What Is ADHD?
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a type of neurodevelopmental characteristic that appears across a wide age range—from children to adults. In recent years, there has been growing attention to “Adult ADHD,” and more people are seeking advice about difficulties in work and daily life. This article provides a clear medical perspective on the characteristics of ADHD, with concrete examples and treatment approaches.
Main Categories of ADHD Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can be broadly categorized into three types:
1. Inattention (Difficulty sustaining focus)
- Many careless mistakes
- Frequently forgetful or loses things
- Difficulty maintaining attention
Example: You set a meeting on your calendar but dismiss the reminder and forget to attend.
2. Hyperactivity (Difficulty staying still)
- Cannot stay calm unless physically moving
- Finds it hard to remain seated during classes or meetings
- Often described as “restless” by those around them
Example: You can’t stay seated through a movie, repeatedly getting up.
3. Impulsivity (Acts before thinking)
- Interrupts before others finish speaking
- Makes impulse purchases and later regrets them
- Has difficulty controlling anger or emotions
Example: You impulsively buy unnecessary items through online shopping.
Features in Children with ADHD
- Unable to finish homework
- Often forgets things
- Moves around during class
In school settings, children are often misunderstood as being inattentive or restless, which can lead to decreased self-esteem.
Features in Adults with ADHD
- Misses deadlines or submits documents late
- Disorganized and has a messy desk
- Frequently forgets appointments or plans
- Struggles to prioritize tasks, hindering work progress
Consequently, adults with ADHD are sometimes perceived as careless or irresponsible, affecting their work and personal relationships.
What Causes ADHD?
The exact cause of ADHD remains unknown, but differences in the functioning of neurotransmitters—especially dopamine and norepinephrine—are thought to play a role. There is also evidence of genetic factors; it is not uncommon to observe ADHD traits within families.
Treatment and Support Strategies
ADHD is not a disease that must be “cured”—with tailored adaptations and support, one’s quality of life can significantly improve:
- Environmental adjustments
- Use scheduling apps
- Create a quiet environment (headphones, partitions) to enhance focus
- With a diagnosis, a medical certificate can be issued to facilitate accommodations like workspace modification, reduced tasks, or extended deadlines
- Psychological approaches (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
- Help understand one’s behavioral patterns and learn coping strategies
- Counseling by a psychologist
- Medication
- Prescribed drugs to help control focus and impulsivity when necessary
- Kampo (traditional herbal medicine) may help reduce impulsiveness and irritability
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