So you’re sitting in class, thinking you’d rather
gouge your eyes out with a pencil than listen to one more second of
Professor Bore-ophyll.
But it’s only been about 15 minutes since lecture started.
How do you know if this is a typical symptom of college-student
boredom, or a more serious problem with attention and
concentration?
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurobiological
disorder that manifests itself as a persistent pattern of
inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. It is caused by a
deficiency in the brain’s natural neurotransmitters.
Low levels of dopamine and norepinephrine decrease alertness and
arousal, and low levels of serotonin regulate mood, stress and
depression.
Some common symptoms associated with ADHD include academic
underachievement, fidgeting, verbal and behavioral impulsivity,
excessive irritability, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, sleep
problems and persistent emotional negativity.
People who suffer from ADHD often have problems with work,
school, interpersonal relationships, marriages and emotional
well-being. As a result, they can suffer from low self-esteem and
feelings of failure because of their inability to complete routine
tasks.
But typical ADHD patients are often highly intelligent. They can
be exceptionally creative, excelling in the arts, music and
engineering due to an innate problem-solving nature.
So what is the difference between ADHD and Attention Deficit
Disorder? ADHD is the term used in the current Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. ADD is the older term.
While ADHD is the official clinical term, ADD is still commonly
used in practice.
College can be a challenging time for students with ADHD. They
often have trouble keeping a regular sleep schedule, getting to
class on time, and keeping track of homework assignments. Ordinary
tasks like doing laundry and balancing a checkbook may be much more
stressful for people with ADHD than for their peers.
Adult ADHD is widely undiagnosed and untreated. Symptoms of ADHD
begin in childhood, and an estimated 60 percent of children with
ADHD continue to have symptoms into adulthood.
Though the hyperactive-impulsive qualities diminish in adults,
the inattention and disorganization can persist and become
debilitating. Interestingly, individuals with ADHD are able to
concentrate well when they are motivated to pay attention.
The difficulty of staying on task and remaining focused occurs
when tasks are repetitive, uninteresting and not of their
choosing.
People with ADHD not only have trouble concentrating ““
they are also at risk for other medical conditions, including
anxiety disorders, emotional problems and depression. They are also
more prone to developing alcohol and drug abuse problems.
Current research suggests that ADHD is a genetic disorder that
may run in families, so it is difficult to “prevent.”
Fortunately, there are ways to control the symptoms, usually
involving a combination of therapy, lifestyle changes and
medications.
Medications used to treat adults suffering from ADHD are often
the same ones used to treat ADHD in children. Ritalin and Concerta
(methylphenidate), and Dexedrine or Adderall (amphetamines) are the
most popular medications for treating ADHD.
These stimulant medications work by increasing the release and
blocking the reabsorption of two brain neurotransmitters: dopamine
and norepinephrine. This increases the transmission between neurons
in the brain, helping to increase attention span and focus.
These drugs also help ADHD patients by reducing distractibility,
over-activity and impulsivity. They may also elevate serotonin
levels, causing some calming effects. Taking medication before
class can help ADHD patients concentrate on lectures and improve
reading comprehension.
Once a patient is using stimulants, using other drugs like
alcohol and marijuana reduce the medication’s ability to work,
affecting the brain’s dopamine levels and creating even
further dysfunction. Mixing stimulants and alcohol can increase the
risk of alcohol poisoning, and mixing cocaine with stimulants can
even be fatal.
Effective intervention can improve self-esteem, work performance
and skills, and educational achievement. Making small changes like
using earplugs to help concentration, making outlines for projects
at school and work, and writing lists or jotting down notes can
help people with ADHD regain control of their lives.
Shapiro is a second-year medical student at the David Geffen
School of Medicine, and a writer for The Diagnosis, an organization
comprised of UCLA medical students. The Diagnosis is coordinated by
Daniel Zaghi, a second-year medical student. Send questions to
danzaghi@ucla.edu.