ADHD is a disorder that causes a combination of problems, including impulsive behavior, hyperactivity, and trouble concentrating. This disorder affects millions of children and often continues throughout the person’s life. For some people, ADHD may not be discovered until adulthood.
Researchers don’t precisely know what causes ADHD. However, they believe it comes from a combination of factors, including development, environment, and genetics. Several risk factors for ADHD have been identified, including:
If you have ADHD, you'll notice a variety of symptoms. Some of the problems you may experience include:
Everyone experiences some of these symptoms on occasion, but if you have ADHD, these symptoms will continue for at least six months, and they’ll significant affect your life.
Family Medicine Austin offers on-site ADHD testing services. Although no single test can conclusively confirm or rule out ADHD, a thorough evaluation can help our providers come to the most accurate diagnosis possible.
During this assessment, our practitioners will consider your medical history, habits, and abilities to perform specific tasks. In most cases, though, the ADHD testing process won’t be quick; lengthy testing is usually required to figure out whether ADHD is the cause of your problems.
One of the most common treatments prescribed to people with ADHD is medication. The purpose of these drugs is to balance levels of certain chemicals in the brain so that you won’t have as many ADHD symptoms. However, these medications can cause potentially severe side effects, so it’s important for you to discuss all the options with your practitioner and weigh everything carefully.
In addition to medication, you may benefit from other treatment options if you have ADHD, including:
These therapies may be used on their own or in combination with medication.