How to Know If You Have ADHD
If you think you might have ADHD, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis. That way, you can start treatment that will help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have more than six symptoms that interfere with your social life or school work, or both. This may include issues with attention, impulsivity, or organization.
What Are The Symptoms Of ADHD
We all know children who struggle to stay focused, listen to instructions, sit still or wait their turn. But if this behavior occurs frequently and interferes with your child’s life, it could mean they have adhd.
It’s a common disorder that starts in childhood. Diagnosis is usually made by a doctor after referral from a paediatrician or psychiatrist.
Inattentive type
If you have inattentive ADHD, you struggle to focus on tasks and make careless mistakes. You often procrastinate or skip out on important work and chores.
Hyperactive-impulsive type
If you have impulsive ADHD, you act quickly before thinking about the consequences. You might interrupt others, grab things or act in ways that are dangerous or risky.
Causes Of ADHD
ADHD is a brain-based disorder that causes problems paying attention, organizing and controlling impulses. It also affects social skills, school performance and relationships.
The exact cause of ADHD is not known, but it is believed to be linked to genetics and environmental factors during critical stages of development. For example, chemicals in a mother’s body during pregnancy, environmental hazards and problems with the central nervous system may play a role.
Symptoms of ADHD must be present before the child turns 12 years old and cause significant difficulties in two or more settings, such as at home, school, work, with friends or social groups/activities. Primary care providers can diagnose ADHD with a thorough medical exam. They can also refer you to a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist.
Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
When you notice your child’s symptoms are affecting their school performance, friendships and relationships, it may be time to get diagnosed. Getting a diagnosis is the first step to starting treatment, which will help you and your child control their symptoms and improve your quality of life.
When diagnosing ADHD, a health professional will look at your child’s behavior in a variety of settings. This includes home, school, church and community activities.
A health professional will also ask for permission to interview someone in your child’s life who knows them well. This person could be a spouse, sibling or a close friend.
Risk Factors Of ADHD
A family history of ADHD is one of the most common risk factors for the disorder. Children of parents with ADHD have an average of about a 50% chance of developing it themselves.
In addition, children who were born prematurely or whose mothers had difficult pregnancies have a higher risk of getting it. These conditions can cause damage to the frontal lobe of the brain, which controls impulses and emotions.
There are also environmental risk factors that are associated with ADHD, such as exposure to toxins during pregnancy or infancy. Some of these toxins, such as lead and PCBs, may interfere with brain development and contribute to ADHD. However, most children exposed to these toxins do not develop the condition.
Complications Of ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects all aspects of life. It can cause problems with family relationships, school performance, and social interactions.
Genetics and environmental factors may increase a person’s risk for ADHD. For example, pre-school children who were exposed to lead (in certain types of paint or plumbing) are more likely to develop ADHD symptoms later in life.
Diagnosis of ADHD requires a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare provider, including medical history and an assessment of a person’s symptoms. The healthcare professional will also gather information about the person’s environment and relationships, and may refer to a psychiatric or behavioral specialist for further diagnosis.
