Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects between 5 and 12 percent of children worldwide. Less recognized is that up to two-thirds of these children retain some of their symptoms into adulthood, greatly affecting their quality of life. ADHD doesn’t just cause problems related to learning; it also impacts other areas of life. For example, some people with this condition may confuse right with left, may have an inability to relate to others, especially in large groups, may have little or no sense of time, may experience loss of balance or dramatic mood swings or it can be easily lost.

Others may experience speech disorders, such as stuttering, slurred speech, or poor memory for words. Some may have trouble remembering names, dates, or numbers. Others may experience hyperactivity, short attention span, low self-confidence, or even depression. Some adults with the condition have difficulty keeping a job.

ADHD symptoms are characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. In adults, these symptoms may be expressed as inability to sit still, chronic stimulation and excitement seeking, overwork, thrill seeking, impulse buying, sudden job or relationship changes, talking without thinking, interrupting conversations, tendency to addictive behaviors, easy boredom. , trouble concentrating on tasks or conversations, chronic tardiness, difficulty keeping things organized, forgetfulness, excessive worry, insecurity, low stress tolerance, forgetfulness, and/or self-esteem issues.

All of our fundamental skills, which we learn early and rely on throughout our lives, such as balance, locomotion, coordination of vision with movement, and discrimination of speech and language, depend on the proper functioning of the vestibular system. In addition, the vestibular system maintains the important state of arousal necessary for one to be conscious, alert, and responsive. Alteration or damage to the vestibular system causes significant learning difficulties. As an example, researchers have found that more than 90% of children with learning disabilities exhibited two or more abnormal neurological parameters indicating dysfunction of the cerebellar/vestibular system. Disruption or damage can occur through trauma to the cerebellar/vestibular system in the form of ear infections, allergies, whiplash, head or spinal injuries, or being shaken as a baby.

The prefrontal cortex, temporal lobe, primary sensory and motor cortex, premotor cortex, and supplementary motor area (SMA) are often underdeveloped in the ADHD patient. Normally, these areas develop through movement as reflexes mature into balanced, integrated movement and a well-developed vestibular system.

Cerebellar/vestibular underdevelopment also manifests itself in the muscles that control eye movement (extraocular muscle dysmetria), causing them to exceed or shrink below their optimally effective position when reading, again a symptom of an underdeveloped vestibular system. Lack of movement and keeping your head still for long periods of time (such as watching TV or having to sit quietly at school) has also been linked to vestibular system dysfunction.

One of the goals of cognitive vestibular therapy is to increase proprioceptive input to the brain. Integrated movements and activities, performed consistently and purposefully, such as those implemented in a vestibular-cognitive program, activate the entire vestibular system. Sensory motor training and cognitive behavioral therapy are at the core of cognitive vestibular therapy. This training can help your body and brain automatically maintain balance and change thought patterns.

Treatment should focus on sensory motor rehabilitation, including training in proprioception, visual acuity, touch, vestibular system coordination, and cognition-based learning skills (CBT and memory training). The program is best delivered by a specialized team experienced in cognitive behavioral therapy and sensorimotor rehabilitation techniques.

If you think you or a loved one may have symptoms of ADHD, talk to your health care professional so you can be properly evaluated and seek treatment. Although the identification of adult ADHD has lagged behind childhood ADHD, recognition is growing and treatment is available.