Understanding ADHD: Recognizing the Signs and Finding Support
October is ADHD Awareness Month
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects millions of children and adults across the United States. However, despite how common it is, ADHD is often misunderstood, overlooked, or left undiagnosed.
In recognition of ADHD Awareness Month, HAPPI Health is helping raise awareness about the signs, symptoms, and treatment options available for individuals living with ADHD.
Meagan Gusmus, Family Nurse Practitioner at HAPPI Health, recently joined us for an episode of HAPPI Chats to discuss how ADHD can affect individuals differently and why seeking an evaluation is an important first step toward getting the right support.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect a person's ability to focus, manage impulses, stay organized, and regulate activity levels.
While many people are familiar with the terms ADD and ADHD, healthcare professionals now use ADHD as the official diagnosis, recognizing three different presentations:
Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: Individuals may struggle with concentration, organization, following through on tasks, or remembering important details.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: Individuals may experience restlessness, excessive movement, difficulty sitting still, or acting without thinking through the consequences.
Combined Presentation: Individuals experience symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.
ADHD does not look the same for everyone. Some individuals may have noticeable hyperactivity, while others primarily struggle with maintaining focus or completing everyday tasks.
Recognizing the Signs of ADHD
Understanding the symptoms of ADHD can help individuals and families recognize when it may be time to seek professional guidance.
Common signs of inattention include:
Difficulty staying focused on tasks or conversations
Frequent daydreaming
Trouble following instructions
Difficulty staying organized
Forgetfulness or becoming easily distracted
Common signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity include:
Frequent fidgeting or restlessness
Difficulty remaining seated
Interrupting conversations
Acting without considering consequences
Difficulty waiting or controlling impulses
Occasionally experiencing these behaviors does not necessarily mean someone has ADHD. However, when symptoms are persistent and interfere with school, work, relationships, or daily activities, an evaluation may be beneficial.
Why ADHD Awareness Matters
ADHD can sometimes go undiagnosed, particularly in communities where access to healthcare, behavioral health resources, or specialized evaluations may be limited.
Children and adults may struggle for years without understanding why certain tasks seem more difficult for them than for others.
Raising awareness helps reduce stigma, encourages conversations, and connects individuals with resources that can improve their quality of life.
At HAPPI Health, we believe everyone deserves access to compassionate, comprehensive healthcare, regardless of their background or circumstances.
ADHD Evaluations at HAPPI Health
ADHD is not just a childhood condition. Symptoms can continue into adulthood, and some individuals may not receive a diagnosis until later in life.
HAPPI Health offers ADHD evaluations for both children and adults, generally beginning around ages four and a half to five.
According to Meagan Gusmus, the evaluation process involves more than simply identifying a few symptoms.
Our providers take time to review medical history, discuss concerns, assess behaviors, and determine which treatment options may be most appropriate.
One assessment tool available at HAPPI Health is the Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA), a computerized test that measures certain aspects of attention and response control.
TOVA results may help inform the evaluation, but they are not used alone to diagnose ADHD. A comprehensive clinical assessment is essential.
What Treatment Options Are Available?
There is no single treatment plan that works for everyone with ADHD. Treatment depends on an individual's age, symptoms, medical history, and specific needs.
Options may include:
Behavioral therapy and counseling to develop coping strategies and improve daily functioning
Organizational tools and routines to support time management and task completion
Medication management, including stimulant and non-stimulant medications when appropriate
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help individuals manage challenges related to attention, organization, and emotional regulation
Family education and support to help loved ones better understand ADHD and provide encouragement
For younger children, behavioral interventions and parent training are especially important components of care.
The goal is to develop an individualized treatment plan that helps patients succeed at home, at school, at work, and in their everyday lives.
ADHD and Other Mental Health Conditions
ADHD can sometimes occur alongside other mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and certain mood disorders.
Because symptoms can overlap, a thorough evaluation is important to identify other conditions that may be contributing to a patient's difficulties.
At HAPPI Health, our providers work to understand the whole patient, not just an individual symptom or diagnosis.
Recognizing these additional concerns can help guide patients toward appropriate treatment and resources.
Take the First Step Toward Understanding ADHD
Living with ADHD can present challenges, but with the right tools, treatment, and support, children and adults with ADHD can thrive.
If you or someone in your family is experiencing symptoms that may be related to ADHD, consider speaking with a healthcare provider.
An evaluation can provide valuable answers and help determine the next steps toward managing symptoms and improving daily life.
This ADHD Awareness Month, HAPPI Health encourages our community to learn the signs, start conversations, and remember that seeking support is a positive step toward better health.
💙 At HAPPI Health, we're here to help you take that step.
This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice or a professional evaluation.
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