How to Know If You Have ADHD
Those who suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often struggle to complete daily tasks, lose their keys, and seem unproductive at work. Proper diagnosis is essential to addressing ADHD symptoms and controlling them. This article will discuss the causes of ADHD and risk factors for ADHD. Read on to learn more. Below are the signs of ADHD, along with symptoms and possible treatment options. In the meantime, here are some ways to tell if you or someone you know has ADHD.
What Are The Symptoms Of ADHD
What are the symptoms of ADHD? Children with ADHD may have trouble focusing and paying attention. These symptoms may be severe compared to other children their age and developmental level. They may experience significant suffering, which impacts their quality of life in many areas including home, school, and relationships. For parents, it can be difficult to know what to look for in a child. If you have noticed that your child has these symptoms, it’s time to seek help.
In addition to genetics, studies have shown that certain environmental and hormonal factors may increase the risk of ADHD. Smoking during pregnancy and maternal stress were associated with an increased risk of ADHD. Similarly, some studies have shown that family conflict and parenting styles may affect the presentation of ADHD. ADHD is a brain-based disorder, and research is underway to identify the specific brain pathways involved in its development. To make sure that you’re getting the right treatment for your child, sign up for our free health newsletter.
Causes Of ADHD
The causes of ADHD vary, but there is little doubt that genetics play a role. It has been discovered that up to one-third of people who have ADHD will also have a child. This genetic trait seems to run in families. Children whose parents are also affected by ADHD have a 50% chance of developing it. Children who are born low-weight or who are injured in the head are also at an increased risk of developing ADHD.
While people without ADHD do sometimes lose focus, people with ADHD are more prone to acting impulsively and cannot concentrate. These behaviors negatively impact their lives at home, school, and work. A professional evaluation is needed to confirm or rule out other conditions. The diagnosis may require treatment. For adults, there are several different treatments available to treat ADHD. Some of the treatment options for this disorder involve medication, behavior modification, and lifestyle changes. However, there are still some natural treatments available for ADHD.
Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Is Getting Diagnosed With ADHD the End of My Hopes? My child was diagnosed with ADHD at age five after I spent a month in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). During this time, nurses nicknamed her “The Acrobat” because she could not stay still for long. The journey to getting diagnosed with ADHD is different for every child. Even within our family, or for twins, we experienced different experiences and paths to treatment.
A doctor will typically ask a child’s parent, guardian, or other caregivers to answer questions related to the child’s behavior. This will allow them to gather valuable information regarding the child’s social, academic, and family life. If the child attends school, a professional will ask the child’s teacher to record comments on the report card. In some cases, a caregiver may also be called upon to answer questions and assess the child’s behavior outside of the home.
Risk Factors Of ADHD
There are many different causes of ADHD, but the most well-known is genetic predisposition. In rare cases, stress during the prenatal stage can cause ADHD symptoms. One Danish study found that boys born to bereaved mothers had up to 72 percent increased risk of developing ADHD. However, the results were inconclusive for females. There are several other possible risk factors, such as trauma to the abdomen during pregnancy or delivery.
The condition often runs in families, so the odds of having an ADHD child increase two to eightfold. Another risk factor is substance abuse during pregnancy. Tobacco smoke has been shown to affect fetal development. Exposure to heavy metals and environmental toxins during pregnancy is linked to a higher risk of developing ADD/ADHD than a healthy child. Heavy metals, such as mercury, have toxic effects on the structure and function of the brain.
Complications Of ADHD
Adults with ADHD often have difficulty getting a job, maintaining a work schedule, and accepting constructive criticism. They also have trouble getting along with co-workers. In some cases, adults with ADHD may also engage in risky behaviors, such as gambling and substance abuse. Adults with ADHD also have trouble sleeping, and may struggle to make and stick to goals. They may also suffer from emotional instability and difficulty concentrating. In many cases, the problem goes undiagnosed for years.
Diagnosing ADHD is a complex process that will require the involvement of several health care professionals. The diagnosis can be confirmed through a sleep study and an electroencephalogram. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the child may receive stimulant medicine to control his or her behavior. The doctor may also suggest therapy involving behavior modification, such as setting goals and encouraging success. However, if the problem is mild and does not improve with medication, behavioral therapy may be recommended.
