ADHD is a mental health disorder that affects 9% of the population. The main characteristics are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Still, ADHD can be treated through medication or behavioral therapy. It’s estimated that 5-6% of children have it. Therefore, if you’re reading this article, there’s a good chance one or more people close to you have it too!
In fact, this may be why you’re reading up on ADHD in the first place. So if you or someone close to you has it, it’s important to understand the workings of an ADHD mind. There’s nothing to be ashamed of for having a neurodevelopmental disorder. It’s a fascinating thing that highlights the beauty of diversity within the human brain. This article will go into detail on all you need to know about ADHD.
ADHD meaning
It stands for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Therefore a person with ADHD has trouble paying attention and controlling their behavior, which can make everyday tasks difficult to complete. This includes schoolwork, household chores, or socializing.
Signs of ADHD
There are various signs, however, they may vary slightly depending on whether the person is an adult or a child. Some main indicators are:
- Difficulty paying attention
- Easily distracted
- Acts without thinking of consequences
- Trouble with organization and time management
- Disorganization in daily life, such as forgetting appointments or homework assignments
- Hyperactivity
- Impulsivity
- Difficulty with planning tasks, such as homework or chores
- Problems in school performance (e.g., difficulty staying on task during lectures) or at work (e.g., trouble concentrating on a project)
What causes ADHD?
As is the case with most brain disorders, it’s not 100% certain what exactly causes ADHD. Scientists claim that there can be more than one factor in causing this condition in a person. Some of these are:
- Genetics
- Exposure to lead or other toxins in the environment
- Brain injuries, such as a car accident or stroke
- Prenatal exposure to alcohol, nicotine, or drugs
- Low birth weight and premature birth
Despite the uncertainty of the causes, there is certainty on factors that can make it worse or exacerbate the condition. These are external factors in our environment that can be controlled to help reduce symptoms in both adults and children. Some of these are:
- Lack of sleep
- Sugar and other food sensitivities
- Poor diet
- Too much screen time (TV, video games)
- Stressful home environment
Is there an ADHD test?
There are no lab tests to diagnose it; instead, doctors use information from the patient or parent about their symptoms to make an accurate diagnosis. Doctors may ask questions like: “Do you have trouble concentrating?” “Are you easily distracted?” “Do you find yourself fidgeting or squirming when trying to sit still?”
There are a few different ADHD tests that can be administered, but the most common is the Conners’ Rating Scale. This test will measure your child’s behavior on four scales: inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, academic problems, and social problems. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes for this test to complete
Is it hereditary?
Research has shown that it can be hereditary, but not always. ADHD can be hereditary because some people have a genetic predisposition for it. Essentially, researchers have discovered that there’s a genetic component to ADHD, but not everyone with genes for it will develop the disorder. And not everyone who has ADHD inherited it from their parents. Still, the risk of developing ADHD increases if there are other family members with the condition.