How to Know If You Have ADHD
ADHD is one of the most common mental health disorders that affects children and adults. The good news is that it is treatable and can lead to a better life for the person with ADHD.
But if you or someone you know has ADHD, it can be difficult to diagnose and treat it. That’s because the symptoms of ADHD are often similar to those of other conditions like anxiety, depression, and substance misuse.
What Are The Symptoms Of ADHD
The symptoms of ADHD may vary from person to person. For example, some children may appear inattentive while others show hyperactivity and impulsivity.
A pediatrician, child psychiatrist or other mental health professional will diagnose ADHD based on a detailed history of behavior from parents and teachers, observations of behavior and psychoeducational testing. The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) provides guidelines providers use to make a diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD may have trouble with work and money, getting and staying organized, managing stress and anger, and communicating clearly. They can also suffer from depression and anxiety.
Causes Of ADHD
ADHD is a disorder of brain function that affects millions of children and adults across the United States. It can affect every part of a person’s life, including school, family, home and work.
It is caused by a disorder of the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for planning, understanding cause-and-effect, changing habits, long-term memory and reading social cues.
This area of the brain is developing slower than normal, which causes the symptoms of ADHD.
There are a number of possible triggers that can result in the development of ADHD, but most researchers believe that genetics and heredity play a key role. Other factors that have been linked to a higher risk of developing ADHD include low birth weight, premature birth and having had a difficult pregnancy.
Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
When you learn that you or your child has ADHD, it can be overwhelming. But it is important to know that getting a diagnosis of ADHD is not a punishment but a chance to take control of your symptoms and live a more productive life.
You can start the process of learning more about your symptoms by scheduling an evaluation with a mental health professional. This will help your doctor identify the causes of your ADHD and develop a treatment plan.
Your doctor may also ask you to fill out a symptom checklist or behavior rating scale. This is a great way to give your doctor a clearer idea of how your symptoms affect you and how much they interfere with your daily life.
Risk Factors Of ADHD
ADHD is associated with a wide range of risk factors, including sociodemographic characteristics (eg, age, sex, race, socioeconomic status), risk behaviors, and familial and environmental factors. While some of these risk factors may lead to the development of ADHD, it’s important to note that they are rarely by themselves the entire cause of a child’s disorder.
Adverse social and family environments such as low parental education, poverty, bullying/peer victimisation, negative parenting, maltreatment and family discord have also been linked to ADHD. However, these studies are still in their early stages and there is little evidence to suggest that these risk factors are a definite cause of ADHD.
Complications Of ADHD
ADHD is a serious disorder that affects the lives of kids and adults. It can lead to learning disabilities, social problems, strained relationships and financial difficulties.
Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk for mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder. It can also lead to irritability and frustration, which can increase the risk of alcohol and drug abuse.
The diagnosis of ADHD is made after a thorough evaluation by a doctor or mental health professional. It can include testing for other conditions and considering the presence of coexisting conditions.
