How to Know If You Have ADHD
If you’ve ever struggled with things like attention, organization or being able to focus, it’s possible you have ADHD. Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step in finding the best treatment for you.
ADHD can impact you in your home, school and work life. Having the right treatment can help you improve your quality of life and feel more in control.
What Are The Symptoms Of ADHD
ADHD symptoms can be very hard to spot. But they’re present in almost everyone at some point in their lives, whether it’s childhood or adulthood.
When they’re not recognized, ADHD can lead to a lot of problems at home and at school. They can make it hard to get organized, remember things, or focus on tasks.
They may act impulsively or ignore others’ needs. They may lose things they need, such as keys or paperwork, and they might forget to pick up after themselves.
ADHD can be diagnosed based on the guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). It’s important to note that some physical conditions or illnesses can have similar symptoms as ADHD, so a full psychiatric evaluation is necessary.
Causes Of ADHD
ADHD is a condition that affects how your brain works. The differences in how certain parts of the brain communicate and work together create problems with attention, activity, and impulse control.
This condition is caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors. It is most common in children, but it can occur in adults.
Many people with ADHD also have other mental health conditions, such as learning disabilities, anxiety disorder, or conduct disorder.
It is important to have a doctor diagnose your symptoms and prescribe medication. There are several types of medications, including stimulants and non-stimulants.
Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
If you suspect that your child has adhd, it is important to talk to a medical professional. You will need to give them a complete history of your child’s health, behavior, and activity.
The professional will look for symptoms that go beyond what’s typical for a child’s age or developmental level, such as trouble paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
They may ask you and your child to fill out a checklist of their behaviors. They might also want to talk with your child’s teachers and other adults who know them well.
ADHD can cause serious problems with relationships, socialization, and learning. Treatment can help your child manage their symptoms and improve their ability to function in life.
Risk Factors Of ADHD
There are a number of factors that may increase the likelihood that a child will develop ADHD. These include genetics and heredity, as well as environmental factors.
For example, women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to have children with ADHD than those who don’t. But this association is unlikely to be causal.
In fact, studies that controlled for a variety of factors found that the link between smoking in pregnancy and ADHD largely disappeared.
Other risk factors for developing ADHD include prenatal exposure to certain toxins, such as lead, PCBs, and pesticides. These can interfere with brain development, causing ADHD symptoms such as inattention and hyperactivity.
Complications Of ADHD
In addition to the negative impacts that ADHD can have on a person’s daily life, the condition can also cause significant problems with relationships and self-esteem. People with untreated ADHD are more likely to have problems in their relationships than their peers, as well as more issues with anxiety and depression.
Although ADHD is commonly considered a childhood disorder that goes away as children age, research indicates that two-thirds of people diagnosed with the condition in childhood go on to have symptoms in adulthood. These adults are at risk of a range of health problems including antisocial behaviors, substance abuse and mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.
