Self-help program
What are ADHD and ADT?
ADHD is a congenital disorder
In ADHD, regulating one’s own behavior is broadly difficult.
The core symptoms of ADHD are:
- difficulties in concentration
- hyperactivity
- impulsivity
The symptoms of ADHD are caused by atypical functioning of the central nervous system. They’re congenital and can be observed already in childhood. There are many underlying hereditary factors as well as factors related to early life circumstances.
Symptoms can change
As a person grows into adulthood, some symptoms may lessen, disappear, or change form.
For example, hyperactivity may shift from outward physical restlessness to inner mental restlessness. Judgment and self-control develop through maturity and experience. Life circumstances and environmental demands also affect how symptoms present and how much they interfere with daily life.
In adults, difficulties with concentration are often the main problem.
When is ADHD diagnosed?
An ADHD diagnosis requires that symptoms have been present over a long period, beginning in childhood. They must cause significant impairment in several areas of life.
If there is no need for support, diagnosis isn’t necessarily required. Challenges typical of ADHD can also be managed independently, even before or without a diagnosis.
ADT is an acquired difficulty
Busyness, along with demands from daily life, studying, and work, as well as heavy use of digital devices and media, can lead to acquired difficulty focusing. This is referred to as ADT, or Attention Deficit Trait.
The symptoms of ADT resemble those of ADHD.
They include:
- restlessness
- jumping from one thing to another
- inability to work consistently over time
Overloaded brains adapt to rapid switching, making it difficult to focus deeply or calm down.
This can lead to:
- stress
- overstimulation
- long to-do lists
- sleep problems
Developing this kind of acquired attention difficulty usually takes weeks or months. Recharging requires changes in one’s habits and takes time.
Recovering from ADT involves teaching the brain to calm down and concentrate again. For example, a Self-Help Program like this one can be used as support.