Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a daily reality for many individuals. Often misunderstood and sometimes underestimated, ADHD can be challenging to live with. Why? This neurodevelopmental disorder affects focus, organization, and impulse control.

In this article, we will explore how to recognize the signs of ADHD to better understand this condition. But most importantly, to help make life easier and more enjoyable for those affected by it!

Understanding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD typically manifests in childhood, often before the age of 12, and can persist into adulthood. It is characterized by various symptoms, including difficulty maintaining attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behaviors. Depending on its severity, ADHD can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.

According to the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS), an estimated 3.5% to 5.6% of children in France are affected by ADHD. (1) Among adults, the prevalence is estimated to be between 2.5% and 2.9%. Since ADHD is a neurological disorder, most individuals diagnosed continue to experience symptoms in adulthood, although often with some improvement.

How to Identify Potential Signs of ADHD?

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) guidelines, if multiple symptoms are present, with a pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, or a combination of both, a diagnosis can be established.

The severity and manifestation of attention deficit disorders vary from person to person.

However, some characteristics are recurrent, with three main types of ADHD, sometimes accompanied by hyperactivity:

  • Inattention: difficulty focusing, intrusive thoughts, and forgetfulness. People with ADHD are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli.
  • Impulsivity: difficulty managing emotions, acting before thinking. Decisions are made hastily, and consequences are considered afterward.
  • Hyperactivity (often combined with inattention): an overwhelming urge to move, often uncontrollable. In children, this manifests as constant restlessness.

Different Symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder with/without Hyperactivity

The range of symptoms is broad, encompassing many different aspects of the disorder. Symptoms typically persist for more than six months, to varying degrees.

Inattention:

  • Frequent forgetfulness: forgetting appointments, important tasks, or personal belongings.
  • Not listening: difficulty staying focused during a conversation.
  • Organizational issues: trouble managing time, planning tasks, and meeting deadlines.
  • Inability to maintain attention

Hyperactivity:

  • Excessive talking: children, teenagers, and adults who tend to talk a lot and quickly—sometimes even interrupting others.
  • Restlessness: a constant need to move, fidget, shake legs, or stand up frequently.
  • Low frustration tolerance: prone to irritation and impulsive reactions.
  • Limited focus: at home, while watching a movie, they may climb, fidget, run around, and struggle to sit still.

Natural Remedies to Ease Symptoms?

Magnesium: A Natural Approach to Mental Well-being

When it comes to managing symptoms, magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a key role in neurotransmitter regulation and nerve function. A magnesium deficiency can negatively impact the nervous system and brain, potentially worsening ADHD symptoms such as inattention and hyperactivity.

Acting somewhat like a natural anxiolytic, magnesium works as an antagonist to excitatory neurotransmitters by blocking the glutamate pathway* (a key player in excitatory synapses). At Solage, our liposomal magnesium helps combat nervousness and restless minds! With superior absorption compared to all other forms, don't wait to see the benefits!

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ADHD: A Complex Disorder That Is Difficult to Diagnose in Children and Adolescents

ADHD: Higher Risks for Children Conceived Between July and December?

Could being born at the end of the year increase the likelihood of an ADHD diagnosis? This is the key finding of a study conducted by Epi-Phare (7), a research group composed of the French National Health Insurance and the French Medicines Agency (ANSM). According to their analysis, published on June 20, 2024, a mere few months' difference in birthdate can have “a significant impact on the frequency of methylphenidate initiation, as well as speech therapy sessions.”

The study, which analyzed data from approximately 4 million children aged 5 to 10 between 2010 and 2016, found that treatments involving Ritalin and speech therapy are more frequently prescribed to children born at the end of the year. The trends were observed and compared: for children born in February, the additional risk of being prescribed methylphenidate was only 7%. In contrast, it was 29% for those born in July and 46% for those born in October.

Scientists suggest several hypotheses to explain these findings. In the early years of school, students may face expectations that are too high for their developmental stage. As a result, some children might be misdiagnosed with ADHD or learning disabilities when, in reality, their difficulties are completely normal…

“There is indeed overdiagnosis and probably overmedication of children born at the end of the year, but there is also underdiagnosis and undertreatment of children born at the beginning of the year, who are more mature and therefore better adapted to school,” says Alain Veil, public health physician and deputy director of the Epi-Phare scientific interest group.

The Surprising Link Between Vitamin D and ADHD Symptoms

Did you know? A study conducted by Danish scientists has shown a protective effect of vitamin D against the future development of ADHD.

By analyzing umbilical cord blood samples from 1,233 children and ADHD screening questionnaires (Child Behaviour Checklist), researchers observed that when vitamin D levels were above 25 nanomoles per liter, ADHD assessment scores were lower. Conversely, when levels were below 25 nanomoles per liter, symptoms were more severe. There is no doubt—a vitamin D supplement is essential for pregnant women! To help with this, Solage has developed a specialized formula: Vitamin D3 Vegan + K2-MK7.

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Is It Possible to Live with ADHD?

Absolutely! No need to panic. Living with this neurological disorder is entirely manageable, despite its impact on school, family, and social life. There are strategies and resources available. To overcome the challenges associated with ADHD, it's crucial to recognize and harness your strengths.

A Disorder That’s Becoming Less Stigmatized – Celebrities Speak Out!

Living with ADHD can be a source of inspiration! Today, many actors and actresses openly share their experiences. The renowned Emma Watson, best known as “Hermione Granger”, and our favorite pirate Johnny Depp have spoken about their struggles. This disorder doesn’t prevent success—quite the opposite!

Even singer Louane shared her experience with ADHD on the French show C à Vous in a letter to her younger self: “You’re 8 years old, you’ve been in elementary school for two years, and things aren’t going well... No one really understands why, but they all keep repeating the same phrase as if you weren’t there, as if you couldn’t hear it: she doesn’t fit the mold (...) One day, your nanny hears someone on the radio talking about ADHD and recognizes you. That’s when adults start to understand.” With the right support, encouragement, structure, tolerance, and care, ADHD can be better managed for children living with it.

An Education System That Still Falls Short

Although the French education system has evolved in recent years and societal attitudes have shifted, schools still lag behind when it comes to ADHD. Lessons are often not interactive enough, and there is a general lack of understanding.

Since it’s not always visible, ADHD can go unnoticed. As a result, symptoms such as impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention can quickly lead to misconceptions, labeling a child as disruptive, troublesome, or poorly behaved in class.

To break these stereotypes, it’s essential to understand ADHD, talk about it, and embrace it!

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