Shining a Light on ADHD This October: Facts, Myths, and Support
October is a month that brings diverse experiences and opportunities, which can differ based on individual interests, cultural influences, location, and emotional or mental states. It's also recognized globally as ADHD Awareness Month, a time to educate and share resources about ADHD with both those unfamiliar with the condition and those who are diagnosed or suspect they might have it. Unfortunately, media and entertainment often misrepresent ADHD, leading to stigmatization. However, it’s important to remember that while we’re all unique, we’re united in the ability to support one another. Together, we can help everyone feel understood, valued, and uplifted. This month, let's clarify ADHD in children and adults, explore how common it is, and discuss integrative and naturopathic approaches to management.
Childhood ADHD
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most frequently diagnosed behavioral disorder in children, with prevalence rates ranging from 6% to 16%, depending on criteria and study populations. Between 2016 and 2019, 10% of children aged 3-17 years were diagnosed with ADHD, a rise from 6% in 1997-1998. ADHD is diagnosed more often in boys than girls, with a 4:1 ratio for predominantly hyperactive ADHD and a 2:1 ratio for the inattentive type.
The process of diagnosing ADHD usually begins when parents or caregivers express concerns about their child's behavior, academic performance, or social interactions. To properly assess the condition, information from various environments such as home, school, and community is essential. ADHD symptoms are generally divided into two primary categories: hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention. Hyperactive behaviors tend to emerge around age four, increase in intensity over the next few years, and peak around ages seven to eight. Common hyperactive and impulsive symptoms include:
Excessive fidgetiness (eg, tapping the hands or feet, squirming in seat)
Difficulty staying seated when sitting is required (eg, at school, work, etc)
Restlessness or inappropriate activity levels (in adolescents) or inappropriate running around or climbing in younger children
Trouble playing quietly
Always seeming "on the go"
Excessive talking
Difficulty waiting for one's turn
Interrupting others
Inattentive ADHD typically becomes more noticeable around ages eight or nine and involves reduced focus and slower cognitive processing. Symptoms may include:
Lack of attention to detail
Difficulty maintaining focus on tasks
Appearing not to listen when spoken to
Incomplete follow-through on tasks
Trouble organizing activities
Avoidance of tasks requiring sustained effort
Frequently losing necessary items
Easy distractibility
Forgetfulness in daily activities
Children with ADHD often have co-existing conditions such as oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and learning disabilities. Identifying and addressing these is critical for a comprehensive treatment approach.
Adult ADHD
ADHD continues into adulthood for 30-50% of individuals diagnosed as children. Interestingly, some adults with ADHD never showed symptoms during childhood. Current estimates suggest that about 8.7 million adults in the U.S. have ADHD, but it often goes unrecognized due to fewer interactions with those who can identify the signs.
ADHD in adults can impact work, education, and relationships. Diagnosis is often complicated by reliance on self-reports and overlaps with conditions like depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. Adults with ADHD tend to show more inattention and executive function deficits, with impulsivity manifesting in subtler ways. Common executive function challenges include:
Working memory
Shifting between tasks
Self-monitoring
Initiating tasks
Self-regulation
These deficits can lead to difficulties with focus, organization, task completion, time management, and forgetfulness. Proper diagnosis requires a structured clinical interview, review of medical history, physical examination, and behavioral questionnaires. Adults diagnosed with ADHD can experience significant improvements in their lives and relationships when treated appropriately.
Common Treatments for ADHD
ADHD is not just a challenge but can also come with unique strengths. With the right treatment and support, people with ADHD can thrive. Management often involves behavioral therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, such as:
Taking a high-quality multivitamin and mineral supplement daily.
Incorporating 2,000–6,000 mg of fish oil for brain health.
Reducing or eliminating caffeine and nicotine to improve sleep and reduce nutrient depletion.
Engaging in 30–45 minutes of daily physical activity.
Limiting screen time to 30 minutes or less.
Eating a diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and protein.
Maintaining a calm approach in conflicts to avoid reinforcing negative behaviors.
Testing for learning disabilities and implementing supportive programs.
Encouraging individuals to seek help and connect with supportive resources.
Behavioral therapy strategies for children may include:
Keeping a structured daily routine
Minimizing distractions
Setting small, achievable goals
Using rewards for positive behaviors
Using charts or checklists to stay organized
Limiting choices
Providing calm, consistent discipline
Though ADHD cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed with a holistic approach that focuses on lifestyle, diet, and relationships. With the right support, individuals with ADHD can channel their abilities and thrive.
Resources
ADHD Awareness Month Coalition - a professional membership organization for ADHD coaches created to advance the profession of ADHD coaching worldwide. https://www.adhdawarenessmonth.org/aco/
Attention Deficit Disorder Association – the world’s leading adult ADHD organization that provides information, resources and networking opportunities to help adults with ADHD.
https://www.adhdawarenessmonth.org/adda/
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder – a resource that provides reliable, science-based information on the current medical research & ADHD management, offering educational and training programs and advocacy services at both the local and national level to those living with ADHD, their family members, educators, and healthcare professionals. https://www.adhdawarenessmonth.org/chadd/
National Alliance on Mental Illness - the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
https://www.nami.org/Home
ADHD Screening Assessments - file:///C:/Users/Julie/Downloads/adhd19-assessment-screeners-1.pdf
National resource center on ADHD – http://www.help4adhd.org
Therapist Aid – worksheets, interactive tools, guides, educational videos, and articles geared towards supporting individuals with ADHD and other mental-emotional concerns. https://www.therapistaid.com/search?query=ADHD
Blog Post discussing some key insights on ADHD and Driving from Shamieh Law - https://shamiehlaw.com/adhd-and-driving/
Citations
Chang JG, Cimino FM, Gossa W. ADHD in children: Common questions and answers. American Family Physician. November 15, 2020. Accessed September 17, 2023. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2020/1115/p592.html.
Felt BT, Biermann B, Christner JG, Kochhar P, Harrison RV. Diagnosis and management of ADHD in children. American Family Physician. October 1, 2014. Accessed September 17, 2023. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2014/1001/p456.html.
Post RE, Kurlansik SL. Diagnosis and management of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults. American Family Physician. May 1, 2012. Accessed September 17, 2023. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2012/0501/p890.html.
Searight HR, Burke JM, Rottnek F. Adult ADHD: Evaluation and treatment in Family Medicine. American Family Physician. November 1, 2000. Accessed September 17, 2023. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2000/1101/p2077.html.
Schein J, Adler LA, Childress A, et al. Economic burden of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder among adults in the United States: A societal perspective. Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy. 2022;28(2):168-179. doi:10.18553/jmcp.2021.21290
