How To Encourage Some One Who Is Dealing With ADHD

ADHD is a type of neurodevelopmental disorder. The symptoms of ADHD are often diagnosed at a young age, which then keep up with the individual even in adulthood. Children with ADHD may have problems with attention, controlling impulsive behaviour (they may act without thinking about the outcome), or be overly active.

Symptoms of ADHD in children
A person with ADHD shows various types of symptoms, which include inattention, impulsivity, etc . With ADHD, someone may experience difficulty paying attention and staying organized, excessive fidgeting or restlessness, and problems with self-control or impulsive behavior. For children or toddlers with ADHD, this can lead to symptoms at home, daycare, or school, such as difficulty focusing on activities and being easily distracted, paying little attention when playing or doing schoolwork.

Fidgeting, squirming, or other difficulties sitting, a constant need to move or frequent running around, engaging in loud or disruptive activities, excessive talking, and disturbing others

Symptoms of ADHD in Teenagers
In teens and tweens with ADHD, other symptoms that may occur may include difficulty focusing on school or other work; making frequent mistakes at work; difficulty completing tasks, especially at school or at home; difficulty organising tasks and managing time; and frequent forgetting things. ADHD symptoms affecting home life include frequent avoidance of mentally demanding tasks, increased frustration and emotional sensitivity, difficulty navigating social and family relationships, and increased conflict with parents.

It's important to understand that while these symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity can sometimes make teens and tweens with the condition seem "immature," they are simply part of ADHD and have nothing to do with a child's level of maturity.
Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
In adults, ADHD symptoms may appear differently than in adolescence or childhood due to the different responsibilities that someone may have as an adult. According to the literature, adults tend to experience difficulties in college or work; problems passing classes or completing work; problems with self-esteem and general mental well-being; problems with substance abuse, especially with alcohol; problems with relationships with partners, family or co-workers; and frequent accidents or injuries.

Causes of ADHD
There has not yet been any particular cause of ADHD. While there is increasing evidence that genetics contributes to ADHD and that several genes have been linked to the disorder, no specific gene or combination of genes has been identified as the cause of the disorder. However, it is important to note that relatives of individuals with ADHD are often affected as well. There is evidence of anatomical differences in the brains of children with ADHD compared to other children without the condition. For example, children with ADHD have reduced grey and white matter volume and show differential activation of brain regions during certain tasks. Other studies have shown that the frontal lobes, caudate nucleus, and cerebellar vermis of the brain are affected in ADHD. Several non-genetic factors such as low birth weight, preterm birth, exposure to toxins due to alcohol, smoking, lead, etc. during pregnancy and extreme stress during pregnancy have also been associated with this disorder.

The Relationship Between ADHD and Motivation
ADHD causes problems with starting, organizing, and following through on tasks, and people often feel bored or frustrated. And this then affects the motivation of a person. Because people with ADHD often struggle to stay focused and stay on task, others may mislabel this behaviour as laziness. Unfortunately, people with this condition sometimes internalise these labels, especially if they have not been accurately diagnosed. Labeling people with ADHD as "lazy" adds to the mental health stigma. It is important to remember that ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that is caused by factors such as genetics, brain abnormalities, and exposure to environmental risks. ADHD symptoms are not caused by laziness.

Ways to motivate a person with ADHD
1) Setting smaller and more achievable goals
A big goal can be daunting for anyone and can make it easy to quit before you even start. Instead of attempting to achieve the big goal all at once, try to achieve smaller goals by breaking the big goal down into smaller ones.This can also help prevent a lack of motivation for tasks that are too long or boring.

2) Create a list of tasks
Lists can be a great way to organise yourself and define a starting point. They can also provide a visual checklist that can help make more progress.

3) Reward Yourself.
After accomplishing a goal, one should reward themselves, even if the goal is a small one. Maybe you enjoy spending time outside, chatting with a friend, dancing, listening to a favourite song, or snacking. No matter how small, consider rewarding your successes every day.

4) Change in Routine
Repetitive, familiar tasks may be difficult to motivate.In this case, try to perform these tasks in a new way. If you always fold laundry while sitting on the couch, try moving to the bedroom or standing at the dining table for a change.

5) Try starting your day with a successful task.
Feelings of success are directly linked to the dopamine reward system in the brain. If you start your day with a successful simple task, you will be more likely to continue on the path of motivation.

Treatment of ADHD
a) Medications
Medications are often an important part of treatment for someone with ADHD. However, it can be a difficult decision. Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants are the most commonly prescribed group of medications for ADHD. These drugs work by increasing the levels of brain chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine. Your doctor may consider non-stimulant medications when stimulants don’t work for your ADHD or cause side effects that are difficult to manage. Some non-stimulant drugs work by increasing norepinephrine levels in your brain. Other non-stimulant medications may also help with ADHD. It’s not entirely known how these drugs help with ADHD, but there is some evidence that they help certain chemicals work better in the part of the brain that deals with attention and memory.

b) Therapy
The goal of behavioural therapy is to teach someone how to monitor their behaviour and then change that behaviour appropriately. You will develop strategies for how to behave in response to certain situations. These strategies often include some direct feedback to help teach appropriate behavior. Therapy options such as CBT are also helpful. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a short-term, goal-oriented form of psychotherapy that aims to change negative thought patterns and replace them with a renewed understanding of how you feel about yourself and your ADHD symptoms.

c) Support Groups
Support groups are very beneficial in order to connect people who also have ADHD. It helps them to share their experiences with each other. Support groups usually meet regularly to allow for the building of relationships and support networks. Knowing that you are not alone with ADHD can be a huge relief. Support groups can also be a great source of ideas and strategies for coping with your or a loved one’s ADHD.

d) Social Skills Training
Social skills training can sometimes be helpful if someone shows difficulty in social settings. The goal of social skills training is to teach new and more appropriate ways of behaving. This helps the person with ADHD work and interact better with others.

Conclusion
ADHD can impact your motivation, making it more difficult to start and maintain tasks. When you have ADHD, it can be helpful to find strategies to help you start and stay focused on a task that is overwhelming or just plain boring.