How to Know If You Have ADHD

ADHD is a condition that can affect people of all ages. It can cause difficulties with schoolwork, relationships and workplace performance.

It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis before starting treatment. This will help you and your doctor choose the right medication, dose or combination of medications for your needs.

What Are The Symptoms Of ADHD

If you have ADHD, you may have a hard time paying attention to details, making careless mistakes and staying focused on tasks. You may have problems with school and work tasks or even daily activities like taking out the trash.

Despite the challenges, you can have a fulfilling life and lead an active and healthy lifestyle. It just takes some help from experts and a good understanding of how to manage your symptoms.

People with ADHD are six times more likely to have other psychiatric or learning disorders, like depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. They often also have problems with other health issues, such as eating and substance abuse disorders.

Causes Of ADHD

ADHD is a complex condition that involves both biological and psychosocial factors. Genetics may play a role, as is the brain chemical dopamine, which carries signals between nerves and is linked to movement, sleep, mood, and attention.

Symptoms of ADHD often begin early in life. In children, the most common symptoms include impulsiveness and hyperactivity.

Adults with ADHD can also have problems managing their time and money. They struggle to stay organized and complete tasks on time, and they often have trouble following rules and responsibilities at work.

ADHD can also affect family relationships and lead to a variety of other health problems. Individuals with ADHD are more likely than their peers to experience anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. They may also struggle with substance abuse, delinquency, and accidents.

Getting Diagnosed With ADHD

If you are concerned that you or your child may have ADHD, the first step is getting a diagnosis. This is often done by a pediatrician, a psychiatrist or a qualified mental health professional.

The process involves a history from caregivers, teachers, and family members as well as a thorough assessment of symptoms. It also includes complete psychiatric and medical histories and neuropsychological testing to rule out other conditions.

The resulting diagnosis is then given based on criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Clinicians can designate the degree of severity as mild, moderate or severe.

Risk Factors Of ADHD

There are a variety of risk factors that can increase your chances of developing ADHD. These include toxins in utero, preterm birth, low birth weight, older paternal age, parental mental illness, maternal smoking during pregnancy, and substance abuse of stimulant medications.

The risk of developing ADHD is also higher among individuals who come from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Studies show that children who grow up in these families are more likely to have the disorder than their peers from high-income households.

Genetic and environmental factors have been linked to the development of ADHD but their relationship remains a major area of uncertainty. Some putative risk factors like large, rare copy number variants, small effect size candidate gene variants and extreme early adversity have been consistently found in association with ADHD but none is yet known to be causal.

Complications Of ADHD

ADHD is a chronic condition that affects the brain’s ability to control behavior and impulses. It is most common in children but can persist into adulthood.

The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, but it could be due to a combination of genetics and environmental factors at key moments in brain development. For example, if a child has trouble bonding with a caregiver when they are young, they may be more likely to develop symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity.

Untreated ADHD can lead to a variety of complications, including poor performance in school and work, difficulty with relationships and poor health. The symptoms can also be associated with physical and mental health issues such as drug or alcohol abuse, high levels of stress and anxiety, and poor dietary habits.