How to Know If You Have ADHD
If you have ADHD, you must have had attention or behavior problems when you were a child. This might have resulted in you being labeled as lazy or a child with a different condition. Fortunately, the symptoms of ADHD change as you get older, so you can still have ADHD as an adult. Here are the signs that may indicate you have ADHD. Here are some other common symptoms and risk factors.
What Are The Symptoms Of ADHD
People with ADHD have difficulty staying organized and focused, causing them to lose things, be distracted, and avoid tasks that require sustained mental effort. Symptoms of ADHD can range from poor time management to excessive tapping, talking, and movement. Impulsivity can also be a symptom, with people being prone to interrupting others or making decisions without thinking them through. In addition, the condition can be debilitating for both the sufferer and their families.
In order to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, symptoms must be present for at least 12 months, occur in more than one setting, and affect daily life. Parents may experience negative feelings about the disorder before the child is diagnosed. They may need specialized help to deal with the emotional effects of ADHD, and mental health professionals can help both the child and the parents improve their attitude. In addition, mental health professionals may help the child develop new skills and attitudes.
Causes Of ADHD
While it’s easy to blame the early traumatic experience for the onset of ADHD, there are other factors that can be responsible for this condition. A lack of structured daily routine, poor family structure, and excessive media use can be major contributing factors. In addition to these factors, genetic factors may also contribute to the development of ADHD. Here are some reasons why your child is at risk of developing this disorder. The best way to prevent ADHD symptoms is to educate yourself about its causes.
Genetics – ADHD is a heritable disorder. Researchers have found evidence that some families are more likely to develop ADHD than others. Genetics studies have shown that ADHD runs in the family and is hereditary in nearly half of cases. Early adversity, exposure to lead, and low birth weight are all risk factors. Environmental factors like poverty and poor nutrition can be contributing factors, but they don’t necessarily cause ADHD.
Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
While adults are less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD, more adults are seeking evaluations to determine whether they have the condition. While children are more likely to be missed by teachers because of different presentations and well-developed coping mechanisms, adults may also be suffering from ADHD. Although women are more likely to live with undiagnosed ADHD, this condition can affect anyone. For this reason, a diagnosis can be a big step towards a better quality of life.
Your healthcare provider may ask for details about your daily routines and activities. In addition to your history and functioning, a clinician may also conduct objective tests to determine your ability to pay attention and focus. The evaluation process may take several hours and is generally performed in two sessions. There is no standard length of time for the process, so your doctor may request additional testing to help determine whether you have ADHD. However, it is important to keep in mind that your appointment is private.
Risk Factors Of ADHD
Risk factors for ADHD are multifactorial and include social and familial factors. They include sex, race, and socioeconomic status. Psychiatric disorders in parents are also associated with increased risk for ADHD. The first child in the family and consanguinity marriage are also risk factors. Low SES and maternal smoking during pregnancy are other risk factors. There is no evidence to support a single risk factor or multiple risk factors, but several other factors are linked with ADHD.
The risk of ADHD is significantly higher for children born to mothers who had been institutionalized. Moreover, research shows that low birth weight is a perinatal risk factor. A decreased Apgar score has the highest predictive value. Post-term birth is another risk factor. Although there are some controversies about this relationship, future studies are needed to confirm it. However, current studies suggest that these risk factors are related. A few potential risk factors for ADHD include a mother’s education and number of offspring.
Complications Of ADHD
Many adults with ADHD experience problems with school, work, and social relationships. They may struggle to meet deadlines, organize their work, or accept constructive criticism. They also may have trouble making friends and getting along with co-workers. Additionally, untreated ADHD can lead to substance abuse, vehicle accidents, and gambling problems. And if you’re an adult, you’re probably worried about your child’s sleeping habits and related issues.
Parents and teachers may report that their child is restless and cannot sit still. Children with ADHD often fidget with their hands or feet. They can’t play quietly and act as if they’re driven by a motor. They also may have problems waiting their turn. They may also exhibit symptoms in two or more settings at once. If your child exhibits two or more of these symptoms, you should see a doctor right away.
Psychiatrist Phil Borders addresses the question of whether stimulant medications are overprescribed. This video is partly a reaction/ response to the recently released “Take Your Pills” documentary on Netflix.
Here are some reliable sources of information about ADHD and ADHD treatment:
ADHD facts: /
What we know about the long-term effects of ADHD medication: .
Why dosage matters: .
Types of ADHD medication: .
Why stimulants help ADHD (Sci Show, includes research):
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“Getting Ahead of ADHD” by Dr. Joel T. Nigg (fantastic book on treating childhood ADHD, includes non-medication options & talks about meds starting p224): .
The difference between the effect of amphetamines & methamphetamines: .
What actually causes addiction? />
And here is a systematic review that includes 69 recent (2011-2016) studies related to ADHD treatment:
Do ADHD (stimulants) meds give you an edge if your not diagnosed as ADHD
