Mental health is critical in an individual’s life, as it affects every part of their living, including productivity, emotional well-being, and behavior. Past or existing traumatic life experiences are among significant contributors to mental health disorders. Depression is among the most common mental illness, with a substantial number of victims committing suicide.
ADHD is another common mental disorder usually in children but may last until adulthood. If you have ADHD in Chicago, the professional psychiatrists and therapists at Uptown Psych can help. Consult their office today to learn how they can be of help.
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What is ADHD?
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental condition that affects children and usually proceeds into adulthood. It involves various persistent issues, including difficulty concentration, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior.
ADHD patients may also suffer from low self-esteem, poor relationships, and poor school performance. In some cases, ADHD symptoms may reduce as you grow older. Unfortunately, for some patients, the symptoms remain the same.
Luckily, you can always learn ways to deal with your ADHD symptoms and improve your living. Doctors recommend early diagnosis and treatment for excellent results.
The disorder is common from age 12 but can also occur at three years old. It happens more in males than females, all presenting different symptoms.
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
ADHD symptoms may vary from mild to severe. The symptoms can occur in three ways, including:
- Inattention
- Hyperactive/impulsive
- Both
Inattention
Inattention refers to where a child has difficulties paying attention. Some of the symptoms may include:
- Failure to pay close attention
- Have trouble organizing tasks and activities
- Difficulty in following instructions, leading to unfinished school work and chores
- Losing items
- Forgetting to do daily activities like chores
- Easily distracted
- Avoiding tasks involving focused mental effort
Hyperactive and impulsive
An ADHD child with hyperactive and impulsive symptoms may:
- Have difficulty staying seated in the classroom, among other situations
- Run around or climb in cases inappropriately
- Talk too much
- Have problem waiting for their turn
- Blurt out answers
- Be on the go, in constant motion
- Interrupt or intrude others conversations and activities
What are the causes of ADHD?
There is no exact cause of ADHD; however, factors such as genetics and central nervous system problems during development may increase your risk of ADHD.
Other risk factors include:
- Premature birth
- Exposure to environmental toxins such as lead
- Blood relatives with ADHD or another mental health disorder
- Smoking, drug, and alcohol use during pregnancy
Children with ADHD have an increased risk of getting other mental health conditions compared to other children.
Diagnosis and treatment
Some of the ways medical providers may use to determine if your child has ADHD may include:
- Medical examination
- Medical history review
- ADHD criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
- Interviewing family members, teachers, or caregivers
- ADHD rating scales
ADHD treatments usually focus on relieving the symptoms and may include medications, counseling, behavior therapy, and education services.
Talk to an ADHD specialist today
ADHD develops mainly in children at the age of 12 or less. It usually causes inattention and hyperactive symptoms, interfering with your child’s school performance and life quality. Early treatments may help prevent and relieve some symptoms. If you suspect your child has ADHD consider consulting Uptown Psych to get proper treatments and relieve symptoms.
