Do I Have ADHD? What Are The Symptoms of ADHD? WHAT ARE THE SOLUTIONS FOR ADHD?

ADHD: A Little About Me

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, is a common neurological disorder that affects children and adults.Some key characteristics of ADHD include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Let's take a look at these three features in depth.

Inattention may consist of the inability to stay focused, organized, and behaving carelessly.

Hyperactivity includes excessive movement, excessive energy, fidgeting and the inability to sit still (Elmaghraby & Garayalde, 2022).

Lastly, impulsivity refers to doing something quickly and without processing the consequences of that action.

Bear in mind, that these are just some and not all the symptoms of ADHD, and we at Boost Coffee are not able to determine whether or not someone has ADHD. The purpose of this blog is to briefly describe the effects of ADHD, and the treatments associated with ADHD, whether that be pharmaceutical, natural alternatives, or behaviours. 

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Do I Have ADHD?! EFFECTS of ADHD

Although we can’t answer this question definitively (after all we’re just a coffee company), we can provide a few symptoms that people with ADHD have. 

• Is unable to pay close attention and makes careless mistakes
• Difficulty paying attention to a particular task
• Does not like or tries to avoid tasks that require mental effort
• Constantly fidgeting, tapping or talking 
• Often feels very restless and has difficulty sitting still
• Has difficulty with waiting their turn and self-control
• Performs actions quickly without thinking of consequences
• Becomes heavily fixated on an activity or hobby for an extended period (Mental Health America, 2024)

It is important to note that these are just some and not all symptoms associated with ADHD. Additionally, ADHD is a complex mental disorder and to determine whether or not someone has it, contact your doctor or healthcare practitioner.

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ADHD Treatments: Pharmaceutical 

The good news for those individuals who suffer from ADHD is that there are medicinal treatments for this condition.

Unfortunately, these medicines cannot cure ADHD permanently but they do help people concentrate better, be less impulsive, and act more calmly.

There are 5 common types of medications used to treat ADHD: Methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine, dexamfetamine, atomoxetine and guanfacine. Now let's take a look at all these drugs in more detail. 

Ritalin (Methylphenidate):

This is the most common medicine used to treat ADHD. It is referred to as a stimulant, increasing activity in the brain linked to areas that control attention and behaviour (NHS, 2021). Ritalin enters the body in active form meaning that it is effective immediately but does not last as long (Watson, 2023).

Unfortunately, there are some side-effects with this drug namely, increases in blood pressure and heart rate, reduced appetite, difficulty sleeping, stomach aches, and feelings of depression, anxiety and irritability. 

Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine):

This is another stimulant that helps improve concentration and attention, and helps to reduce impulsive behaviour. This medication comes in the form of a capsule and is taken once a day. This drug enters the body in an inactive form, meaning that your body must process it, in order for it to be active.

It could take up to 1 or 2 hours for the drug to take effect, but it can last longer throughout the day (Watson, 2023). The side effects are similar, including reduced appetite but they can also include aggression, drowsiness, dizziness, as well as nausea and vomiting (NHS, 2021). 

Dexamfetamine:

It is similar to lisadexamfetamine, however it is taken as a tablet 2 to 4 times a day (NHS, 2021). Side effects are similar to the previous two medications but may also include mood swings. Dexamfetamine is commonly referred to as Adderall (WebMD, 2024).

Atomoxetine:

This medication is different from the three previous ones mentioned. This medication is a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) and thus increases the amount of noradrenaline (a chemical) in the brain.

The purpose of this chemical is to pass messages on between brain cells, and an increase in it aids concentration and reduces impulses (NHS, 2021). Atomoxetine is prescribed to children over the age of 5, teenagers, and adults if methylphenidate and lisadexamfetamine are unavailable. All the same side effects may be present when taking atomoxetine. 

Guanfacine:

This medicine comes in the form of a tablet and is taken once a day, in the morning or in the evening. Again, it is prescribed if methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine are unavailable (NHS, 2021). Side effects include fatigue, headache, abdominal pain, and dry mouth. It is important to note that adults should use guanfacine if it is prescribed by a specialist. 

ADHD: Natural

If pharmaceuticals are not for you there are other alternatives for helping people with ADHD. Natural supplements can also help you mitigate the effects of ADHD. One of these supplements is caffeine.

Caffeine

Is a stimulant and boosts the brain's production of dopamine. Dopamine helps one focus and maintain concentration. It is important to note that too much caffeine may reverse these effects and cause one to be jittery or anxious (Barclay, 2024). 

Another supplement that has been linked to improved attention and reduced ADHD is L-theanine.

L-Theanine

Is a supplement found in green tea. In a small study done, many users mentioned that they felt improvements in concentration, performance and attention span (Villiness, 2023).

L-theanine is a new supplement and studies are still labelled as inconclusive but it is trending in the right direction in terms of being able to feel more focused and productive.

Luckily for you, Boost Coffee incorporates both of these supplements at just the right dosage so that you can feel focused without feeling anxious or restless. 

ADHD: Alternatives

Dealing with ADHD can be difficult at times. Wanting to mitigate or reduce its symptoms may also be stressful. Not everyone is comfortable with taking pharmaceutical drugs or has the money to purchase supplements to reduce their symptoms.

Luckily there is a third option. This option is to exercise, do a relaxing activity such as yoga, or just to spend more time outside.

A study showed that 45 minutes of intense exercise for just 3 days a week for 10 weeks significantly improved ADHD symptoms (Aumann, 2024). Furthermore, another study showed that yoga could be a helpful complement to therapy for people with ADHD (Story, 2024).

Yoga helps with breathing and feeling a sense of calm, the opposite of ADHD thus it can be beneficial. Lastly, spending even 20 minutes outside, in greenery and nature has been shown to help people with ADHD (Story, 2024).

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Conclusion:

To summarize, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex medical condition that may affect children as well as adults. Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the most common traits demonstrated by those living with ADHD.

Inattention refers to having a short attention span and having difficulty focusing. Hyperactivity can be described as feelings of restlessness and inability to sit still. Lastly, impulsivity is when an individual acts without processing the potential consequences of their actions and/or making rash decisions in the blink of an eye.

There is good news however, there are pharmaceutical medications that can be prescribed. These include Methylphenidate, Lisdexamfetamine, Dexamfetamine (Adderall), Atomoxetine, and Guanfacine. Although they are all unique, they stimulate chemicals in the brain to help an individual focus better without distractions.

They are not perfect though, and they come with side effects. Most side effects may include increases in blood pressure and heart rate, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, drowsiness, feelings of anxiety or depression, nausea or vomiting.

If taking pharmaceutical drugs makes you feel uncomfortable, other natural ingredients are correlated to reducing symptoms of ADHD. Some of these include caffeine and L-Theanine. Caffeine boosts a chemical in your brain known as dopamine, which in turn helps focus and concentration. It is important to note that too much caffeine does not mean more focus and concentration but instead can make the individual feel anxious and jittery. L-Theanine is a supplement found in green tea, and some studies have shown that individuals have felt more focused and concentrated after taking it. Studies are still inconclusive as L-theanine is a relatively new supplement but research suggests it is trending in the right direction.

Lastly, there is evidence that exercise, yoga, and simply being outside in greenery and nature can help individuals with ADHD as well.

*If you think you may have ADHD seek the advice of a healthcare professional* 

*This blog is meant for informational purposes only and we cannot diagnose, treat or cure ADHD*

*The resources we provide are simply general recommendations and are not meant to cure or treat ADHD. SEEK the ADVICE of a healthcare professional*

TAKE The ADHD TEST to SEE If YOU Might HAVE ADHD: HERE

References

Aumann, M. (2024, March 22). Natural remedies for ADHD. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/ss/slideshow-adhd-natural-remedies

Barclay, R. (2024, February 19). How does caffeine affect ADHD. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/caffeine

Elmaghraby, R., & Garayalde, S. (2022, June). What is ADHD?. Psychiatry.org - What is ADHD? https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/adhd/what-is-adhd

Mental Health America. (2024, August 22). Do I have ADHD? https://screening.mhanational.org/content/do-i-have-adhd/

NHS. (2021, December 24). Treatment -Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). NHS choices. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/treatment/

Story, C. M. (2024, September 26). 6 natural remedies for ADHD, triggers to avoid, and more. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/natural-remedies#exercise

Villiness, Z. (2023, June 19). L-theanine for ADHD: Potential benefits, dosage, risks, and more. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/l-theanine-adhd 

Watson, S. (2023, April 17). Vyvanse vs. Ritalin: Differences, effectiveness, warnings & more. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/vyvanse-vs-ritalin#:~:text=Vyvanse%20contains%20the%20drug%20lisdexamfetamine,prescribed%20to%20treat%20other%20conditions. 

WebMD. (2024). Adderall oral: Uses, side effects, interactions, pictures, warnings & dosing. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-63163/adderall-oral/details