However, they can cause side effects like loss of appetite and difficulty falling asleep. The doses used to treat ADHD are not addictive and don’t cause withdrawal symptoms. Stimulant medicines have been thoroughly researched for many years. Stimulant medicines can lower hyperactivity and impulsivity. If your ADHD is having a big effect on your life, you might consider taking medicine.

Treatment may involve different health professionals, including your: There are many different treatment options for ADHD, depending on the needs of each person. To diagnose ADHD in adulthood, it needs to be established that your symptoms began in childhood. Your doctor can give you a referral to see these specialists.

paediatrician (a doctor who specialises in children).

In children, the diagnosis is usually made by a:

have caused serious impairment at school, at home and socially.

been present before the age of 12 years.There are clear criteria used to diagnose ADHD. Other reasons for people being inattentive, impulsive or hyperactive are:įIND A HEALTH SERVICE - The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.ĪSK YOUR DOCTOR - Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist. It's important to have a proper assessment.

There are many behavioural disorders that can cause symptoms of ADHD, especially in young children. They will most likely refer you to a psychologist.Ī psychologist can only make a diagnosis after a detailed assessment of your behaviour. If you are concerned that you may have ADHD, the first step is to see a doctor. But when you have ADHD, your symptoms are persistent and interfere with your work or school and friendships. It’s normal for people to get restless and distracted from time to time. Most children with ADHD have not had early childhood trauma. Early childhood trauma: children who experience trauma in early childhood are more likely to show features consistent with ADHD.Home environment: if there is a lot of conflict in the home.Toxins: chemicals like lead can affect brain development.Other environmental factors that can cause changes in your brain’s development and function include the following. The following environmental factors may contribute towards the development of ADHD: Research has shown that ADHD symptoms are related to the biology of your brain. Genetic studies show that ADHD is an inherited disorder. People with ADHD have differences in their brain anatomy and function. Some people have symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD. choosing a smaller reward now rather than a larger reward later.participating in risk taking or dangerous behaviour.badgering their parent, partner or friends when they want something.reacting quickly to situations without thinking about the consequences.blurting out answers before the question has been finished.talking non-stop and interrupting conversations.fidgeting and squirming more than others.People with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD may have these symptoms: struggling to focus and concentrate on tasks they find boring or tedious.not paying attention to detail and making careless mistakes.having difficulty organising tasks, activities, belongings or time.putting off tasks that need sustained effort.a tendency to start but not finish tasks.People with inattentive ADHD may have these symptoms: Combined symptoms - a person has a mixture of symptoms including hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.Hyperactive-impulsive symptoms - a person has symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity.Inattentive symptoms - a person is easily distractible but isn’t hyperactive or impulsive.More than 3 in 4 children diagnosed with ADHD still have symptoms as an adult. While ADHD is more common in boys - it’s under diagnosed in girls and adults. This may cause people with ADHD to have problems with their:Īround 1 in every 20 Australians has ADHD. ADHD used to be called attention deficit disorder (ADD).ĪDHD is often misunderstood. Related information on Australian websitesĪttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder that begins in early childhood.If you are concerned that you may have ADHD, the first step is to see a doctor.ADHD affects your brain’s executive functioning - and your ability to self-regulate and control thoughts, words, actions and emotions.Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder that begins in early childhood.

Signs of attention deficit disorder