Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that makes it difficult for you to stay still and pay attention to or focus on tasks. As someone with ADHD, you could act without thinking and have troubles with daily functions. Skills that come easily to someone else such as being organized and controlling your emotions can be difficult to attain with ADHD.
ADHD presents differently in children and adults. If you have ADHD as a child, you can experience the following signs:
- Easily distracted
- Squirming and fidgeting
- Does not seem to listen
- Does not complete tasks
- Lose things often
- Make careless mistakes
Some symptoms of adults with ADHD are:
- Difficulty completing tasks
- Consistently late and forgetful
- Poor organization capabilities
- Short temper
- Employment issues
- Low self-esteem
- Hard time controlling your behaviour
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
How does ADHD start? The exact cause is not known, but key factors play a role in starting the ADHD brain.
- Family History: ADHD has been known to run in families because of certain genetic characteristics that pass down the line. Your parents could pass this genetic disorder down to you or your siblings.
- Pregnancy and Birth problems: If you have had a problem during pregnancy, your child is born prematurely or with low birth weight, your child has a higher risk of developing ADHD.
How does The Family Psychology Place diagnose ADHD?
When trying to discover if your child has ADHD, information from caregivers, schools, and parents is gathered. Your child’s behaviour is compared to other children of the same age. A physical exam is required along with a medical history.
It is much more complicated to diagnose ADHD in an adult. However, as an adult, you might recognize the symptoms of this neurological disorder in yourself if your child has been diagnosed. You might even seek psychological help if you have depression, anxiety, or other related symptoms that could be signs of ADHD. ADHD symptoms must have occurred from your childhood onward if you are to be diagnosed with this disorder.
All tests used at The Family Psychology Place will vary depending on the age of the person and the specifics we are looking for. ADHD can affect children’s schoolwork and relationships with other people. Adults with this disorder can have a hard time regulating their attention and impulses.
Are you afraid you can’t live a normal life with ADHD? Our many psychologists are ready to help you handle this disorder in a positive, healthy way. Getting treatment will allow you to live a fully functioning life.
