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How many adults have ADHD? -

According to recent research, approximately 6.8% of adults worldwide have ADHD, up from 4.4% in 2003. This equates to about 366 million adults—roughly the population of the United States.

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Types of ADHD: Inattentive -

Inattentive ADHD is characterized by not paying attention to detail, being unable to follow or understand instructions, being distracted, failing to pay attention and keep on track, and avoiding tasks that involve effort.

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Types of ADHD: Hyperactive-impulsive -

Symptoms of hyperactive-impulsive ADHD include fidgeting, excessive talking, interrupting others, speaking out of turn, and frequently getting up while seated.

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Types of ADHD: Combined -

People with combined-type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types. This is the most common form of ADHD.

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Day-to-day activities with ADHD -

For children with ADHD, everyday tasks like going to bed, getting ready for school on time, and staying organized can be challenging.

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Day-to-day activities with ADHD -

Adults with ADHD may find they have problems with organization and time management, focusing and completing tasks, and coping with stress.

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What causes ADHD? -

The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, but the condition tends to run in families. Other potential factors include premature birth, low birth weight, and exposure to smoking, alcohol, or drug use during pregnancy.

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Technology-related ADHD -

Research is ongoing, but a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that frequent digital media use—such as social media, gaming, texting, and streaming—raises the risk of developing ADHD symptoms by nearly 10%.

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Limiting phone use -

According to a large population study by BMC Public Health, to prevent attentional deficits related to technology use, smartphone use should be limited to 60 minutes per day.

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Constant technological stimulation -

As people are expected to multitask and face constant stimulation from technology and screen use, this may contribute to a shorter attention span.

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Allowing the brain to reset -

Experts think the link between technology use and attention problems could be due to the fact that people who constantly use technology have fewer opportunities to allow their brain to rest.

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ADHD and excessive online use -

Scientists are still trying to figure out whether people become excessive online consumers because they have ADHD or if they develop ADHD as a result of heavy online consumption. Research is increasingly suggesting that it may be the latter.

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Technology may exacerbate existing ADHD symptoms -

Excessive technology use may worsen pre-existing ADHD or cause a non-ADHD brain to feel scattered.

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Diagnosis -

ADHD is often overlooked in children and may not be identified until a person reaches adulthood. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, specific symptoms must be identified in someone by age 12.

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Diagnosis -

People do not need to be diagnosed by age 12; symptoms just need to be present by that age. In some cases, symptoms may be identified retrospectively by reviewing teacher notes or interviewing family members, with the support of a trained psychiatrist.

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Missed opportunities for diagnoses -

ADHD is sometimes not identified until someone is older because symptoms were missed in younger years or masked by other factors. A child who wasn't able to sit still in a classroom may be very impatient waiting in grocery store lines. 

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Women and ADHD -

Adult women are one of the most frequently undiagnosed groups of ADHD. They are often given anti-depressants and anxiety medication, when really their symptoms are related to having ADHD. 

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Hormonal changes -

Hormonal changes associated with menstruation or menopause often reveal latent ADHD symptoms in individuals assigned female at birth.

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COVID-19 -

Having structure can be a coping mechanism for those who have undiagnosed ADHD. A change in the working environment for some professionals and students during the COVID-19 pandemic may have made it difficult to stay focused and adhere to work-life boundaries.

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Social media awareness -

Increased ADHD-related content on social media has heightened awareness of the condition and led people to question their own behaviors that might indicate ADHD.

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Reduced stigma -

The stigma surrounding mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders has decreased, encouraging more individuals to seek help and receive a diagnosis.

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Overlooking a different diagnosis -

Other conditions can cause symptoms like poor attention and focus, not just ADHD. Depression and anxiety disorders may be misdiagnosed as ADHD.

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Misdiagnosis -

An incorrect ADHD diagnosis may result in ineffective medications and treatment, which can make it harder to manage work, school, or life challenges.

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Reliance on psychological assessments -

The diagnosis for ADHD can be made using a mix of psychological testing and rating scales, which can sometimes lead to false positives, that is, saying ADHD is present when it isn't. 

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Celebrities with ADHD -

According to some, since the 18th century, people have actively sought diagnoses that offer social prestige. And as more celebrities are opening up about their ADHD diagnoses, this trend may be influencing others to seek similar diagnoses.

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ADHD often co-exists with other conditions -

ADHD can co-exist with other conditions, and adults who have been diagnosed with a co-existing condition, like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), may not go on to get assessed for ADHD.

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Money -

In recent years, there has been a rise in specialized telehealth clinics offering quick ADHD diagnoses and prescriptions for a high price. Some of these clinics may be motivated by substantial salaries to deliver ADHD diagnoses.

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Instant gratification -

We live in a society that is being driven by instant gratification and in the absence of future planning and boredom tolerance, ADHD symptoms will manifest in all ages.

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Treatment -

ADHD can be treated with medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, or a combination of both. Consulting with a healthcare professional will help you determine the most effective treatment for your needs.

Sources: (National Geographic) (University of Utah Health) (NHS) (Australian Public Service) 

See also: The important link between mental health and the body

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