How to Know If You Have ADHD
If you are struggling with the symptoms of ADHD, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis. This will allow you to find a treatment plan that works for you.
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on symptoms that are present before age 12 and cause impairment in two or more settings, including school, work or home. Only a trained professional can decide if the conditions are met for a diagnosis of ADHD.
What Are The Symptoms Of ADHD
The symptoms of ADHD can look different from person to person. Often, they can change as people age or develop coping strategies.
Usually, ADHD is diagnosed in childhood but it can continue into adulthood. It is not known why this happens but experts believe that it may be a combination of genetics and brain chemistry.
Symptoms can be hard to pinpoint or distinguish from other conditions, such as depression and anxiety. They can also make it difficult to find a job or manage your finances.
Causes Of ADHD
The causes of ADHD are not completely understood, but scientists believe that genetics plays a role. They also point to environmental factors, including the pressures of fast-paced modern life and too much screen time.
Parents, teachers and other caregivers often work together to help children with ADHD overcome challenges. For example, they can use strategies to keep routines consistent and organized and stress the importance of writing down homework assignments.
In order to be diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a person must have six or more symptoms that significantly interfere with their ability to function in two or more areas of their life. The symptoms must start before the person turned 12 years old and have been present for at least 6 months.
Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
If you think you or your child might have ADHD, talk to a doctor. He or she will likely start with a clinical interview to look at your social, medical, and behavioural history.
Your doctor may also ask you to describe a typical day and discuss any issues that have affected your life. This will help the doctor understand what your symptoms mean and whether they are consistent with ADHD.
If you have ADHD, your doctor may prescribe medicine that will help you focus and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. These include stimulants such as amphetamine (Adderall XR, Dexedrine) and methylphenidate (Biphentin). Non-stimulant medicines, including atomoxetine (Strattera), may also be used.
Risk Factors Of ADHD
There are many factors that can contribute to the development of ADHD. These include genetics, environmental factors, and comorbidities or co-occurring conditions.
Inheriting ADHD is highly common, with a 1-in-4 chance that a child will have one or both parents with the disorder. Other family studies have found a 2- to 8-fold increase in the risk of ADHD in siblings.
Exposure to various toxins during pregnancy, such as lead contamination or cigarette smoking, also increases the risk of ADHD. These exposures may or may not cause a child to develop the disorder, but they can definitely make it worse.
Complications Of ADHD
ADHD symptoms can lead to problems in a variety of areas, including school, work, and relationships. They may also create financial stress and other problems that affect health and well-being.
Adults with untreated ADHD have higher rates of divorce and relationship problems than those without ADHD. They are also more likely to be depressed and experience substance abuse issues.
People with ADHD are also more likely to be arrested for criminal behavior or commit suicide. This is because they are more impulsive and can easily be distracted by things that they shouldn’t do.
ADHD can also be treated with drugs or counseling. These treatments can help people improve their focus and time management, reduce impulsive behavior, and get better control over their emotions. They can also help them deal with anxiety and depression, which are common side effects of untreated ADHD.