How to Know If You Have ADHD
While you may feel different, you are not. You do not have lower intelligence because of ADHD. While you may have greater difficulty in some areas, you can find your niche and achieve success. If you’re struggling with ADHD, you can find your strengths and learn how to use them to your advantage. You can also work with a psychologist to find out how to deal with your ADHD symptoms. Read on to learn more about how to identify if you have ADHD.
What Are The Symptoms Of ADHD
One of the first signs of ADHD is impulsivity, or a tendency to act without thinking. Children with ADHD are quick to interrupt others and often make a mess of things. They are also less likely to follow through on things, such as asking for permission before doing something. They are also prone to misplacing things, or losing important personal items. They may also be distracted by extraneous stimuli, such as TV commercials, the phone, or other distractions.
Although the cause of ADHD is still largely unknown, genetics play an important role. Certain genes are linked to the production of the neurotransmitter dopamine. While there is no universal test for ADHD, doctors can assess whether the patient has shown at least five symptoms over a six-month period. In addition to assessing these symptoms, they will also do a physical examination and review the child’s medical history.
Causes Of ADHD
What causes ADHD? A formal diagnosis would be an axiom that would account for the disorder’s cause, but this is an idiom that relies on theoretical models of the brain to justify its existence. Indeed, the overused model of executive function breakdown has been found to not explain the disorder’s breakdown in any meaningful way. Instead, it accounts for the disorder in more contextual affective terms. Nevertheless, these theories are far from definitive.
The most reliable explanation of the origin of ADHD is that it tends to run in families. Indeed, it is 74% heritable. Environmental factors such as toxins during pregnancy and infections that damage the brain are also thought to contribute to the disorder. The prevalence of ADHD varies worldwide and has been estimated to affect five percent to seven percent of children according to DSM-IV criteria, 2% by the ICD-10 diagnosis, and one percent to two per cent by the DSM-10 criteria.
Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
There are many different ways to get diagnosed with ADHD. Your primary care physician, your local university-based hospital, and your psychology graduate school are all great places to find qualified professionals who specialize in ADHD. If you feel that you or a loved one may be suffering from ADHD, you can also seek the advice of ADHD support groups or therapists. The Internet can be a useful resource for referrals. Most insurance plans will list qualified professionals by specialty.
To get a proper diagnosis of ADHD, you must have displayed symptoms at least once before the age of 12. Getting a diagnosis can help you work with your strengths and minimize your symptoms. It is important to get a proper diagnosis of ADHD, and it may take several visits to get a correct diagnosis. If you are experiencing symptoms of ADHD, you should see a professional as soon as possible. You can then work with a qualified professional to find a treatment plan that suits your specific symptoms.
Risk Factors Of ADHD
Preeclampsia, maternal anemia, low birth weight, and breech delivery are all associated with an increased risk of ADHD development. Low SES and maternal smoking during pregnancy have also been associated with an increased risk of ADHD. And finally, children born prematurely have higher risk of ADHD than their siblings. But there are still some controversies regarding these risk factors. Future studies could address these issues with more clinical factors at birth and more accurate methodologies.
A low birth weight was a strong perinatal risk factor, with the Apgar score having the highest predictive value. A post-term birth is also an independent risk factor. Lastly, the mother’s educational level was a significant risk factor. This study has highlighted the need for further studies to determine whether any of the above factors are associated with increased risk of ADHD. The CART method indicates that low birth weight is one of the most important perinatal risk factors.
Complications Of ADHD
There are several possible side effects of ADHD medications. Children are at higher risk of cardiovascular events if they take stimulants. Even children with no heart conditions may be at risk of cardiovascular complications if they take more medication than prescribed. For this reason, it is important to discuss any concerns with your physician. If you suspect your child is experiencing adverse effects from ADHD medication, you should discuss this with a psychologist who will design a behavioral therapy.
The doctor will look at the symptoms of ADHD and consider the effects on the child’s life. If the child has problems at school or at home, he or she may recommend medication. If the symptoms are not severe, the doctor may recommend other treatments, including psychotherapy, counselling, and social skills training. If ADHD interferes with a child’s education, special education may be recommended. However, treatment for ADHD is not always required.
