Learn the signs and symptoms of ADHD. Also, learn the causes and types of ADHD. You can also learn how to get an accurate diagnosis. It takes time, patience, and effort to manage ADHD. Fortunately, there are ways to manage the condition and improve your attention, self-control, and overall performance in activities and school. By following your treatment plan and practicing the skills you learn in therapy, you will be well on your way to improving your life.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD
The DSM-5, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, identifies the essential features of ADHD. These features include persistent hyperactivity and impulsivity in a child or adolescent, and a pattern of these symptoms in more than one setting. ADHD symptoms are highly variable, but they must occur in more than one setting to be diagnosed. The diagnostic accuracy of ADHD is greatly impacted by the participation of outside informants, who can determine whether symptoms are present in a child or adult.
The evaluation of ADHD involves a history of childhood behavior, school experiences, and other factors. Health care providers may also ask for permission to interview family members and friends about the child’s behaviors. Psychological tests may be used to evaluate executive functioning, reasoning skills, and working memory. Signs and symptoms of ADHD may be accompanied by depression or anxiety. Once these tests are done, a doctor may recommend treatment. ADHD is a complex disorder, which can affect a child’s development and lead to a variety of psychological issues.
While the early signs of ADHD are typically evident in childhood, many adults aren’t diagnosed until adulthood. Adults with ADHD may exhibit subtler symptoms, including difficulty focusing, prioritizing tasks, and managing stress. Sometimes, adults with ADHD exhibit symptoms that are difficult to recognize, but they can function well even if others can’t tell them they’re affected. When symptoms of ADHD persist for years, they’re likely to require treatment to improve their lives.
Types of ADHD
There are three types of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive, and combined. Children with inattentive ADHD show signs of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inability to focus on one task at a time. These symptoms are more likely to occur in children who are struggling with impulse control. Children with ADHD often display an excessive amount of chatter and cannot stay still. A typical assessment for this type of ADHD should include a thorough history of the child’s behavior to rule out other problems.
A combination of both inattentive and hyperactive symptoms must be present in order for the combined presentation to be considered an ADHD diagnosis. Symptoms must be present in more than one environment and cannot be explained by another mental disorder. If these signs are present in more than one setting, the condition is likely to be ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD can vary from child to adult and from gender to gender. Learn the symptoms and get treatment. This will make life much easier.
People with ADHD are easily distracted by distracting extraneous stimuli. They are often forgetful in everyday activities, such as running errands, paying bills, and keeping appointments. In addition to the three types of ADHD, a person can show a combination of symptoms. If you suspect a child has a combination of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor to see if you should seek treatment. Once you have been diagnosed, a treatment plan will be formulated to help the patient focus and avoid distractions.
Causes of ADHD
Although there is no single cause of ADHD, many factors seem to be involved. In fact, it has been suggested that ADHD runs in families. The disorder has a seventy percent heritability rate, but there are also environmental risks, including exposure to chemicals during pregnancy, infections during childhood, and brain damage. According to current estimates, ADHD affects five to seven percent of children according to the DSM-IV criteria and as few as one percent of children if diagnosed using ICD-10 criteria. Regardless of the cause, researchers are finding that ADHD affects at least eighty-four million people worldwide, varying according to the criteria used for diagnosis.
Traumatic experiences also appear to contribute to the development of ADHD symptoms. Children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or other traumatic experiences may exhibit behaviors that are inconsistent with those associated with typical ADHD. They may also exhibit lability of mood, poor impulse control, and difficulty concentrating. These are all hallmarks of the disorder, and many parents and children suffering from it may experience severe emotional, physical, and social consequences. Among these are poor social functioning, financial dependency, and a greater risk of developing PTSD.
How is ADHD Diagnosed?
How is ADHD diagnosed? is a common question, and the answer depends on the type of child and his or her symptoms. Proper diagnosis of ADHD requires extensive interviews, checklists, observations, official questionnaires, and a medical evaluation. Parents can help by giving valuable information about their child’s behavior and social life. In addition, teachers may be asked to complete a checklist if they suspect their child may have ADHD. A doctor may order a comprehensive physical exam to rule out other causes of the symptoms.
If ADHD is a symptom, most children will qualify for educational services within the public school system. A physician and parent will discuss goals for the child and discuss accommodations that may help. Some schools may place the child at the front of the class, for instance. They may also provide classroom staff to help the child. The healthcare provider will discuss realistic, measurable goals with the parents. They will also discuss specific problems your child is experiencing.
There are two types of ADHD: primarily inattentive, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive, and ADHD with a combined presentation. To diagnose ADHD, medical professionals use symptoms described in the DSM-5. However, the severity of the symptoms varies, and some symptoms may change over time. To receive a diagnosis of ADHD, a child must display all three types of symptoms in two or more settings over the course of six months.
Treatsments for ADHD
Although ADHD is a common diagnosis, there are different types of ADHD treatment available. Behavioral treatment uses specific techniques to change negative thought patterns and manage behavior. It is also useful in helping people cope with other challenges, such as substance use or mental health problems. It can help parents and children deal with stress by improving communication and problem-solving skills. However, behavioral treatment cannot be used alone. Your child may benefit from both behavioral and medication treatment.
Medications for ADHD may come with many potential side effects. Some are prescribed off-label, or outside the FDA-approved indications. Medications for ADHD must undergo two clinical trials to prove safety and effectiveness. Some of the medications listed below have not undergone FDA clinical trials, but have been tested in other populations and have been proven to be safe and effective. However, these medications come with a warning label, and dosage levels are not as well characterized as those used for other purposes.
Among the available treatment options, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends medication and behavior therapy for children younger than 6 years. The latter includes behavior therapy and parent training for children up to age 12 as well as other types of training for adults with ADHD. The treatment plan for ADHD should include the involvement of the child’s school. Behavior classroom intervention is also part of the treatment plan. The symptoms of ADHD can be severe and interfere with the child’s daily functioning.
ADHD in Adults
The symptoms of ADHD in adults may be quite different from those of children. Adults may experience problems with focusing, keeping up with conversations, or staying “tuned in” to the task at hand. In addition to these physical and mental symptoms, adults with ADHD may experience emotional dysregulation, which can manifest as rapid mood swings, irritability, or low frustration tolerance. If untreated, the symptoms of ADHD in adults can have a wide range of consequences.
As with children, treatment for adults with ADHD can involve pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. The same treatments may be used for both types of symptoms. Often, medication is prescribed only if the symptoms have occurred within the past year. However, in some cases, this is not the case. Treatment for ADHD in adults should be targeted to the highest level of impairment. During the course of treatment, dosage and frequency of the medication may need to be adjusted.
Adults with ADHD may struggle to keep a job and maintain independence. Without treatment, these symptoms may lead to conflict between parents and children. Untreated ADHD may also cause parents to lose control of their emotions and impulses, compromising their ability to build healthy relationships. In some cases, untreated ADHD may result in nicotine addiction. But if diagnosed, treatment will help improve many aspects of their lives. And the benefits of treatment are well worth the effort.
ADHD Medication
When it comes to ADHD medication, many people worry about the side effects of taking too much. While some medication comes with certain side effects, there is a good chance that it is not a cure for ADHD. Besides being ineffective, medications don’t teach children academic or social skills, and they don’t help children regulate their emotions. If you or your child suffers from ADHD, consider talking to your primary care provider about your symptoms. Your primary care provider may recommend some behavioral interventions or arrange for a referral to a behavioral specialist for treatment.
Among the common ADHD medications, stimulants are the most commonly prescribed. These medications increase brain chemicals, improving attention, concentration, and self-control. However, ADHD medication is not a cure for ADHD, and doctors might try other medicines for children if stimulants aren’t working. Nonstimulants are non-stimulants, including certain blood pressure medications and non-steroidal antidepressants. Both types of ADHD medications have their pros and cons.
When choosing an ADHD medication, your doctor will consider various factors, including the age and severity of your child’s symptoms. Stimulants may be the most appropriate for children with symptoms of ADHD because they tend to work faster. However, they can have side effects such as moodiness and liver damage. Therefore, you should discuss the effects of your medication with your doctor before taking it. In addition to adjusting the dose, your doctor may prescribe you an extended-release formulation.
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