How to Know If You Have ADHD
If you struggle with disorganization or forgetfulness, it might be a sign of ADHD. You might also have trouble relaxing or you might always seem to be rushing.
If you think you might have ADHD, you should get an assessment from a health professional. They will use questionnaires, interviews and tests like IQ or memory and inkblots to get accurate information about your symptoms.
What Are The Symptoms Of ADHD
When a child is diagnosed with ADHD, they may display a number of different symptoms. These are often grouped into three broad categories: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and combined. Some of the inattentive symptoms include trouble sitting still, frequent daydreaming and seeming distracted, difficulty following instructions or keeping focused on tasks, and forgetfulness.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms can include fidgeting, trouble playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly, being restless and disruptive, and excessive talkativeness. People with this type of ADHD also have trouble waiting their turn and are frequently impulsive. These behaviors can impact a child’s life at home, school and in social situations. This type of ADHD is more likely to show as hyperactivity in boys and men, while girls and women are more likely to be inattentive.
Causes Of ADHD
Although scientists don’t know the exact cause of ADHD, they do know that genes and environment are important factors. People with undiagnosed or untreated ADHD may experience problems in virtually every area of their life. They may be unfairly labeled as “lazy,” “irresponsible,” or even “stupid.”
The most common symptoms of ADHD in adults include disorganization, difficulty completing tasks, and trouble concentrating. They might also have impulsive behaviors like fidgeting, interrupting others, and lack of self-control.
The most recent version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) describes three different subtypes of ADHD: predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, primarily inattentive, and combined presentation. Research suggests that people often move from one presentation to another during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Clinical trials are ongoing to test new ways to prevent, treat, or manage ADHD.
Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
To get a formal diagnosis of ADHD, you should see your primary care provider. You will also want to bring records from your school, work and/or doctor visits. Your provider will want to interview you and your family members as well.
Adults with ADHD often feel a sense of frustration, blame and anger about their behavior. They may have difficulty keeping a job or managing finances, for example. Some medical conditions and mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, can mimic ADHD symptoms.
Symptoms of inattentive type ADHD include being easily distracted by low-priority activities, failing to follow instructions or paying attention to details, and forgetting important events or appointments. People with hyperactive/impulsive ADHD often run about or climb where it is inappropriate, have trouble playing and engaging in leisure activities quietly and frequently interrupt or intrude on others.
Risk Factors Of ADHD
There are some factors that make someone more likely to develop ADHD. Genetics plays a role, and research shows that the disorder runs in families. It also seems to be influenced by environmental issues like prenatal smoking or drinking and exposure to toxins such as lead or pesticides.
Children and teenagers with ADHD often have trouble understanding cause-and-effect. For example, a teenage girl with ADHD might not understand why she has to start her homework now so she can finish it by 4:30 in order to watch her favorite TV show.
Girls and children assigned female at birth are just as likely to have ADHD as boys and children assigned male at birth, but the condition is underdiagnosed in girls because they often present with different symptoms.
Complications Of ADHD
If you have ADHD, keeping your focus may be a struggle. You might easily get distracted and have trouble completing tasks at work or school. You may spend time and money on products to help you stay organized but struggle to make them work for you.
People with ADHD often have difficulty following instructions, making careless mistakes, and staying focused during lectures, conversations, or long reading. They may also seem to not listen when spoken to or appear to be daydreaming.
Symptoms of ADHD can be difficult to diagnose in adults. A health care provider or mental health professional will examine your symptoms and determine the type of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, combined, or unspecified. They will also look at your family history of ADHD and any medications you are taking. Some medicines (such as stimulants) can interact with other medications.
