What is the root cause of ADHD? Scientists don’t know for sure what causes ADHD, but it’s likely that there are a number of different factors. These could be genetic, environmental or even a combination of both. The root cause of ADHD is something that still needs to be explored.
The most common symptoms of ADHD
The most common symptoms of ADHD are trouble paying attention, getting distracted easily and being hyperactive or impulsive. They may also include problems with organization, losing things and forgetting.
If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, a GP and specialist can recommend medicines that are suitable for him or her. Medications help the brain control certain chemicals and can improve focus, behaviour and sleep patterns.
Medication is usually prescribed in the form of tablets or capsules, which you or your child take daily at regular intervals. They can be stopped or increased at the GP’s discretion.
Talking therapies can help you or your child manages the symptoms of ADHD by changing how they think and behave. These can be carried out individually or in a group.
Counselling is also used to help adults with ADHD manage their symptoms and cope with the impact on their lives. It can help to improve self-esteem, work performance and relationships with partners and friends.
Some people with ADHD have also found that a change in lifestyle, such as eating a healthy diet or taking vitamins and supplements, helps to reduce their symptoms. However, these approaches should not be used without medical advice, as they don’t have enough evidence to support them.
Are you born with ADHD?
ADHD is often seen as a brain disorder that only affects children. However, research has shown that it can also affect adults.
What is ADHD?
ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that typically develops in childhood. It involves problems with paying attention, controlling impulsive behavior and managing excitable behavior.
How can I know if my child has ADHD?
There are many ways to determine whether a child has ADHD. Doctors use a series of tests to assess ADHD symptoms and determine the diagnosis.
Symptoms of ADHD can appear at any age, but are most common in childhood. The DSM-V lists specific criteria that must be met to diagnose an adult with ADHD.
The Symptoms of ADHD
When it comes to ADHD, most of the symptoms are focused on a person’s ability to pay attention. This means a person with ADHD may struggle to focus on schoolwork, activities or sports.
They might skip out on an assignment or class, blurt out answers without waiting for someone to answer and squirm in their chair when they feel bored or frustrated.
How can I help my child with ADHD?
While doctors and researchers are still looking for the cause of ADHD, they know there are many things that can contribute to it. Genetics, the environment and problems with the central nervous system at key moments in development are all thought to play a role.
Some people believe that diets, especially high in sugar and processed foods, can trigger hyperactivity. But no one knows for sure if that’s true, and studies have not linked an unhealthy diet with the onset of ADHD. Fortunately, many healthy habits can reduce the signs and symptoms of ADHD without sacrificing the natural energy and playful nature that kids have
Is ADHD inherited from mother or father?
Does ADHD run in families?
ADHD tends to run in families, which suggests that genetics play a role. However, it is important to remember that genes are not the only factor that contributes to the development of ADHD. Environmental factors such as brain injury and exposure to lead also increase the risk of developing ADHD.
Does a family history of ADHD indicate that a child is at higher risk?
Research indicates that the odds of a child having ADHD increase significantly when a parent has ADHD. This is because a person has more ADHD-related genetic variants in their DNA. They are therefore more likely to pass these variants on to their children.
Can I test for a family history of ADHD?
There is no one test that will confirm if a child has ADHD. Doctors diagnose the disorder by observing behavior and discussing symptoms with the child and their parents and teachers. The diagnosis must be persistent and noticeable over a period of time (usually at least six months).
Does Boys Have More ADHD Symptoms Than Girls?
Boys often present with hyperactivity and other externalizing symptoms. They also have more trouble paying attention and concentrating than girls do.
What Does the Brain Look Like in a Person with ADHD?
The ADHD brain has different structures, function and chemistry from the non-ADHD brain. For example, the ADHD brain has a larger number of regions in the default mode network, which takes care of things such as daydreaming, thinking about the future and retrieving memories.
Causes of ADHD in adults
ADHD can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms of the disorder tend to develop differently from person to person. The criteria for a diagnosis are five or more of the inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms in at least two settings (home, school or work).
If you’re an adult and think you might have ADHD, you can talk to your health care provider about getting an assessment. They will examine your personal history, gather evidence from teachers or family members and may conduct a physical exam.
Symptoms of ADHD in adults can have a big impact on a person’s social life, their relationships and their work. Many people with ADHD experience difficulties with organising their time and attention, which can make it more difficult to manage their responsibilities and to meet deadlines.
Difficulties with attention can be worsened if a person has anxiety or mood disorders. Therapy and self-care strategies can help manage these co-existing conditions.
Relationship issues can also be problematic for those with undiagnosed ADHD. Often, partners and friends understand poor listening skills and an inability to meet commitments as a sign that the person doesn’t care about them or their needs.
Career counselling can be helpful for people with undiagnosed ADHD who have difficulties managing their job. It can help them learn coping skills and to develop a more effective work schedule. Treatment for a person with ADHD can be focused on medication or on other therapies, such as behavioral therapy. A health professional will consider which approach is best for each individual and their unique situation.
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