Are You Born With ADHD?

ADHD, which stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders. Millions of kids and adults around the world have ADHD, but many people wonder if they are born with it or if they get it later in life. To answer this question, we need to look into what causes ADHD, including genetic and environmental factors.

What Causes ADHD?

ADHD is a complicated neurodevelopmental disorder with no single identified cause. According to research, it is caused by a mix of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. Here's what we know based on current evidence:

Genetic Factors

ADHD tends to run in families. Research shows that ADHD has high heritability, with estimates ranging from 75% to 91%. This means that genetics play a big role in whether someone develops ADHD. For example, if one identical twin has ADHD, the other is very likely to have it as well because they share the same genes. Additionally, family patterns show that parents of children with ADHD have a 25.6% higher risk of having ADHD themselves. Siblings of those with ADHD have a 20.8% higher chance of having the disorder. However, heritability is not 100%, which suggests that traits that non-inherited factors also play a role.

Differences in Brain Structure

Brain imaging studies have identified structural differences in the brains of individuals with ADHD compared to those without. For instance:

● Certain brain regions, like the prefrontal cortex (responsible for decision-making and focus), may be smaller or less active in people with ADHD.

● Neurotransmitter imbalances, particularly involving dopamine, contribute to symptoms like impulsivity and inattention.

Some research indicates that brain maturation in children with ADHD is delayed by several years, particularly in regions responsible for executive functioning.

Environmental Influences

Even though genetics is the major reason, the surroundings can also affect how ADHD symptoms manifest. Some of these factors are:

● Prenatal Influences: Exposure to toxins like alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy can increase the risk of developing ADHD.

● Premature Birth or Low Birth Weight: Babies born prematurely or with low birth weight are at higher risk for ADHD.

● Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Psychosocial adversity, such as abuse, neglect, or family discord, may exacerbate ADHD symptoms in genetically predisposed individuals, especially for children in high-stress environments.

Learning these causes helps us realize that ADHD isn't anyone's fault - it's just a different way some brains are wired, influenced by both nature and nurture. It also helps inform better diagnosis and treatment strategies.

What Are the Symptoms of ADHD?

ADHD symptoms can show up in three key areas: inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. While they vary from person to person, here's what they often look like:

Inattention

● Struggling to stay focused on tasks or conversations, easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or things around you.

● Frequently misplacing everyday items like keys, wallets, or phones.

● Forgetting to do important things, miss deadlines, or miss appointments, even when they are reminded.

Impulsivity

● Interrupting others while they're speaking or blurting out answers before a question is finished.

● Like spending money or saying something you later wish you hadn't, making quick choices without thinking about the results.

● Feeling frustrated or impatient in situations that require waiting or self-control.

Hyperactivity

● Move around a lot, like tapping your foot, fidgeting, or playing with things when it's not proper.

● Feeling restless inside makes it hard to stay still for long periods of time.

● Talking excessively or speaking out of turn, often without realizing it.

People with ADHD often see changes in their symptoms as they get older, and for many, the ADHD symptoms may get better over time, but won't disappear. Their restlessness usually goes down a lot. But problems with not paying attention and acting on impulse may still happen, though they usually show up in different ways.

Will You Suffer from ADHD in Adulthood?

ADHD isn't just a childhood disorder—it often affects adults too. In fact, many adults only receive a diagnosis later in life after years of struggling with undiagnosed symptoms.

Adults May Also Be Diagnosed

It's not uncommon for adults to discover they have ADHD after their child is diagnosed. This is because they recognize similar patterns in their own behavior. For instance, you might notice:

● Difficulty focusing during long meetings.

● Frequently losing items like keys or phones.

● Trouble managing time effectively.

ADHD Symptoms in Adults

While hyperactivity may decline with age, other symptoms like forgetfulness and impulsivity often persist. Adults with untreated ADHD may face challenges such as:

● Difficulty keeping a job due to disorganization or trouble meeting deadlines.

● Strained relationships caused by impulsive decisions or emotional outbursts.

● Chronic feelings of underachievement or frustration despite their efforts.

Taking an Online ADHD assessment may help to indicate that a thorough clinical assessment is warranted

If you suspect you might have undiagnosed ADHD as an adult, consider taking an ADHD online assessment as a first step. While online assessments can be convenient, this is just the first step and ADHD can only be diagnosed by a trained clinical professional. It's important to be cautious about the qualifications of the professionals involved. Ensure that the platform employs certified psychologists, psychiatrists, and/or other qualified mental health professionals including licensed Marriage and Family Therapists or Clinical Social Workers and psychiatrically trained Nurse Practioners (PMHNPs).

FAQs About ADHD Treatment

How Much Does an Online Therapy Visit Cost?

How much online therapy for ADHD costs depends on the platform, the qualifications of the therapist, and the session length. Most of the time, prices range from $50 to $200 per session. Some platforms may have subscription plans or discounts for multiple sessions, which can help make treatment more affordable. Always check to see if your insurance covers ADHD treatment online.

How Does Online Therapy Compare to In-Person Therapy?

Both options are effective. You have more freedom with online therapy because you can attend sessions from home or while traveling. It lets people from anywhere talk to licensed professionals, but some people may like the face-to-face interaction of therapy for a more personal connection.

What Is the Difference Between a Therapist and a Psychiatrist?

Therapists use counseling and behavioral strategies to help manage ADHD symptoms but cannot prescribe medication. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose ADHD and prescribe treatments like stimulants or non-stimulant medications. Many patients benefit from working with both professionals for comprehensive care.

Who Can Prescribe Medication?

Only licensed medical professionals, such as psychiatrists or primary care physicians, can prescribe medication for ADHD. These experts look at your symptoms, give you a diagnosis, and decide if medicine should be a part of your treatment plan.

Address ADHD from Recognizing Its Origins and Effects

So, are you born with ADHD? The evidence overwhelmingly suggests that yes—ADHD is primarily a neurodevelopmental disorder present from birth due to genetic and brain structure differences. But, the surroundings can change how symptoms manifest over time. Knowing these causes is important for handling the condition well, no matter if you are dealing with childhood challenges or seeking answers as an adult.