ADHD Quiz

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Quiz

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was once thought to be a condition that only affected school-aged children. In fact, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD affects about 4.4% of U.S. adults.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that is usually diagnosed in children who are unable to sit still and stay on task in the classroom setting. About one-third of children diagnosed with ADHD end up carrying the disorder into adulthood.

ADHD is grouped into three types, based on the presenting symptoms:

Predominantly inattentive:

Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive:

Extreme restlessness
Interrupts others; intrudes
Has trouble sitting calmly or remaining seated
Excessive activity level
Engages in impulsive behaviors
Talks excessively
Easily frustrated
Has trouble waiting their turn; impatient
Blurts out answers before questions are stated
Substance abuse
Has a bad temper

Combined: The individual has symptoms of both inattention and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD.

How ADHD Impacts Daily Life

Living with ADHD can be highly stressful. Here are some of the ways ADHD affects daily life:

Difficulty at work
Someone struggling with ADHD has trouble prioritizing tasks, or completing tasks, which can impact work performance. It also causes problems for colleagues who are affected by the person’s lack of follow-through on projects and tasks.
Trouble in relationships
ADHD can be disruptive in relationships due to poor anger management, impulsive behaviors, failing to follow through with responsibilities, and feelings of resentment on both sides.
Low self-esteem
Someone with ADHD experiences adverse effects from their symptoms, which can result in shame, guilt, and low self-esteem. Coworkers, romantic partners, and friends simply become frustrated with the person’s lack of follow through or with their impulsive actions.

Treatment Solutions for ADHD

It is important to get help for ADHD, not only because of how it affects your daily life, but because left untreated it can possibly lead to co-occurring anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. While ADHD is not curable, it can be managed in the following ways:

Medication
Stimulants, such as amphetamine or methylphenidate, are the most common drugs prescribed for adult ADHD.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a type of counseling that guides you toward managing your thoughts and behaviors in a more positive and productive way. Therapy is also helpful for learning how to improve relationships and to better manage anger.
Utilizing tools
To better organize daily tasks and set appointment reminders, therapists advise patients with ADHD to access available tools. These include the use of paper planners and calendars, using digital organizational apps, and to make daily to-do lists.