Every parent feels like their child is bouncing off the walls at one time or another. But if your child is experiencing prolonged hyperactivity that they are unable to control, it may be time to think about the possibility of ADHD. In this article, we’ll learn more about ADHD and what you can do if you think your child might be struggling with this disorder.
What is ADHD?
Many mental health disorders are misunderstood and misrepresented and the same is true for ADHD. Just as people oversimplify Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and describe anyone who is organised as “so OCD,” you might hear ADHD thrown out in reference to anyone who has a lot of energy. But this misrepresentation only scratches the surface of what life is really like for people with ADHD. In reality, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a serious mental illness that can have a profound impact on a person’s life. Because ADHD is characterised by a struggle with time management, impulse control, and concentration, it can be very difficult to live with this mental health disorder.
As you can imagine, an inability to concentrate, regulate your impulses, and develop good time management skills can make it very difficult for someone to succeed in life. A child living with untreated ADHD may have trouble focusing in school and they might receive low grades as a result. Likewise, an adult who is experiencing undiagnosed or untreated ADHD may find it difficult to hold down a job. Difficulties with impulse control may also make it tricky for adults with ADHD to maintain healthy romantic relationships.
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
These common difficulties are fairly universal for people struggling with ADHD, but it’s important to remember that ADHD symptoms do not look the same for everyone. In fact, many people—especially girls—may be undiagnosed for years because people are able to dismiss their symptoms through labels like ‘hyper,’ ‘talkative,’ or ‘energetic.’ So, because ADHD symptoms can differ wildly, it’s important to be aware of a few common hallmarks that are typically considered to be indicative of ADHD in most cases. These common symptoms can include:
- Difficulty paying attention to detail, especially when it comes to school, homework, or following instructions
- Excessive forgetfulness
- Excessive difficulty with organisation
- Struggles to complete or remember routine tasks such as caring for themselves, attending classes or appointments on time, personal hygiene, etc.
Although ADHD can look for everyone, these are a few common symptoms that you might notice in your child. Everybody is forgetful at times and everybody struggles to keep up with their responsibilities at times. But if your child appears to be experiencing these difficulties more often or with more severity than is typical, it might be time to consider the possibility that your child has ADHD.
How can I get help if my child has ADHD?
Because ADHD can impair many aspects of daily life, you may feel as though you’re at the end of your rope while you’re trying to help your child. You might have a lot of worries about your child’s ability to have a happy and successful future. But it’s important to remember that you’re not alone and that ADHD is treatable. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and wondering where to start, you may find it helpful to begin by taking this ADHD test from Mind Diagnostics. This free and confidential test will ask you a series of questions that you can use to assess your child’s symptoms. If your child is old enough to talk through the process, you can take the test together.
Although this test is not intended to serve as a replacement for a professional diagnosis, it can be a helpful first step as you seek to learn more about your child’s mental health. At the end of the test, you will find a results screen indicating the likelihood that your child has ADHD. You will then be provided with some information about your next steps and how you can find help, along with recommendations for a therapist in your area. ADHD can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to control your child’s life. With the right treatment plan and the help of a licensed mental health professional, your child can reclaim control of their mental health and have a wonderful quality of life.
This post is brought to you by BetterHelp. Featured image: Adam Winger/Unsplash
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