South Indian actor Fahadh Faasil has recently said that he was clinically diagnosed with Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) at the age of 41. It is a chronic brain condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterised by difficulty in focusing, hyperactivity, and impulsive behaviour. ADHD can affect individuals of all ages, but it is most commonly diagnosed in children and adolescents. In this article, we will delve deeper into what ADHD is, its symptoms, causes, and available treatments.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the brain's executive function. This means that individuals with ADHD have difficulties with controlling their impulses, paying attention, and organising tasks. It is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management and can significantly impact an individual's daily life.
Symptoms of ADHD
The symptoms of ADHD can vary from person to person and can also change over time. However, there are three main types of ADHD: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined type.
The predominantly inattentive type is characterised by difficulty paying attention and staying focused on tasks. People with this type of ADHD may have trouble organising their thoughts and may easily get distracted.
The predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type is marked by excessive energy and impulsivity. Individuals with this type of ADHD may constantly fidget or squirm, have difficulty sitting still, and often act without thinking.
Combined type is the most common form of ADHD and presents a combination of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
Some common symptoms of ADHD include:
- Difficulty paying attention to details and following through on tasks
- Easily distracted or forgetful
- Excessive talking or interrupting others
- Difficulty waiting for turns or taking turns
- Impulsive behaviour or acting without thinking
- Restlessness or fidgeting
- Trouble following instructions
- Forgetfulness or losing things frequently
It is essential to remember that everyone can experience some of these symptoms at times, but for individuals with ADHD, these symptoms are persistent and significantly impact their daily lives.
Causes of ADHD
The exact cause of ADHD is still not fully understood. However, research suggests that there may be a combination of genetic and environmental factors that contribute to its development.
Treatments for ADHD
While there is no cure for ADHD, there are effective treatments available that can help manage the symptoms and improve an individual's quality of life. Treatment plans for ADHD typically include a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
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