How to Know If You Have ADHD
Whether people keep telling you to lose your keys or feel like you can never finish anything at work, getting diagnosed with ADHD is the first step towards finally gaining control.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be present before age 12, appear in two or more settings and cause problems there.
What Are The Symptoms Of ADHD
People with ADHD show symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. The disorder can be diagnosed in children by evaluating their behavior and history. They must have at least six symptoms from each category, and they should have the symptoms for six months to receive a diagnosis. The doctor will also need to assess whether the person’s problems significantly impair their functioning in school and other areas of their life.
When people don’t get treated for ADHD, they may end up with a host of challenges in their lives, such as troubled or failed relationships and poor academic performance. This may lead to feelings of shame and frustration. People with undiagnosed ADHD often blame themselves for their difficulties, believing that they’re just lazy or a failure.
Causes Of ADHD
If you notice that someone has trouble paying attention, can’t sit still or makes careless mistakes at work or school, they may have ADHD. Symptoms usually show up before middle school, but they can appear much earlier. Kids with ADHD squirm or fidget, have trouble staying seated during class or while listening to stories, and often make mistakes when they’re learning new information. They also might blurt out answers before the person finishes asking a question or intrude on other people’s conversations and activities.
Women and girls with ADHD often go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed because their symptoms look different than those of men and boys. For example, they may have trouble staying organized or completing tasks at home or work and forget to follow up on doctor appointments or take their medicine.
Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Symptoms of ADHD are often mistaken for other mental health conditions, including depression or anxiety. That’s why it’s important to have a healthcare or mental health professional assess whether you might have ADHD.
In order to diagnose ADHD, your provider must find that you have six or more of the symptoms described in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1. These symptoms must be present at home and work and cause significant dysfunction.
During the diagnostic process, your doctor may ask about your personal and family history. They’ll also talk to you about your symptoms and get feedback from people who spend time with you, like teachers and coworkers. They might also use checklists and questionnaires to assess your symptoms.
Risk Factors Of ADHD
The cause of ADHD isn’t entirely known, but research shows that genetics plays a big role. It has also been linked to environmental factors like food additives, cigarette and alcohol exposure, lead exposure, poor nutrition, gestational stress during pregnancy, low birth weight, and preterm delivery.
Symptoms of inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior start before age 12 for children, and they can continue into adulthood. ADHD symptoms differ between boys and girls, and are characterized as predominantly inattentive, or hyperactive-impulsive. Many people with ADHD find relief through medication, diet, exercise and therapy. Those with dietary triggers may see their symptoms improve by eliminating foods they are sensitive to. An elimination diet should be implemented under the supervision of a professional. This includes a dietitian and behavioral counselor to ensure adequate nutritional replacement.
Complications Of ADHD
Many people with ADHD have other mental health problems too, like anxiety or depression. These other disorders can make it harder to pay attention and follow through on tasks. People with ADHD are also more likely to get into trouble because of their behavior.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must have six or more symptoms that started before age 12, and they must cause significant problems in school, work, home, and social situations. They must have these symptoms for at least six months. Children and teens with the inattentive type of ADHD often fidget or squirm, have trouble staying seated or playing leisure activities quietly, frequently blurt out answers before questions are finished, and have difficulty waiting their turn in conversations. They can also be forgetful and have a hard time planning, organizing, or keeping track of things.
