ADHD

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Updated: Apr 10, 2024

What is ADHD?

A condition characterized by distractibility, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Other common manifestations include trouble organizing tasks and projects, difficulty going to sleep, and social problems related to being loud or impatient.

Our blogs

Here are our latest blogs focusing on all things ADHD written by our team of qualified medical writers. We hope these are informative, inspiring and interesting! If you have an idea for a blog you would like to see, you can reach out to our support team at support@human.health

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The benefits of having ADHD

ADHD can bring some challenges, but it might also have some benefits. Learn more about how ADHD might be a secret superpower.

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Thinking Different: How ADHD Affects the Brain

The ADHD brain may have altered dopamine levels, structural changes to the frontal lobe, and unusual activity in certain brain regions.

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ADHD in Women: How do Symptoms Present Differently?

Women are under-represented in studies about ADHD. Here are some ways ADHD might look different in females compared to males.

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What ADHD Combined Type Actually Looks Like

There are 3 main types of ADHD. Learn about the symptoms and presentation of combined-type ADHD in this post.

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ADHD Terminology

This post breaks down some of the commonly used terms in the ADHD community, including quotes and experiences from people with ADHD.

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10 Sensory Toys Your Kids Will Love

A handy list of sensory toys to stimulate or calm those with sensory sensitivities.

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How to Overcome ADHD Paralysis

ADHD paralysis occurs when you're unable to stop what you’re doing and move on to other tasks. Learn more about ADHD paralysis and some helpful apps.

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ADHD Hyperfixation: Top tips for managing it effectively

Hyperfixation is the intense focus on specific interests, often associated with ADHD. Learn how to mange it to have positive benefits.

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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis

The journey to an ADHD diagnosis is unique and can be challenging. We've broken down the common steps towards getting an ADHD diagnosis.

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Common symptoms

Symptoms commonly experienced by people with ADHD.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, of course each person’s experience will be unique

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Difficulty concentrating

Difficulty focusing on one task or activity for a prolonged period of time. Affects ability to complete tasks or listen to instructions.

70% of users with ADHD track this

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Difficulty paying attention

Reduced ability to focus on a specific task or activity for an extended period. May become easily distracted or lose interest quickly.

69% of users with ADHD track this

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Easily distracted

Easily sidetracked by external stimuli when attempting to focus.

56% of users with ADHD track this

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Fatigue

A general feeling of tiredness or exhaustion.

51% of users with ADHD track this

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Memory problems

Difficulty recalling information, forgetfulness.

48% of users with ADHD track this

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Fidgeting

Small, repetitive movements that are often done unconsciously, such as tapping a foot, twirling a pen, or jiggling a leg.

48% of users with ADHD track this

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Anxiety

A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.

39% of users with ADHD track this

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Difficulty falling asleep

Difficulty initiating sleep, or taking a long time to fall asleep.

29% of users with ADHD track this

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Irritability

Being easily annoyed, upset, or frustrated. May manifest as a ‘short fuse’, leading to physical or verbal outbursts of emotion after feeling provoked by the environment or people around them.

28% of users with ADHD track this

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Headache

Physical discomfort or pain that affects the head, including the scalp and forehead. It can feel like a dull or sharp pain, a throbbing sensation, or a pressure-like discomfort.

26% of users with ADHD track this

Start tracking symptom

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Common treatments

Treatments commonly used for ADHD.

Always consult your doctor before starting any treatment.

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Dexmethylphenidate

Dexmethylphenidate is a medication that has many effects, which may include improved mood, behavior and focus. It works by increasing the available amount of chemicals that have a stimulating effect in the brain.

51% of users track this intervention

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Lisdexamfetamine

Lisdexamfetamine is a medication which may improve hyperactive behavior and disordered eating. It does this by increasing the availability of certain chemicals in the brain, which may lead to behavioral changes.

41% of users track this intervention

Start tracking treatment

Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine is a medication that may have multiple effects, including reducing hyperactivity and emotional dysfunction, and improving focus and mood. It works by increasing the available amount of a stimulating chemical called norepinephrine in the brain.

16% of users track this intervention

Start tracking treatment

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a type of therapy where a professional helps an individual understand and manage troubling thoughts and feelings, usually through talking one-on-one or in a group.

2% of users track this intervention

Start tracking treatment

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Monitor symptoms, track treatments. Gain insights.

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Intervention Social Anxiety: Combining Parent-child Treatment

Denken + Doen = Durven

All sexes

8 Years - 16 Years

View Summary

Effects of Aromatherapy on Anxiety and Pain During Dental Treatments in Adults: a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Aroma diffuser with single-note sweet orange essential oil

All sexes

18 Years - 40 Years

View Summary

Brief Transdiagnostic Treatment for Anxiety Disorders and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in South Africa

False Safety Behavioral Elimination Treatment (FSET)

All sexes

18 Years - 65 Years

View Summary

Reducing Adult Inpatients Anxiety With Virtual Reality Meditation: A Prospective, Randomized Study

Virtual Reality headset with calming scenery

All sexes

18 Years - 99 Years

View Summary

Behavioral Telehealth in Low-resource Primary Care Settings for Anxiety and Depression in Youth

STEP-UP (transdiagnostic behavioral therapy for pediatric anxiety and depression)

All sexes

8 Years - 16 Years

View Summary

Evaluation of Parturients With Anxiety

Cognitive Bias Modification for Interpretation (CBM-I)

Female

18 Years - 45 Years

View Summary

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Late Life Anxiety

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

All sexes

> 65 Years

View Summary

Understanding Patient Engagement Trends in Anxiety Disorder Clinical Research

All sexes

> 18 Years

View Summary

Schema Therapy for Treatment-resistant Anxiety Disorders

Individual Schema Therapy

All sexes

18 Years - 65 Years

View Summary

An Online Survey for Women With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Female

> 18 Years

View Summary

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Leading research

Here is a selection of some of the latest publications in ADHD research selected from our list of top research journals.

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A comparative study on dietary diversity and gut microbial diversity in children with autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, their neurotypical siblings, and non-related neurotypical volunteers: a cross-sectional study.

By Kurokawa S, Nomura K, Sanada K, Miyaho K, Ishii C, Fukuda S, Iwamoto C, Naraoka M, Yoneda S, Imafuku M, Matsuzaki J, Saito Y, Mimura M, Kishimoto T

Published Apr 02, 2024

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Why are females less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD in childhood than males?

By Martin J

Published Apr 01, 2024

Read

A Randomized, Phase 3, Double-Blind, Crossover Comparison of Multilayer, Extended-Release Methylphenidate (PRC-063), and Lisdexamfetamine in the Driving Performance of Young Adults With ADHD.

By Madaan V, Bhaskar S, Donnelly GAE, Cox DJ

Published Apr 01, 2024

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Longitudinal Associations Between Symptoms of ADHD and Life Success: From Emerging Adulthood to Early Middle Adulthood.

By Henning CT, Summerfeldt LJ, Parker JDA

Published Mar 19, 2024

Read

The Beginnings of Attention Deficit in a Dutch 18th Century Medical Treatise.

By van Kernebeek MW, Crunelle CL

Published Mar 18, 2024

Read

Who Provides Outpatient Clinical Care for Adults With ADHD? Analysis of Healthcare Claims by Types of Providers Among Private Insurance and Medicaid Enrollees, 2021.

By Danielson ML, Claussen AH, Arifkhanova A, Gonzalez MG, Surman C

Published Mar 18, 2024

Read

The Impact of Sex on Cognitive Control in ADHD: Girls Slow to Inhibit, Boys Inhibit Less, and Both Show Higher Response Variability.

By Ojuri B, DeRonda A, Plotkin M, Mostofsky SH, Rosch KS

Published Mar 16, 2024

Read

An Open-Label Pilot Trial of a Brief, Parent-Based Sleep Intervention in Children With ADHD.

By Li X, Lau FLF, Chiu WV, Wong CKD, Li AM, Wing YK, Lai YCK, Shea KSC, Li SX

Published Mar 05, 2024

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Methylphenidate and Sleep Difficulties in Children and Adolescents With ADHD: Results From the 2-Year Naturalistic Pharmacovigilance ADDUCE Study.

By Häge A, Man KKC, Inglis SK, Buitelaar J, Carucci S, Danckaerts M, Dittmann RW, Falissard B, Garas P, Hollis C, Konrad K, Kovshoff H, Liddle E, McCarthy S, Neubert A, Nagy P, Rosenthal E, Sonuga-Barke EJS, Zuddas A, Wong ICK, Coghill D, Banaschewski T

Published Mar 01, 2024

Read

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Support organizations

Here are a few support organizations that have additional information and resources.

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ADHD

The benefits of having ADHD

Thinking Different: How ADHD Affects the Brain

ADHD in Women: How do Symptoms Present Differently?

What ADHD Combined Type Actually Looks Like

ADHD Terminology

10 Sensory Toys Your Kids Will Love

How to Overcome ADHD Paralysis

ADHD Hyperfixation: Top tips for managing it effectively

How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis

Difficulty concentrating

Difficulty focusing on one task or activity for a prolonged period of time. Affects ability to complete tasks or listen to instructions.

Difficulty paying attention

Reduced ability to focus on a specific task or activity for an extended period. May become easily distracted or lose interest quickly.

Easily distracted

Easily sidetracked by external stimuli when attempting to focus.

Fatigue

A general feeling of tiredness or exhaustion.

Memory problems

Difficulty recalling information, forgetfulness.

Fidgeting

Small, repetitive movements that are often done unconsciously, such as tapping a foot, twirling a pen, or jiggling a leg.

Anxiety

A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.

Difficulty falling asleep

Difficulty initiating sleep, or taking a long time to fall asleep.

Irritability

Being easily annoyed, upset, or frustrated. May manifest as a ‘short fuse’, leading to physical or verbal outbursts of emotion after feeling provoked by the environment or people around them.

Headache

Physical discomfort or pain that affects the head, including the scalp and forehead. It can feel like a dull or sharp pain, a throbbing sensation, or a pressure-like discomfort.

Dexmethylphenidate

Dexmethylphenidate is a medication that has many effects, which may include improved mood, behavior and focus. It works by increasing the available amount of chemicals that have a stimulating effect in the brain.

Lisdexamfetamine

Lisdexamfetamine is a medication which may improve hyperactive behavior and disordered eating. It does this by increasing the availability of certain chemicals in the brain, which may lead to behavioral changes.

Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine is a medication that may have multiple effects, including reducing hyperactivity and emotional dysfunction, and improving focus and mood. It works by increasing the available amount of a stimulating chemical called norepinephrine in the brain.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a type of therapy where a professional helps an individual understand and manage troubling thoughts and feelings, usually through talking one-on-one or in a group.

Monitor symptoms, track treatments. Gain insights.

Anywhere, anytime

Intervention Social Anxiety: Combining Parent-child Treatment

Effects of Aromatherapy on Anxiety and Pain During Dental Treatments in Adults: a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Brief Transdiagnostic Treatment for Anxiety Disorders and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in South Africa

Reducing Adult Inpatients Anxiety With Virtual Reality Meditation: A Prospective, Randomized Study

Behavioral Telehealth in Low-resource Primary Care Settings for Anxiety and Depression in Youth

Evaluation of Parturients With Anxiety

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Late Life Anxiety

Understanding Patient Engagement Trends in Anxiety Disorder Clinical Research

Schema Therapy for Treatment-resistant Anxiety Disorders

An Online Survey for Women With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

A comparative study on dietary diversity and gut microbial diversity in children with autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, their neurotypical siblings, and non-related neurotypical volunteers: a cross-sectional study.

Why are females less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD in childhood than males?

A Randomized, Phase 3, Double-Blind, Crossover Comparison of Multilayer, Extended-Release Methylphenidate (PRC-063), and Lisdexamfetamine in the Driving Performance of Young Adults With ADHD.

Longitudinal Associations Between Symptoms of ADHD and Life Success: From Emerging Adulthood to Early Middle Adulthood.

The Beginnings of Attention Deficit in a Dutch 18th Century Medical Treatise.

Who Provides Outpatient Clinical Care for Adults With ADHD? Analysis of Healthcare Claims by Types of Providers Among Private Insurance and Medicaid Enrollees, 2021.

The Impact of Sex on Cognitive Control in ADHD: Girls Slow to Inhibit, Boys Inhibit Less, and Both Show Higher Response Variability.

An Open-Label Pilot Trial of a Brief, Parent-Based Sleep Intervention in Children With ADHD.

Methylphenidate and Sleep Difficulties in Children and Adolescents With ADHD: Results From the 2-Year Naturalistic Pharmacovigilance ADDUCE Study.

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