How to Know If You Have ADHD
Hyperactivity isn’t always obvious in adults, but some people may experience restlessness and fidgeting, even when they’re not hyper. Adults may have trouble sitting still, fidget their hands, or fiddle with their feet, which may bring back memories of their rambunctious childhood. Dr. Wetzel, for instance, once had a patient who couldn’t sit still in school hallways.
What Are The Symptoms Of ADHD
Children with ADHD are often impulsive, with difficulty maintaining order in their surroundings. Their tasks tend to be messy, and they may not ask permission before taking a step. They may avoid tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as doing homework. They may also lose personal or necessary items, or exhibit extreme emotional reactions to situations. Parents may first notice these signs when their child is still a youngster. Children with ADHD are often impulsive, but they can also be a sign of a broader disorder.
The symptoms of ADHD often persist into adulthood, and many adults do not recognize that they have it. Some adults may recognize signs of depression and anxiety and seek treatment for these conditions. But it may take professional help to identify ADHD and its symptoms. These professionals can educate parents and help them learn new attitudes and skills to help their child. There are no definitive diagnoses, but many symptoms can be related to it. For more information on ADHD, visit the National Resource Center for ADHD at the National Institutes of Mental Health and the American Psychiatric Association.
Causes Of ADHD
While there are many causes for ADHD, one of the most common and efficient explanations is that ADHD is an inherited disorder. It’s true that ADHD can run in families, but that doesn’t mean that it’s inevitable. Some people never display the symptoms, and others have ADHD for most of their lives. Either way, it’s important to understand how ADHD develops and what causes it. For those who are diagnosed with ADHD, these facts are helpful in the treatment process.
The most popular theories of ADHD focus on the effects of faulty brain wiring. Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD exhibit behaviors that attract attention and alter their functional cycles. In fact, adults with ADHD tend to experience a “desynchronized experience of time”: accelerated thinking, physical discomfort, and anxiety in movement, and aren’t in time with other people, things, or rhythms. Several of these behaviors can be explained by analyzing one’s own daily rhythms.
Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
After being diagnosed with ADHD, you may be wondering how to treat your child. There are many ways to do this. In addition to seeking a psychiatrist, you may also consider medication. However, medication comes with its own risks and side effects. Those who take it may experience side effects including headaches, dry mouth, weight loss, or difficulty sleeping. It is important to monitor the side effects of medication and discuss these with your healthcare provider. Therapy is also an effective way to treat ADHD and find ways to manage stressors, learn ways to navigate your symptoms, and learn self-acceptance.
Your healthcare provider may want to examine your report cards or other academic records. If you are struggling to remember your childhood events, you may have ADHD. Your healthcare provider may also contact your family members or guardians to find out more about your symptoms. It is important to remember that conversations with your healthcare provider are confidential. Be open and honest about your problems. Be sure to include all symptoms and events in your story. If your symptoms are mild, your healthcare provider may not be able to determine the exact cause of the problem.
Risk Factors Of ADHD
There is an increased risk of ADHD in children with low gravid numbers and maternal education. Low birth weight and preterm delivery are also risk factors, which may be mitigated by careful monitoring, nutritional sufficiency, and psychological support. Low gravid numbers may also lead to fewer offspring. But this may not be the end of the story. Risk factors for ADHD in children with ADHD can vary depending on the cause of the disorder and its severity.
Genetic and environmental risk factors also play a role in the development of ADHD. The risk of ADHD increases two to eight-fold in children of parents with the condition. Twin studies have shown a familial component to ADHD. Even identical twins can develop the condition, although it is not the most likely cause. In monozygotic twins, 100 percent of the genes are shared, while fraternal twins share 50%. Additionally, exposure to certain synthetic compounds may trigger ADHD symptoms.
Complications Of ADHD
There are many different types of treatment for ADHD, including behavioral therapy and stimulants. In addition to medications, your child may need special education, social skills training, and psychotherapy. You and your doctor should discuss all treatment options with your child, so that you can best manage the condition. Behavioral therapy may be used as an initial treatment, if your child meets the criteria for ADHD. Medications can help control symptoms and help your child focus and learn.
While stimulant medications have been shown to be effective for 70 to 80% of children with ADHD, these medications come with their own risks. For example, stimulant medications are associated with cardiovascular risks, and according to a study by the CDC, 188 emergency room visits were linked to these drugs. Therefore, it is important to discuss all possible side effects with your doctor, as well as the benefits and risks of different types of medication.
