How to Know If You Have ADHD
If you have symptoms of ADHD, you’ll probably be moody, irritable, unmotivated, and prone to outbursts. Because ADHD affects the way we handle our emotions, it can be difficult to deal with stress and other problems in our lives. During an examination, doctors ask about the nature and severity of the symptoms. In order to diagnose ADHD, you must exhibit several of these symptoms in several different areas of your life. If you suffer from more than one disorder, your doctor will want to rule those out as well.
What Are The Symptoms Of ADHD
Whether your child has been diagnosed with ADHD or not, you can help reduce the signs and symptoms of the disorder by learning more about it and taking action. It’s important to look after yourself as much as possible, eat right, and exercise to reduce your stress level. Your child’s therapist will teach you mindfulness techniques to improve attention. By learning about ADHD, you can help your child become more organized, stay on task, and listen to him or her. You can also get coached on how to motivate your child.
While there is no specific treatment for ADHD, early diagnosis can reduce the severity of symptoms, decrease the interference of behavioral symptoms on school functioning, and improve your child’s overall quality of life. Research on ADHD symptoms is scarce, but early identification can help your child improve his or her life quality and normal growth. A new study conducted by the University of Minnesota found that ADHD was four times more common among transgender people than in the general population.
Causes Of ADHD
Adults with ADHD may not even realize they have the disorder. A thorough evaluation should be performed, including a review of past symptoms, a physical exam, and a history. Adults with ADHD may also benefit from psychotherapy and medication. In addition, behavior management strategies may be helpful. Here are some of the most common treatments for ADHD:
While some studies have pointed to genetics as a cause, others are looking at the environment, such as toxins during pregnancy, infections during pregnancy, or even brain damage. Though researchers aren’t yet certain of the exact causes of ADHD, many believe that these factors are responsible for the condition. A recent study showed that certain foods are linked with increased symptoms of ADHD, but the link between the two is questionable. Despite the fact that the causes of ADHD have not been proven, scientists have made tremendous progress in our knowledge about these factors.
Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Getting diagnosed with ADHD may seem like a daunting task. Often, adults with the disorder are embarrassed about it, and testing can be expensive and stigmatizing. In this episode, four adults share their stories of how they went through the process of getting diagnosed with ADHD. What can you expect from the ADHD evaluation? Here are some tips. Read on to find out more. This episode was produced in collaboration with The Attention Disorder Society.
Getting a professional’s help is essential for a correct diagnosis. While a psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication, it is important to go to a doctor who supports your insurance. During the evaluation, your doctor will ask questions about your life, your childhood, and your symptoms. They will also run tests to rule out other conditions, such as mood disorders. After your evaluation, you will have a better understanding of what to expect and how to get treated.
Risk Factors Of ADHD
The symptoms of ADHD usually begin in early childhood and persist into adulthood, making an early diagnosis essential to preventing long-term cognitive and behavioral problems. Although the etiology of ADHD is not well understood, numerous risk factors may influence the development of ADHD in a child. Genetics are arguably the most important factor. While there is no way to control genetics, many risk factors can be managed, such as the diet and environmental toxins a child is exposed to.
Studies have shown that the chances of ADHD in children increase two to eight-fold when either a parent or sibling has the condition. The familial nature of ADHD has also been shown by twin studies. Even twins who grew up in different homes have the same disorder. In fact, monozygotic and fraternal twins share 50 percent of their genes. Additionally, environmental factors and synthetic compounds can trigger the development of ADHD.
Complications Of ADHD
Parents of children with ADHD may face a variety of difficulties as their child adjusts to the disorder. Their child might have trouble getting a job or keeping their work organized, or he or she may be difficult to interact with co-workers. Some children with ADHD may have trouble sleeping, which can cause daytime behavior to be worse than at other times. Parents also often have difficulty finding enough time to spend alone and may struggle with sleep issues.
In some cases, children with ADHD may go years without a proper diagnosis. If a child has high functioning and does not display the signs and symptoms of ADHD, it may be difficult for a doctor to diagnose. Often, a child with ADHD is not even aware they have a disorder and has developed coping mechanisms that mask symptoms. Zach is an example. He was a high-functioning student in primary and secondary school and has since attended college.
