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How to Know if I Have ADHD (Symptoms of ADHD)
By Alexander Arnaudov Last Updated February 23, 2024
For sure, 80% of you reading this blog have heard of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). It’s neurodevelopment, marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention that interferes with your functioning and development.
ADHD is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, but it can also affect adults.
What are the signs of ADHD?
- Inattentiveness – It goes beyond simply not being able to pay attention. It can also look like an inability to focus on tasks, making it hard to pay attention. Know that these symptoms can be caused by stress.
- Hyperfocus – On the opposite side of the spectrum, you can also experience hyperfocus with ADHD. It can cause a person to feel so engrossed in a task that they forget about everything else going on around them. Hyperfocus is the inability to regulate your attention span. With it, you can’t always choose what to focus on.
- Impulsivity – can really disrupt your life and potentially get you in trouble.
- Disorganization – We all have hectic lives, but those with ADHD can feel a little bit more chaotic than usual. With ADHD, you might have trouble establishing order in your life, making it difficult to prioritize what’s really important for you.
There are two more symptoms:
If you have ADHD, you might feel like you have a lot more energy than others, find it hard to pay attention, get distracted easily, and find it hard to stay still. Not everyone with ADHD has the same difficulties, because it can appear in different ways, at different times for different people, That’s why it’s sometimes hard to tell who has it.
Some people may have difficulties with reading and spelling, others may have problems communicating with people.
Others have bigger emotions, like feeling more worried, sad, or angry.
How do I know if I have ADHD?
A special doctor can tell you if you have ADHD or not. They will speak to you, your family, and your teachers to find out more about you.
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is typically diagnosed by healthcare professionals through a comprehensive assessment process. This involves gathering information about the individual’s symptoms, medical history, and developmental milestones, as well as conducting behavioral assessments and considering input from multiple sources such as parents, teachers, and caregivers.
Diagnosis is based on the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), and it’s important to rule out other possible explanations for the symptoms. A collaborative approach involving various stakeholders is often utilized, leading to a formal diagnosis that guides the development of a tailored treatment plan and support strategies.
Lower the chance of getting ADHD by losing fat
Is ADHD a disability?
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder rather than a disability in the traditional sense. However, for some individuals, ADHD symptoms can significantly impact their daily functioning and quality of life, leading to challenges in various areas such as education, employment, and social relationships.
In certain contexts, ADHD may be classified as a disability under legal frameworks such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States or the Equality Act in the United Kingdom. These laws provide protections and accommodations for individuals with disabilities to ensure equal access to education, employment, public services, and other opportunities.
Whether ADHD is considered a disability depends on factors such as the severity of symptoms, the extent to which they interfere with daily functioning, and the individual’s need for accommodations or support services. Some individuals with ADHD may qualify for accommodations in educational settings, workplace accommodations, or support services to help them manage their symptoms and succeed in various environments.
It’s important to recognize that ADHD is a spectrum disorder, and individuals with ADHD can have diverse experiences and levels of impairment
Can ADHD appear in adults?
Yes, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) can certainly appear in adults. While it’s often diagnosed in childhood, it’s increasingly recognized that many individuals continue to experience symptoms into adulthood. In some cases, symptoms may not be recognized or diagnosed until adulthood, especially if they were mild or overlooked earlier in life.
Adults with ADHD may experience symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, though the presentation of symptoms can differ from those in children. For example, hyperactivity may manifest more as restlessness or inner fidgetiness in adults than as physical activity or running around as commonly seen in children.
Symptoms of ADHD in adults can impact various aspects of life, including work, relationships, and daily functioning. Some common challenges experienced by adults with ADHD include difficulty maintaining focus and attention, impulsivity in decision-making, organization and time management difficulties, and problems with regulating emotions.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults involves a comprehensive assessment by a healthcare professional, which may include a review of the individual’s medical history, symptoms, and their impact on daily functioning, as well as behavioral observations and sometimes psychological testing.
Treatment for ADHD in adults may include medication, therapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy), skill-building strategies, and lifestyle modifications to help manage symptoms and improve functioning. With proper diagnosis and treatment, adults with ADHD can learn to cope with their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.
ADHD medications
There are several medications commonly used in the treatment of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). These medications can be divided into two main categories: stimulants and non-stimulants.
Stimulant Medications:
- Methylphenidate
This is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. Brands include Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana (patch), Metadate, and Quillivant XR.
- Amphetamine-based medications
These medications also have stimulant properties and are often prescribed for ADHD. Examples include Adderall, Adderall XR, Vyvanse, Dexedrine, and Evekeo.
Stimulant medications work by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which can improve attention, focus, and impulse control in individuals with ADHD.
Stimulant medications are usually taken once or twice a day, depending on the formulation, and can be fast-acting or extended-release.
Non-Stimulant Medications:
- Atomoxetine (Strattera) – This is a non-stimulant medication approved for the treatment of ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults. It works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. Strattera is typically taken once a day.
- Guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay) – These are alpha-2 adrenergic agonists that are sometimes prescribed off-label for ADHD. They work by affecting certain receptors in the brain and can help with impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. These medications are usually taken once a day.
It’s important to note that medication should be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional experienced in treating ADHD, such as a psychiatrist or pediatrician. The choice of medication depends on factors such as the individual’s age, symptom profile, medical history, and any potential side effects or contraindications.
Medication is often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for ADHD, which may also include behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, lifestyle modifications, and support strategies. The goal of medication treatment is to reduce symptoms, improve functioning, and enhance the individual’s quality of life. Regular monitoring and communication with healthcare providers are essential to ensuring that the treatment remains effective and well-tolerated.
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is typically categorized into three main types based on the predominant symptoms that an individual experiences. These types are:
Predominantly Inattentive Presentation (ADHD-PI):
- Individuals with this type of ADHD primarily struggle with inattention. They may have difficulty sustaining attention, following through on tasks, and organizing activities. They may also be forgetful in daily activities and easily distracted by external stimuli.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation (ADHD-PH):
- Individuals with this type of ADHD primarily display symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. They may be excessively restless or fidgety, have difficulty sitting still, and often interrupt others or blurt out answers before questions are completed. They may also have difficulty waiting their turn and exhibit impulsive decision-making.
Combined Presentation (ADHD-C):
- This type of ADHD involves a combination of symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Individuals with this presentation experience symptoms from both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. This is the most common presentation of ADHD.
It’s important to note that ADHD symptoms can vary widely among individuals, and some may exhibit symptoms from more than one presentation. Additionally, symptoms can change over time, and individuals may experience fluctuations in symptom severity depending on various factors such as stress, environment, and life circumstances.
