How to Know If You Have ADHD
The first step in learning about ADHD is to see your health care provider. Most primary care providers will routinely diagnose ADHD and refer you to a mental health professional for further testing. Read the NIMH fact sheet Tips for Talking to Your Health Care Provider. Also, read the NIMH’s fact sheet on risk factors for ADHD. If you or a loved one exhibits symptoms of ADHD, visit your doctor or pediatrician to discuss your concern.
What Are The Symptoms Of ADHD
Among other things, people with ADHD often have difficulty focusing and organizing their tasks. They may also be distracted and forgetful, often losing items they need, or even taking them with them. Children and adults with ADHD may also be restless and fidgety, fidgeting with their hands or feet or making excessive noises. This may indicate an underlying mental disorder. However, it should not be taken to mean that these symptoms are due to ADHD.
Generally, ADHD affects a child’s attention and ability to concentrate on tasks. It interferes with learning. Children with ADHD find it difficult to focus and absorb information from a lesson or assignment. They also have difficulty focusing on tasks, especially if they are assigned to sit still and follow directions. Children with ADHD find it very difficult to concentrate in such a stressful environment. They need a calm and quiet environment to focus and stay focused.
Causes Of ADHD
There are several myths about the causes of ADHD. The first is that it’s all related to a person’s biology. The fact is that the disorder is caused by a lack of dopamine, the brain’s reward center. When a person enjoys a favorite food, it releases dopamine in the brain, which makes the person feel happy. However, a person with ADHD will not receive this same satisfaction from a fluffer-nutter sandwich. Consequently, they may engage in risky behaviors and lose focus.
Other causes of ADHD include toxic exposure during pregnancy, developmental problems, and issues with the central nervous system. Children born to mothers who smoke or use other substances while pregnant also have a greater risk of developing the disorder. However, this risk cannot be directly linked to smoking. In general, children with a mother who smokes heavily have an increased risk of ADHD. While this study could not conclusively say that smoking causes ADHD, it did indicate that it may be a risk factor.
Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be a complicated process. Your provider will need to gather extensive information about your history and conduct objective tests to determine your symptoms. The assessment can take anywhere from one to three hours, and may involve a series of cognitive tests and interviews with family members and friends. While your provider will most likely suggest medication, the process may also include therapy. Therapy may include techniques for managing stress, developing skills to cope with symptoms, and learning to accept yourself and your condition.
If you are struggling with ADHD symptoms, getting diagnosed can give you a new lease on life. ADHD treatment can help you regain control over your symptoms and improve your confidence. The diagnosis of ADHD will help you understand why you have trouble with daily activities, and the best way to deal with it. Even though ADHD can affect anyone, getting the proper treatment and education is the first step. Once you have a diagnosis, you can work with your doctor to get the proper treatment.
Risk Factors Of ADHD
The risk of developing ADHD is two to eight times greater in children whose parents or siblings have the disorder. A family history of ADHD is also associated with higher rates of the disorder in children. Twin studies have shown that familial factors are a strong predictor of the condition. However, twins born to unrelated parents can also develop the condition. Fraternal and monozygotic twins share 100 percent of their genes. Some synthetic compounds can trigger the development of ADHD.
In the present study, a multi-level analysis of the literature showed that social support and parental migration are associated with an increased risk of ADHD in children. Another important aspect is the socioeconomic status of the parents. Children of low socioeconomic status parents are more likely to develop the disorder than those from high-SES families. Some other risk factors are associated with the development of the disorder such as maternal smoking during pregnancy and parental mental health.
Complications Of ADHD
Many adults with ADHD experience difficulty finding a job, meeting deadlines, keeping work organized, and interacting with co-workers. Their behavior may also affect their personal lives. In some cases, risky behavior may result in car accidents or substance abuse. Other complications include sleeping problems. Depending on the severity of the disorder, medication may be prescribed. A qualified professional will diagnose ADHD and suggest treatment. The advantages and disadvantages of treatment vary from individual to individual.
When a child is first diagnosed with ADHD, they may have difficulty making friends and interacting with their peers. These social problems are often not the result of the symptoms of ADHD, and the cause is unknown. Sometimes children with ADHD exhibit symptoms like shyness and withdrawnness. Fortunately, treatment can begin at a young age, and it may continue throughout a child’s life if it is tolerated. The doctor will likely ask the child’s parents and teachers for medical history.
