1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:00,761 Hello Brains! 2 00:00:00,761 --> 00:00:03,289 Welcome to my definitions and answers series 3 00:00:03,289 --> 00:00:06,151 where I explain common terms related to ADHD. 4 00:00:06,151 --> 00:00:09,236 Since this is the first video in this series, let's start with the basics. 5 00:00:09,236 --> 00:00:10,441 What is ADHD? 6 00:00:10,441 --> 00:00:14,441 ♪ [Intro music] ♪ 7 00:00:14,605 --> 00:00:16,574 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, 8 00:00:16,574 --> 00:00:17,635 or ADHD, 9 00:00:17,635 --> 00:00:19,975 is a neurodevelopmental disorder as defined 10 00:00:19,975 --> 00:00:21,965 by the American Psychiatric Association 11 00:00:21,966 --> 00:00:25,146 in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, or DSM. 12 00:00:25,146 --> 00:00:28,156 ADHD is currently diagnosed in both children and adults, 13 00:00:28,156 --> 00:00:31,706 based on the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity or impulsivity. 14 00:00:31,706 --> 00:00:33,826 Two of several signs of inattention include 15 00:00:33,826 --> 00:00:35,869 making careless mistakes, 16 00:00:35,869 --> 00:00:37,539 or having difficulties focussing. 17 00:00:37,539 --> 00:00:40,096 A few of the many signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity 18 00:00:40,096 --> 00:00:42,016 include fidgeting or restlessness, 19 00:00:42,016 --> 00:00:43,197 trouble sitting still, 20 00:00:43,197 --> 00:00:45,617 or interrupting and blurting out answers. 21 00:00:45,617 --> 00:00:47,377 While everyone does these things sometimes, 22 00:00:47,377 --> 00:00:48,896 not everyone has ADHD. 23 00:00:48,896 --> 00:00:51,520 An ADHD diagnosis requires at least six symptoms 24 00:00:51,520 --> 00:00:53,416 that are beyond what is age appropriate, 25 00:00:53,416 --> 00:00:55,126 that significantly impair multiple 26 00:00:55,126 --> 00:00:56,676 aspects of one's life, 27 00:00:56,676 --> 00:00:58,046 such as home, school and work, 28 00:00:58,046 --> 00:01:00,124 that have persisted for at least six months, 29 00:01:00,124 --> 00:01:02,104 been present since before the age of 12, 30 00:01:02,104 --> 00:01:04,608 and can't be better explained by a different condition. 31 00:01:04,608 --> 00:01:07,048 Not everyone with ADHD has the same symptoms. 32 00:01:07,048 --> 00:01:11,148 In fact, ADHD diagnoses are separated into three presentations: 33 00:01:11,548 --> 00:01:12,968 primarily inattentive, 34 00:01:12,968 --> 00:01:14,818 primarily hyperactive or impulsive, 35 00:01:14,818 --> 00:01:16,384 and combined type. 36 00:01:16,384 --> 00:01:18,354 There are different levels of severity 37 00:01:18,354 --> 00:01:21,162 and people with ADHD often have coexisting conditions, 38 00:01:21,162 --> 00:01:22,655 such as learning disabilities, 39 00:01:22,655 --> 00:01:23,551 anxiety, 40 00:01:23,551 --> 00:01:24,301 or depression. 41 00:01:24,301 --> 00:01:25,531 They can also be gifted. 42 00:01:25,531 --> 00:01:26,367 The term for this 43 00:01:26,367 --> 00:01:27,496 is "twice exceptional" 44 00:01:27,496 --> 00:01:29,022 While there is no cure for ADHD, 45 00:01:29,022 --> 00:01:30,129 it is highly treatable. 46 00:01:30,129 --> 00:01:32,762 There is no single treatment that works for everyone with ADHD 47 00:01:32,762 --> 00:01:35,710 but the current recommendation based on a ton of research 48 00:01:35,710 --> 00:01:37,316 is multimodal treatment. 49 00:01:37,316 --> 00:01:38,822 Medication to manage symptoms 50 00:01:38,822 --> 00:01:39,828 and behavioral therapy 51 00:01:39,828 --> 00:01:41,786 to develop the skills and strategies necessary 52 00:01:41,786 --> 00:01:43,374 to minimize impairment. 53 00:01:43,374 --> 00:01:44,284 Those with ADHD 54 00:01:44,284 --> 00:01:46,066 often struggle with everyday tasks 55 00:01:46,066 --> 00:01:48,329 and are at a higher risk for negative life outcomes, 56 00:01:48,329 --> 00:01:49,560 such as divorce, 57 00:01:49,560 --> 00:01:50,446 job loss, 58 00:01:50,446 --> 00:01:51,302 accidents, 59 00:01:51,302 --> 00:01:52,242 and addiction. 60 00:01:52,242 --> 00:01:54,219 At the same time, many people with ADHD 61 00:01:54,219 --> 00:01:57,360 credit their success to the unique ways in which their brain works. 62 00:01:57,360 --> 00:02:00,391 ADHD symptoms, such as impulsivity and distractability, 63 00:02:00,391 --> 00:02:03,261 can translate into creativity, curiosity, 64 00:02:03,261 --> 00:02:04,599 a willingness to take risks, 65 00:02:04,599 --> 00:02:06,743 and an ability to think outside the box. 66 00:02:06,813 --> 00:02:07,459 Fun fact: 67 00:02:07,459 --> 00:02:10,832 the name "ADHD" has only been around since 1987, 68 00:02:10,832 --> 00:02:13,580 but the condition itself has been described by physicians at least 69 00:02:13,580 --> 00:02:15,970 as early as 1798. 70 00:02:16,046 --> 00:02:17,494 So, it's nothing new, 71 00:02:17,494 --> 00:02:19,962 and our understanding of ADHD is constantly evolving. 72 00:02:19,962 --> 00:02:21,367 What it is, what causes it, 73 00:02:21,367 --> 00:02:23,167 how it affects us, and how to address it. 74 00:02:23,167 --> 00:02:23,907 For example: 75 00:02:23,907 --> 00:02:27,562 we might hear many experts refer to it as an executive function disorder. 76 00:02:27,562 --> 00:02:29,606 And, while this isn't listed in the current DSM, 77 00:02:29,606 --> 00:02:33,692 emotional dysregulation is also a well-researched aspect of ADHD. 78 00:02:33,692 --> 00:02:35,705 As we learn more and more about ADHD, 79 00:02:35,705 --> 00:02:38,029 the definition will definitely be updated 80 00:02:38,029 --> 00:02:40,213 in both the DSM and the ICD 81 00:02:40,221 --> 00:02:42,803 which is the other major reference for medical definitions. 82 00:02:42,803 --> 00:02:45,374 Whatever we call it and however we define it, 83 00:02:45,374 --> 00:02:47,654 those with ADHD experience its impact on 84 00:02:47,654 --> 00:02:49,156 many aspects of their lives. 85 00:02:49,156 --> 00:02:50,936 If you'd like to learn more about ADHD, 86 00:02:50,936 --> 00:02:53,206 checkout my "ADHD essentials" playlist here. 87 00:02:53,206 --> 00:02:54,868 And if you'd like to support this work, 88 00:02:54,868 --> 00:02:57,288 consider donating to How to ADHD on Patreon. 89 00:02:57,288 --> 00:02:58,928 The Brain Advocates shown here 90 00:02:58,928 --> 00:03:00,232 and all the Patreon Brains 91 00:03:00,232 --> 00:03:02,059 are the reason we can create content 92 00:03:02,059 --> 00:03:03,552 that helps ADHD Brains, 93 00:03:03,552 --> 00:03:04,921 and Hearts who love them, 94 00:03:04,921 --> 00:03:07,013 learn to work with their Brains, not against them. 95 00:03:07,013 --> 00:03:08,543 Let me know what you think of this new series 96 00:03:08,543 --> 00:03:11,220 and let me know what definitions I should do in the future. 97 00:03:11,220 --> 00:03:13,593 Then -- go -- watch more videos 98 00:03:13,593 --> 00:03:15,195 ... unless you need to sleep, 99 00:03:15,195 --> 00:03:16,017 or eat, 100 00:03:16,017 --> 00:03:16,983 or study 101 00:03:17,053 --> 00:03:19,143 then -- you should probably do that... 102 00:03:19,143 --> 00:03:20,629 I should probably do that... 103 00:03:20,853 --> 00:03:21,951 Bye Brains!