What is ADHD? How Do We Tell If Someone Has It?

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what is adhd

What is ADHD? How do we tell if someone has ADHD? If you have ever wondered, “Do I have ADHD?”, then read this article. You’ll learn the symptoms, types, and causes of ADHD. Then, you can know if you or your child has it. And, if you suspect that you might have ADHD, how do we get diagnosed? Let’s begin! The symptoms of ADHD are outlined below.

Signs and Symptoms of ADHD

People who suffer from ADHD are known to be impulsive and unable to maintain focus on their tasks. Their lives are often disorganized, and they have difficulty meeting deadlines. Their homes may also be messy and they may struggle to keep up with their daily routines. While these are some of the most obvious signs of ADHD, others may be harder to spot. Read on to discover some of the more subtle symptoms. Then, ask your doctor for a diagnosis.

Females and males may exhibit different ADHD symptoms. While males are more likely to exhibit impulsive and hyperactive behavior, females’ symptoms may be less severe. These symptoms typically manifest during times of transition, such as puberty and menstruation. Males may also display a more severe form of the disorder. If these signs and symptoms are consistent, your child may have ADHD. It is important to seek medical attention early on to prevent further complications.

Children with ADHD often exhibit the classic signs of hyperactivity and failure to sit still. They dash around or talk incessantly. They may not sit still in class and may touch everything. Adults with ADHD may show symptoms of extreme restlessness. They may not be able to control their behavior, causing them to lose things and disrupt other people. And because the symptoms are often subtle, parents may not even know their child has ADHD.

Types of ADHD

There are three types of ADHD: hyperactive, inattentive, and combination. Both have symptoms of trouble with organization, time management, and meeting deadlines. Children with hyperactive-inattentive ADHD may be fidgety and talkative when in situations that require sustained mental effort. Adults with this disorder may be able to cover up these problems by using distractions or by displaying symptoms of both hyperactive and inattentive types simultaneously.

People with this disorder are prone to distraction by extraneous stimuli, which is why they often have trouble focusing. In addition, they are often forgetful when performing everyday activities, such as running errands, keeping appointments, and paying bills. Children with ADHD often crash into walls and climb on things, so they are also known as “jumpers.” However, restlessness is often an internal sensation rather than an outward sign.

The three most common types of ADHD are hyperactive-impulsive, predominantly inattentive, and combination. Individuals with combination types are more likely to seek professional help. Interestingly, males are more likely to develop ADHD than females, but older children, teens, and adults are more likely to suffer from the inattentive type. Psych Central provides information about the types of ADHD and their treatment. They also provide a helpful guide to seeking mental health care.

Causes of ADHD

The main cause of ADHD is genetics. Genetic research shows that there are several genes that are associated with neurotransmitter pathways in the nervous system. The findings of a recent study have helped to identify which genes are associated with ADHD and which are not. Genetic studies also show that there is an increased risk of ADHD among people with certain environmental factors, such as a family history of the condition. However, it is not clear if environmental adversities are a major contributor to ADHD.

Psychosocial conditions such as social class, parental education, poverty, bullying, negative parenting, and family discord are also believed to contribute to the occurrence of ADHD. Although these factors are not the primary cause of ADHD, they may modify the expression of the disorder in genetically susceptible individuals and influence the level of impairment in the child. This is important in the diagnosis and management of ADHD. This is why parents must consider the environment they live in when evaluating their children’s behavioral symptoms.

Although ADHD is an incurable condition, parents can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD through appropriate intervention and accommodation. In addition to these interventions, they should consider educating themselves on the causes of ADHD to better understand the symptoms of the disorder. However, it is important to note that children born with the disorder should not be forced to take medication. The symptoms of ADHD may last a lifetime, but with the right support, the symptoms can be managed to a lesser degree.

How is ADHD Diagnosed?

Typically, children with ADHD are diagnosed before the age of twelve. This is followed by a medical exam and assessment of the child’s medical history and school records. Often, neuropsychological testing is added to the diagnostic process to gain additional insight into the child’s strengths and weaknesses and help rule out other possible causes. Parents can refer their children to a licensed provider if they feel they cannot adequately diagnose their child with ADHD themselves.

There are several types of ADHD. The most common types are primary inattentive, primarily hyperactive/impulsive, and combined presentations. Medical professionals use the DSM-5 to diagnose ADHD. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may change over time. To receive a diagnosis for ADHD, a child must have symptoms in two or more settings for at least six months. The symptoms of both types of ADHD are present for at least six months.

In addition to the doctor’s assessment, parents should share information about their child’s actions and social interactions. The child’s behavior and schoolwork will be evaluated. Parents may also be asked to complete rating scales or checklists to provide further details. Parents can also share family histories and discuss any schoolwork to provide important clues. The doctor may also ask for a copy of your child’s schoolwork. As the diagnosis is finalized, healthcare providers will recommend a plan to help your child cope with ADHD.

Treatsments for ADHD

Of the more than 20,000 children diagnosed with ADHD, approximately 90% of children received a treatment. These treatments may be behavioral, such as behavioral classroom intervention, dietary interventions, or anti-motion sickness medications. Behavioral treatment can also include other types of training, such as sensory integration training. ADHD can also be treated with the help of schools. Supports in the classroom and social skills training are also part of treatment plans. Treatments for ADHD may also include medications, behavioral classroom interventions, or other forms of psychosocial intervention.

The most common type of treatment for ADHD is medication, such as stimulant drugs. While these medications can be helpful in reducing symptoms of ADHD, they also have many side effects, and they may not address the issues related to academic performance and relationships with other family members. For these reasons, some parents choose nonpharmacological therapies. In some cases, these alternative treatments are a great fit for a child with ADHD. However, they are not typically reimbursed by insurance companies.

Psychosocial treatment for ADHD can also be effective, though it requires a physician’s approval. Behavioral therapy involves a child’s environment and learning styles. Behavioral therapy is an excellent addition to medication. Often, behavioral treatments for ADHD are more effective when combined with medication. A child may need changes to their daily routine and environment, as well as extra help in the classroom. If behavioral therapy is not enough, special attention may need to be paid to adapting the child’s environment to accommodate the changes they make.

ADHD in Adults

Adults who have ADHD often experience difficulty focusing, and can have trouble keeping up with conversations. As the number of responsibilities grows, so do the symptoms of ADHD. Many adults lose track of time and often think in ways that are rude or inappropriate. Other common complaints include a lack of organizational skills, difficulty prioritizing tasks, and trouble with attention. Getting a diagnosis of ADHD is a vital step toward a better quality of life.

Adults may have a diagnosis if some or all of their symptoms are present since early childhood. Screening tasks can measure attention, distractibility, and short-term memory. They may also look for signs of substance abuse or other psychiatric conditions. The symptoms of ADHD can be debilitating for adults. Fortunately, there are now a wide range of treatment options for adults suffering from the condition. However, in order to get a diagnosis, you must meet the criteria for ADHD.

The criteria for ADHD in adults have been developed by Dr. Richard Wender. The Utah criteria reflect the distinct features of adult ADHD. Essentially, it must be present for a prolonged period of time without remission. These symptoms must be persistent, accompanied by at least two of the following: hyperactivity, poor concentration, affective lability, hot temper, inability to complete tasks, stress intolerance, and impulsivity.

ADHD Medication

Children with ADHD can be treated with stimulants like Adderall or Dexedrine. These drugs work by increasing brain activity in areas of the brain that control attention and behavior. They are taken by mouth and may be given to children as young as five or as adults. These medicines are generally short-acting, but can last as long as 14 hours. Young children may not be able to tolerate the longer-acting forms, but teens can tolerate the longer-acting versions.

While medication is an effective treatment for ADHD, many adults need more support than a medication. Counseling sessions may be helpful, but it is crucial that the treatment plan be based on the patient’s overall mental health. Most doctors recommend psychotherapy in conjunction with medicines for ADHD. Counseling for adults may focus on improving communication skills, resolving conflict, or educating partners about the condition. However, it is important to note that a psychotherapist cannot guarantee your success with a particular medication.

In addition to psychoactive drugs, ADHD medications are often prescribed for children with attention deficits. Alpha-2-agonists may decrease symptoms in children, but they may have side effects like depression or suicidal thoughts. Often prescribed for children older than five, stimulants may be more effective. The dosage of stimulants for children with ADHD may need to be adjusted if the child is taking another antidepressant.

Visit us ( for health and medicine content or ( for MCAT related content. These videos are not intended to provide medical advice. They are only for informational purposes. These videos should not be considered a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions about a medical condition, it is important to seek out the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. Do not disregard professional medical advice, or delay seeking it due to something you’ve seen or read in Khan Academy videos. Brooke Miller created this video.

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