How to Know If You Have ADHD
Are people telling you that your mind seems like it’s somewhere else during conversations or lectures? That’s one symptom of ADHD.
It’s important to get a proper diagnosis. This involves a psychiatric evaluation by a qualified mental health professional. Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to an expert within your insurance provider’s network.
What Are The Symptoms Of ADHD
Symptoms of ADHD may vary for different people. In general, a person with ADHD has trouble paying attention and staying organized. They also have difficulty controlling their behavior and impulses. They are often forgetful and have trouble keeping up with work tasks or social plans. They can also be prone to blaming themselves and can develop poor self-esteem.
In girls and women, symptoms of ADHD can include a wide range of behaviors, from having a lot of interests to being impulsive or interrupting others. These traits can cause problems at home, in school, and in relationships. They are at greater risk of being pressured into unwanted sexual activity or becoming victims of intimate partner violence.
Many of these symptoms are common in all children. But when they occur on a regular basis and seriously interfere with everyday life, it may be time to consider ADHD.
Causes Of ADHD
The causes of ADHD are not fully understood, but research indicates that genetics and environmental factors play a role. Certain foods, medications and traumatic events during childhood may increase the risk of developing ADHD.
People with ADHD have trouble paying attention and staying organized. They often make careless mistakes in schoolwork or work, and they have difficulty following instructions. They are more likely to forget important appointments and tasks, which can lead to health problems such as missed medical tests and unpaid bills.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are common in ADHD, some people don’t display these symptoms. These people are diagnosed with the inattentive presentation type of ADHD. Doctors can identify ADHD in children by using rating scales and gathering information from teachers and family members.
Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Many people with ADHD go undiagnosed. As a result, family members, friends, and teachers may label them as dreamers, slackers, or troublemakers. As adults, they may be able to compensate for the disorder by using strategies or medication.
However, they may still struggle with problems such as inattentiveness or poor listening skills, especially when their responsibilities are more complex. This can affect their job, home life, and relationships.
Adults who suspect they have ADHD should ask their doctor or health care provider for a referral to a mental health professional. They should also consider participating in a clinical trial that seeks to evaluate new ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat disorders like ADHD. You can find a list of clinical trials through the National Institutes of Health.
Risk Factors Of ADHD
It’s not yet fully understood why some people develop ADHD. But it does seem to be caused by genetics and problems with the nervous system at key moments in development. There are also some risk factors that may increase the chances of developing the disorder. These include smoking during pregnancy, having an older sibling with ADHD and being exposed to certain medications during infancy.
Children can be diagnosed with ADHD in one of four ways based on the kind of symptoms they display. Providers use these criteria to determine if the symptoms are serious enough to need treatment. Boys and children assigned male at birth receive a diagnosis more often than girls and those assigned female. This is because they typically present with more hyperactive symptoms and this is easier to identify.
Complications Of ADHD
Many adults who have undiagnosed ADHD struggle with professional and personal relationships because of symptoms like restlessness, procrastination, difficulty staying focused or paying attention in conversations and activities, blurting out answers before others finish their sentences and speaking before thinking. Symptoms can also include disrupting or taking over games and activities, talking excessively, poor listening skills and forgetfulness.
Adults with untreated ADHD can have financial difficulties because of impulsive behavior, which can lead to overspending or not keeping track of bills and credit card statements. This can make it difficult to pay bills on time, and may even result in late fees or debt.
People with ADHD are often more likely to have other psychiatric conditions, including anxiety and depression. It’s important that people who suspect they have ADHD talk openly about their concerns with their doctor, so a full evaluation can be done.
