How to Know If You Have ADHD
ADHD is a mental health disorder that affects how people pay attention, focus and act. The disorder can affect children and adults in their work, relationships and life in general.
An accurate diagnosis is important to start treating symptoms and coping with the disorder. This can help people with ADHD live healthy, happy lives.
What Are The Symptoms Of ADHD
ADHD is a medical condition that affects the way your brain works. It causes problems with attention, the ability to sit still, and self-control.
All kids struggle at times to pay attention, listen, follow directions, and wait their turn. But for people with ADHD, these struggles happen more often.
Hyperactivity and impulsivity (acting without thinking) are also common in people with ADHD. They might run around or climb a lot and act in ways that are risky, such as knocking over things or banging into others.
All of these symptoms can be treated with a combination of medicines, behavioral therapy, and other treatment options. Your doctor can also help you find resources and support.
Causes Of ADHD
Some experts believe that ADHD may be caused by genetics. Children who are born prematurely, with low birth weight, or whose mothers had difficult pregnancies are at higher risk for ADHD.
Children who have an underdeveloped frontal lobe are also at greater risk for developing ADHD. This is the part of the brain that controls impulses, emotions and thinking.
ADHD can be treated with a variety of approaches, including medication, therapy and behavioral changes. The combination of these treatment methods is often the best way to control symptoms.
Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
If you’re worried that you or a loved one may have ADHD, the good news is there are a number of professionals who can help you get the diagnosis and treatment you need.
If your doctor feels you might have ADHD, they’ll need to ask several questions about your symptoms and how long they’ve been bothering you. In some cases, they’ll administer tests that measure attention span and focus.
Adults with ADHD can have problems concentrating for extended periods of time or paying attention to details. They also have trouble managing their time and getting tasks done.
Risk Factors Of ADHD
There are a number of risk factors that can contribute to the development of ADHD. These include certain types of toxins in the environment, exposure to drugs and alcohol during childhood and genetic disorders.
There is also a strong heritable component to ADHD, with mean heritability estimated at 79%. This means that a person’s risk of developing ADHD is more than double that of a similar person who does not have ADHD.
Prenatal and perinatal exposures, such as lead in the bloodstream and maternal smoking during pregnancy, are other possible risk factors. However, none of these are a guarantee that a child will develop ADHD. In fact, research has shown that most children exposed to these risks do not actually develop the disorder. Parents should be aware that if they choose to have a child, it is important to understand how these factors may affect their child’s future health.
Complications Of ADHD
As children get older, they are more likely to have trouble paying attention and focusing on tasks. This can affect their relationships and careers, but it can also lead to poor health and other problems if left untreated.
ADHD can also cause problems in adulthood, including difficulty with memory, planning and organization, and impulsiveness. These difficulties can lead to poor performance in jobs and personal relationships, according to the Center for ADHD Awareness and Treatment (CHADD).
It is also important to note that some people with ADHD have coexisting conditions, such as anxiety or depression. These conditions can also cause ADHD symptoms to get worse.
