What causes ADHD?
The causes of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) aren’t well understood, although medical experts have found that several factors can contribute to the condition. You may be at risk of developing ADHD because of:
- A family history of ADHD
- Low birth weight
- Tobacco or alcohol use during fetal development
- Exposure to environmental toxins during youth
- Brain injuries
You’re also three times more likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis if you’re male.
Are there symptoms of ADHD?
Yes. You may find that you have issues with inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity, or a combination of these behaviors. Here’s a description of the signs and symptoms for each behavior.
Inattention
Inattention leads to difficulty staying on task and focusing throughout your daily life. You might find that you have difficulty listening when spoken to directly or that you’re continuously losing things necessary for routine tasks. Staying organized can be a challenge, too.
Hyperactivity
Feeling like you need to constantly move and having difficulty holding still are warning signs of hyperactivity. You might talk incessantly, fidget, or squirm, making it hard to sit in your seat at work or school.
Impulsivity
The impulsivity that comes with ADHD means that you act quickly, often before thinking things through. This behavior could mean that you blurt out answers or responses, interrupt others while they’re speaking, or make important decisions without weighing the consequences.
It’s important to talk with Dr. Thomas about all of your behaviors, even if you don’t think they’re related to ADHD, so she can get to the root of your condition and find an effective solution.
How is ADHD treated?
Before getting started on an ADHD treatment plan, Dr. Thomas may run lab tests to ensure you don’t have an underlying medical condition, like abnormal hormone levels, that could be triggering some of the symptoms. She might treat those issues first to see if your symptoms improve.
While no cure exists for ADHD, Dr. Thomas offers several solutions to help you manage symptoms associated with the condition. Your ADHD treatment plan can include:
- Stimulants to increase brain chemicals that play roles in attention and focus
- Antidepressants to help minimize symptoms and stabilize moods
- Behavior modification therapy
- Stress management techniques like meditation
Dr. Thomas can also work closely with other medical practitioners, including your psychiatrist or therapist, to ensure your ADHD treatment plan is working for you.
See what the team at Thomas Family Practice can do to help you with ADHD by scheduling an evaluation. Book either online or over the phone.
