that there are currently many effective treatments to minimize the impact of ADHD on the life of the child, adolescent or adult, not all of which involve medication. For example, cognitive and behavioral therapies, parenting and social skills training, psycho-educational re-education, are good alternatives.

One of the (few) advantages of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder "being in fashion" is that studies are continually being carried out to improve treatments and professionals can act very efficiently, both in detection and treatment.

Likewise, we should not forget that children, as the children they are, are nervous and this is a normal behavior that should not worry us.. It will only be a reason for special attention in the case that the diagnostic criteria we have mentioned are met, when it will be necessary to go to a professional for guidance.

It is also important to insist that non-medication treatments have been shown to be equally or more effective in treating ADHD and therefore we should follow the indications of the mental health professional. A comprehensive approach to this type of childhood behavioral disorders can be much more useful than approaches that prioritize direct intervention and the administration of psychotropic drugs.

• Often shows difficulty sustaining attention on tasks or in play activities
• Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
• Often does not follow instructions and does not complete schoolwork, assignments, or work center duties (not due to oppositional behavior or inability to understand instructions)
• Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
• Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or housework)
• Often misplaces objects needed for tasks or activities, such as toys or school objects
• Often easily distracted by irrelevant stimuli
• Is often careless in daily activities
• Often moves hands and feet excessively, or fidgets in his seat, restless.
• Often leaves his seat in class or in other situations where he is expected to remain seated
• Often runs or jumps excessively in situations where it is inappropriate to do so (in adolescents or adults may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)
• Often has difficulty playing or engaging quietly in leisure activities
• Often "on the go" or often acts as if he/she has a motor
• Often talks excessively Impulsivity
• Often rushes answers before questions have been completed
• Often has difficulty in keeping tums
• Often interrupts or intrudes on others' activities (e.g., intrudes on conversations or games).
Bibliographic references:
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