ADHD is one of the most common disorders of neurodevelopment in childhood. Usually first diagnosed in childhood and can last into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, are overly active, or have controlling impulsive behaviors.

The causes and risk factors for ADHD are still unknown. However, recent research has shown that genetics can play an important role. Other possible causes and risk factors include:

– Brain injury
– Environmental exposures while pregnant with a child or at a young age
– Alcohol and tobacco use while pregnant with child
– Premature delivery
– Low birth weight

ADHD is short for Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder, and the symptoms for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can be categorized into 2 types of behavioral problems which are inattentiveness and hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.

Most individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have problems that fall into both of the categories, however, it’s not always the case.

Symptoms found in children and teenagers for ADHD are well defined and noticeable before the age of 6. These symptoms can also occur in more than 1 situation, like home, and at school or daycare, they are:

Inattentive
– Short attention span and easily distracted
– Careless mistakes
– Forgetful or constantly losing things
– Unable to stick to tasks that are tedious or time-consuming
– Unable to listen or carry out instructions
– Changing activities or tasks constantly
– Difficulty organizing tasks

Hyperactivity and Impulsiveness
– Unable to sit still, especially during calm or quiet situations
– Fidgeting consistently
– Unable to concentrate on tasks
– Excessive physical movements
– Excessive talking
– Unable to wait their turn for things
– Not thinking before they act
– Interrupting conversations of others
– No sense or little sense of danger

These symptoms can cause significant problems in a child’s life if left unmanaged like underachievement at school, poor social interaction with other children and adults, and even problems with discipline.

There is not a simple test to determine whether your child or yourself has ADHD, however, at Psychiatry Unplugged, our psychiatrist can make an accurate diagnosis after a detailed assessment. This assessment may include the following:

– Physical exam
– Series of interviews
– Interviews or reports from significant people in you or your child’s life such as partners, parents, and teachers

Signs and symptoms of someone that may have ADHD can be hard to spot. However, core symptoms start early in life, usually before the age of 12, and continue into adulthood which can create major problems if not managed properly.

No single test can confirm the diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Making the diagnosis will usually include the following:

– Physical exam
Help rule out any other possible causes for your symptoms

– Information gathering
Asking questions about current medical issues, personal and family medical history as well as the history of your symptoms

– ADHD rating scales or psychological testing
Collect and evaluate information about your symptoms through rating scales and psychological testing

There are other conditions that can resemble ADHD, some medical conditions that may cause signs and symptoms similar to ADHD are:

– Mental health disorders
Depression, Anxiety, Learning and Language Deficits, Conduct Disorders, or Psychiatric Disorders

– Medical issues that affect thinking or behavior
Developmental Disorders, Thyroid Issues, Seizure Disorders, Brain Injury or Low Blood Sugar

– Drugs or Medications
Alcohol or other substance misuse and certain medications

If you think you or your child may have ADHD and want to get examined, diagnosed, and help to manage your ADHD call Psychiatry Unplugged today! We are available to book you for an appointment from Monday to Thursday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Friday 9 AM – 2:00 PM. We serve patients from Los Angeles, CA, Beverly Hills, CA, Santa Monica, CA, Encino, CA, and Pacific Palisades, CA.