How to Know If You Have ADHD
If you are wondering if you or someone in your family has ADHD, you are not alone. ADHD is a chronic condition that lasts throughout childhood and adulthood. Adults and adolescents need only 5 symptoms, while younger children must have six. Adults who exhibit hyperactivity and excessive activity often wear themselves or others out. To learn more, visit the National Resource Center on ADHD at the National Institutes of Mental Health or the American Psychiatric Association.
What Are The Symptoms Of ADHD
One of the most common signs of ADHD is inattention. Children with ADHD often struggle with completing tasks, but can focus on things they find fun. This can lead to problems with organization and schoolwork. In addition, children with ADHD have trouble concentrating in noisy environments. They need a quiet environment to do their best. If you notice these symptoms, you should seek help for your child. Listed below are some common symptoms of ADHD.
ADHD symptoms can be worsened or increased by the changing hormonal environment of a child. In most studies, gender and sex are conflated and the results are inconclusive. Transgender individuals report higher rates of ADHD than non-transgender individuals. One study in Australia found that transgender children were four times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. Symptoms weren’t broken down by sex, but a few studies found similarities between males and females.
Causes Of ADHD
One of the underlying myths about ADHD is that it’s an invented illness. Many blame the symptoms on educational failures or a dysfunctional way of life. The reality is that knowledge of the causes of ADHD has increased tremendously over the past 15 years. However, the question remains: Are there real causes of ADHD? If so, what are they? Listed below are some theories and their implications. These are only some of the many causes of ADHD.
Often, ADHD symptoms are a mask for trauma-related distress. Some studies have linked traumatic events to structural changes in the brain and the development of ADHD behaviors. These effects can increase the likelihood of subsequent trauma. It’s important to note that, while there is no one single cause of ADHD, these two conditions are highly interrelated. The effects of trauma on children’s brains and behavioral consequences of ADHD may influence the development of the disorder.
Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
In the UK, getting diagnosed with ADHD can be difficult for adults. Many people who are in a crisis seek private assessment as a way to address their condition. However, a private assessment is not just about medication, it’s also about understanding the disease, how it affects you, and how to manage it successfully. We spoke to 10 adults about their experience getting diagnosed with ADHD. The interviews have been edited for length and clarity.
Usually, children with ADHD are diagnosed by teachers or parents after experiencing problems in the classroom. Getting a diagnosis is more difficult for adults as they present differently than children do. Because children often develop well-developed coping mechanisms and are not as noticeable, they may go undiagnosed for years. In fact, adults are more likely than men to go through life without being diagnosed. However, people with ADHD can be male or female. Getting a diagnosis is an important step toward a better quality of life.
Risk Factors Of ADHD
Risk factors for ADHD development are closely linked to various pregnancy and childbirth conditions. Preterm birth, maternal anemia, lower levels of iodine and iron, and CS delivery have all been linked with higher risk of ADHD. Among other conditions, prematurity, low birth weight, and breech delivery are associated with increased risk of ADHD. Other risk factors include maternal education level and the number of offspring.
The etiology of ADHD is multifactorial, with many contributing factors. Although it is not yet known how much of a child’s ADHD symptoms are hereditary, several risk factors have been identified. In particular, there is an unclear mechanism that relates maternal stress to the development of ADHD in the offspring. Previous research suggests that maternal emotional state has a direct impact on the development of the foetus.
Complications Of ADHD
A person with ADHD may not realize they have the disorder until it becomes a serious problem. This is because people with ADHD often exhibit symptoms that are similar to those of depression or anxiety. Sometimes they develop coping methods that mask their symptoms. A high functioning person may experience these symptoms for years without being diagnosed. One such example is Zach, a graduate student at Rockefeller University in New York. He was a high-functioning student throughout his childhood and college years.
Adults with ADHD may have difficulties concentrating, following directions, organizing their tasks, and meeting deadlines. They also tend to be easily bored, have poor self-esteem, and have problems relating to others. Some adults with ADHD even engage in risky behaviors, such as overspending, smoking, and using recreational drugs. As a result, they are at risk for developing other problems, such as alcohol abuse and gambling. While these problems may seem minor, they can affect a person’s life in a major way.
http://www.adhdinadults.com ADHD is a legitimate diagnosis with specific medical procedure for making the diagnosis, yet some physicians are hesitant to diagnose Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Doctors who treat adult patients should learn more about adult ADHD treatment options as well as the diagnosis process.
Anthony Rostain MD/MA, the Medical Director for the Penn Medicine Adult ADHD Program, starts by examining ADHD in adults as a diagnosis and address some of the hesitation doctors have in identifying and treating adults with ADHD. Physicians may be concerned with medical legal consequences that can occur if a patient is abusing or diverting federally controlled medication. Anthony encourages physicians to follow standard medical practices to avoid legal issues when prescribing ADHD medications.
Dr. Brendan Montano, a primary care physician, says he became more comfortable prescribing ADHD medication once he had a better understanding of ADHD and more exposure to stimulant medication treatment. Pediatricians use stimulant ADHD in childhood and have been familiarized with stimulant medications and Dr. Montano believes the same will occur for physicians that treat adults.
This video also features, Dr. Stephen Faraone, a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at SUNY Update Medical University, who explains some of the new developments in ADHD treatment options that reduce potential for stimulant abuse.
Physicians looking for additional resources on ADHD in adults should visit www.adhdinadults.com. Our Website with Free ADHD CME (ADHD Continuing Medical Education) for Providers is:
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We want to thank all the following Organizations and Channels which have addressed
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TEDxMaastricht – Lawrence Sherman – “Turning medical education inside out and upside down”
Phillip Maxwell
True Life, I’m a PA: Continuing Medical Education, and Financial Aid Advice
IUHealth
Chemotherapy: What to Expect | IU Health Cancer Centers
Medical education videos
Heart Failure (Definition) – Cardiology | Medical Education Videos
Goldman Sachs /GoldmanSachs
New School – 3 Ways Technology Will Transform the Classroom: Goldman Sachs’ Victor Hu
Medscape /Medscape
Malcolm Gladwell on Fixing the US Healthcare Mess
Digivision Media /InstaTapesMedia
Natural Ways to Balance your Brain – Daniel G. Amen, MD
University of California Television (UCTV)
Schizophrenia
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Mint Medical /MintMedical
Introduction to Transvaginal Ultrasound Scanning-Part II
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Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)
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CCME – Free Emergency Medicine Education
National Family Medicine Board Review Course – Common Medical Problems
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