WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:00.761 Hello Brains! 00:00:00.761 --> 00:00:03.289 Welcome to my definitions and answers series 00:00:03.289 --> 00:00:06.151 where I explain common terms related to ADHD. 00:00:06.151 --> 00:00:09.236 Since this is the first video in this series, let's start with the basics. 00:00:09.236 --> 00:00:10.441 What is ADHD? 00:00:10.441 --> 00:00:14.441 ♪ [Intro music] ♪ 00:00:14.605 --> 00:00:16.574 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, 00:00:16.574 --> 00:00:17.635 or ADHD, 00:00:17.635 --> 00:00:19.975 is a neurodevelopmental disorder as defined 00:00:19.975 --> 00:00:21.965 by the American Psychiatric Association 00:00:21.966 --> 00:00:25.146 in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, or DSM. 00:00:25.146 --> 00:00:28.156 ADHD is currently diagnosed in both children and adults, 00:00:28.156 --> 00:00:31.706 based on the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity or impulsivity. 00:00:31.706 --> 00:00:33.826 Two of several signs of inattention include 00:00:33.826 --> 00:00:35.869 making careless mistakes, 00:00:35.869 --> 00:00:37.539 or having difficulties focussing. 00:00:37.539 --> 00:00:40.096 A few of the many signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity 00:00:40.096 --> 00:00:42.016 include fidgeting or restlessness, 00:00:42.016 --> 00:00:43.197 trouble sitting still, 00:00:43.197 --> 00:00:45.617 or interrupting and blurting out answers. 00:00:45.617 --> 00:00:47.377 While everyone does these things sometimes, 00:00:47.377 --> 00:00:48.896 not everyone has ADHD. 00:00:48.896 --> 00:00:51.520 An ADHD diagnosis requires at least six symptoms 00:00:51.520 --> 00:00:53.416 that are beyond what is age appropriate, 00:00:53.416 --> 00:00:55.126 that significantly impair multiple 00:00:55.126 --> 00:00:56.676 aspects of one's life, 00:00:56.676 --> 00:00:58.046 such as home, school and work, 00:00:58.046 --> 00:01:00.124 that have persisted for at least six months, 00:01:00.124 --> 00:01:02.104 been present since before the age of 12, 00:01:02.104 --> 00:01:04.608 and can't be better explained by a different condition. 00:01:04.608 --> 00:01:07.048 Not everyone with ADHD has the same symptoms. 00:01:07.048 --> 00:01:11.148 In fact, ADHD diagnoses are separated into three presentations: 00:01:11.548 --> 00:01:12.968 primarily inattentive, 00:01:12.968 --> 00:01:14.818 primarily hyperactive or impulsive, 00:01:14.818 --> 00:01:16.384 and combined type. 00:01:16.384 --> 00:01:18.354 There are different levels of severity 00:01:18.354 --> 00:01:21.162 and people with ADHD often have coexisting conditions, 00:01:21.162 --> 00:01:22.655 such as learning disabilities, 00:01:22.655 --> 00:01:23.551 anxiety, 00:01:23.551 --> 00:01:24.301 or depression. 00:01:24.301 --> 00:01:25.531 They can also be gifted. 00:01:25.531 --> 00:01:26.367 The term for this 00:01:26.367 --> 00:01:27.496 is "twice exceptional" 00:01:27.496 --> 00:01:29.022 While there is no cure for ADHD, 00:01:29.022 --> 00:01:30.129 it is highly treatable. 00:01:30.129 --> 00:01:32.762 There is no single treatment that works for everyone with ADHD 00:01:32.762 --> 00:01:35.710 but the current recommendation based on a ton of research 00:01:35.710 --> 00:01:37.316 is multimodal treatment. 00:01:37.316 --> 00:01:38.822 Medication to manage symptoms 00:01:38.822 --> 00:01:39.828 and behavioral therapy 00:01:39.828 --> 00:01:41.786 to develop the skills and strategies necessary 00:01:41.786 --> 00:01:43.374 to minimize impairment. 00:01:43.374 --> 00:01:44.284 Those with ADHD 00:01:44.284 --> 00:01:46.066 often struggle with everyday tasks 00:01:46.066 --> 00:01:48.329 and are at a higher risk for negative life outcomes, 00:01:48.329 --> 00:01:49.560 such as divorce, 00:01:49.560 --> 00:01:50.446 job loss, 00:01:50.446 --> 00:01:51.302 accidents, 00:01:51.302 --> 00:01:52.242 and addiction. 00:01:52.242 --> 00:01:54.219 At the same time, many people with ADHD 00:01:54.219 --> 00:01:57.360 credit their success to the unique ways in which their brain works. 00:01:57.360 --> 00:02:00.391 ADHD symptoms, such as impulsivity and distractability, 00:02:00.391 --> 00:02:03.261 can translate into creativity, curiosity, 00:02:03.261 --> 00:02:04.599 a willingness to take risks, 00:02:04.599 --> 00:02:06.743 and an ability to think outside the box. 00:02:06.813 --> 00:02:07.459 Fun fact: 00:02:07.459 --> 00:02:10.832 the name "ADHD" has only been around since 1987, 00:02:10.832 --> 00:02:13.580 but the condition itself has been described by physicians at least 00:02:13.580 --> 00:02:15.970 as early as 1798. 00:02:16.046 --> 00:02:17.494 So, it's nothing new, 00:02:17.494 --> 00:02:19.962 and our understanding of ADHD is constantly evolving. 00:02:19.962 --> 00:02:21.367 What it is, what causes it, 00:02:21.367 --> 00:02:23.167 how it affects us, and how to address it. 00:02:23.167 --> 00:02:23.907 For example: 00:02:23.907 --> 00:02:27.562 we might hear many experts refer to it as an executive function disorder. 00:02:27.562 --> 00:02:29.606 And, while this isn't listed in the current DSM, 00:02:29.606 --> 00:02:33.692 emotional dysregulation is also a well-researched aspect of ADHD. 00:02:33.692 --> 00:02:35.705 As we learn more and more about ADHD, 00:02:35.705 --> 00:02:38.029 the definition will definitely be updated 00:02:38.029 --> 00:02:40.213 in both the DSM and the ICD 00:02:40.221 --> 00:02:42.803 which is the other major reference for medical definitions. 00:02:42.803 --> 00:02:45.374 Whatever we call it and however we define it, 00:02:45.374 --> 00:02:47.654 those with ADHD experience its impact on 00:02:47.654 --> 00:02:49.156 many aspects of their lives. 00:02:49.156 --> 00:02:50.936 If you'd like to learn more about ADHD, 00:02:50.936 --> 00:02:53.206 checkout my "ADHD essentials" playlist here. 00:02:53.206 --> 00:02:54.868 And if you'd like to support this work, 00:02:54.868 --> 00:02:57.288 consider donating to How to ADHD on Patreon. 00:02:57.288 --> 00:02:58.928 The Brain Advocates shown here 00:02:58.928 --> 00:03:00.232 and all the Patreon Brains 00:03:00.232 --> 00:03:02.059 are the reason we can create content 00:03:02.059 --> 00:03:03.552 that helps ADHD Brains, 00:03:03.552 --> 00:03:04.921 and Hearts who love them, 00:03:04.921 --> 00:03:07.013 learn to work with their Brains, not against them. 00:03:07.013 --> 00:03:08.543 Let me know what you think of this new series 00:03:08.543 --> 00:03:11.220 and let me know what definitions I should do in the future. 00:03:11.220 --> 00:03:13.593 Then -- go -- watch more videos 00:03:13.593 --> 00:03:15.195 ... unless you need to sleep, 00:03:15.195 --> 00:03:16.017 or eat, 00:03:16.017 --> 00:03:16.983 or study 00:03:17.053 --> 00:03:19.143 then -- you should probably do that... 00:03:19.143 --> 00:03:20.629 I should probably do that... 00:03:20.853 --> 00:03:21.951 Bye Brains!