What is ADHD?
ADHD is a condition that affects how a person pays attention, moves around, and has control over their behavior. It affects more than 5% of children and adults.
ADHD has many causes, including genetics, a reduction in dopamine levels in the brain, and some environmental factors. But if you think your child has it, the first thing to do is to get it diagnosed.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD is a condition that can cause problems in many different areas of your life. It can cause frustration, anxiety and even mood swings in those who have it.
People with ADHD typically have symptoms that are noticeable before they reach the age of 6 or older. They may have symptoms of both hyperactivity and impulsivity or they might have just one type of behavior.
Children with ADHD have a hard time sitting still, paying attention or getting organized. They also tend to be easily distracted by things that don’t matter much.
They may act impulsively, such as interrupting or pushing others. They can also take things without asking or be very emotional.
Some children with ADHD can get their symptoms under control with therapy and medication, but other kids don’t respond to treatment or have problems.
If you have ADHD, it’s important to seek a diagnosis and treatment right away. It can help you and your family manage the condition better and find coping tools to use during tough times.
Inattention is the most common ADHD symptom, but it can also look like missing deadlines or problems organizing tasks or events. In adults, it can mean trouble finishing work on time or being a good parent.
Types of ADHD
ADHD is a disorder that affects how the brain works. The condition impacts many areas of the brain, including the prefrontal cortex and cerebellum, which control attention span, judgment, organization, planning and impulse control; the anterior cingulate, which helps shift gears and detect errors; and the basal ganglia, large structures in the brain that produce neurotransmitters such as dopamine.
Children and adults with ADHD often struggle to pay attention, sit still and control their behavior. They may also have trouble completing tasks or organizing their work.
Most people with ADHD have a combination of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. To be diagnosed, a person must show the pattern of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity for more than 6 months and the symptoms must disrupt their everyday functioning.
In the majority of cases, people with ADHD go through their entire childhood and adolescence with the same problems. These include academic failure or delays, driving problems, difficulties with peers and social situations, risky sexual behavior, and substance abuse.
In addition to medication, people with ADHD can benefit from therapy that teaches them skills for managing their attention and behaviors. These techniques help them learn how to focus their energy, plan their time, and control their impulses.
Causes of ADHD
There are many factors that can contribute to the development of ADHD. Some of these factors are genetic and others are environmental.
Some experts think that our fast-paced, consumer-driven lifestyles can be a contributing factor to the development of ADHD. Children who are born prematurely, who are exposed to toxins, or who have a mother who used drugs during pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing the disorder.
The causes of ADHD are still being discovered. However, there are several things that you can do to help your child manage their symptoms.
Family education and therapy are often recommended. These can help children learn to control their behavior and manage the stress that may be associated with their symptoms.
Another important part of treatment is medication. Medicines that can control hyperactivity and impulsivity, such as atomoxetine (Strattera), clonidine (Kapvay) or guanfacine (Intuniv), can help manage the symptoms of ADHD.
Some parents also choose to treat their child with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of therapy is based on the belief that the way an individual thinks about a situation can influence their behavior. These therapies are sometimes carried out with a therapist individually or in a group.
How is ADHD Diagnosed?
To make a diagnosis, your healthcare provider must first identify ADHD symptoms. Next, they must rule out alternative conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Then they can identify comorbid disorders, such as oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder, anxiety and depression, learning disabilities, substance abuse or sleep problems.
In addition, the doctor should also take a close look at your child’s behavior in different settings. This includes school, home and social situations.
Children with ADHD often have a hard time adjusting to change. Keeping a schedule and a routine can help them adjust and stay organized. They need clear and consistent rules they can follow, like getting up and going to bed at the same time each day.
Organizing everyday items, such as clothing, backpacks and toys, can help keep things in place. Using organizers to keep school materials and notebooks in order can be helpful too.
For school-age children, it may help to have them participate in a behavioral therapy program that teaches them new ways to handle frustration, blame and anger. These skills can help your child deal with their symptoms and build positive relationships with other people.
It is also important to find a mental health professional you trust and feel comfortable with. Do your research and search online for specialists in your area. See what kind of training they have and if they accept your insurance plan.
Treatsments for ADHD
ADHD can be treated with medicine, therapy, and parent support. Treatment can also help a person learn the social, emotional, and behavioral skills they need to be successful in their lives.
Stimulant medications work by boosting brain chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine. They are the most commonly prescribed type of medication for ADHD.
Non-stimulant medicines are also an option for some people with ADHD. These drugs are less effective than stimulants at treating symptoms, but may be a good choice if you don’t respond to stimulants, or if your doctor wants to avoid the risk of side effects from stimulants.
Usually, your doctor will use a combination of stimulant and non-stimulant medicine. They may also try a different medication or change the dose of your medicine, as needed.
Your child’s doctor will give you more information about the side effects of your medication and how to treat them. It’s important to take each medicine at the right time so that the side effects go away.
Behaviour therapy can help children, teenagers, and adults cope with ADHD by teaching them to monitor their behaviors and make better choices. Behaviour therapy often involves a system of rewards to encourage good behavior, and punishment to discourage bad behavior.
ADHD in Adults
Adults with ADHD experience a range of challenges, ranging from day-to-day functioning to long-term relationships. They have difficulty with attention, concentration and organizational skills.
They may be unable to follow directions and forget important information. They also have trouble organizing tasks, completing work and meeting deadlines.
Many adults with ADHD have symptoms that also affect their mood and anxiety. Treatments that address these co-existing difficulties can be helpful.
If you are an adult with ADHD, talk to your doctor or mental health professional about your condition and your options for treatment. Medication is often an effective treatment for this disorder.
Psychotherapy can also help adults with ADHD learn to improve their attention and concentration, reduce hyperactivity, and control impulsive behaviors. This type of therapy can be done individually or in a group setting.
Having a healthy diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep and staying hydrated are also essential for managing ADHD symptoms. These self-care practices can also help to maintain a positive mood and overall wellness.
If you have a family member who has ADHD, ask them to discuss their experiences with a trained counsellor. They should be able to explain the condition in a way that’s respectful and supportive of you, provided they have good knowledge about ADHD.
ADHD Medication
ADHD medication is a treatment that helps reduce symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. It works by boosting and balancing levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that are linked to ADHD.
Stimulant medications, which increase concentration and focus, are the most common medications used for ADHD. These include methylphenidate (brand names such as Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana, Focalin), amphetamines (Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse), and newer long-acting stimulants like Jornay PM and Adhansia XR.
However, 10% to 30% of people with ADHD do not respond well to stimulant medications. In these cases, nonstimulant options such as atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine (Intuniv), and clonidine can be tried.
Although these medications have less abuse potential than stimulants, they may take several weeks to start working. And they can have more side effects than stimulants do, so it is important to tell your doctor about any concerns.
In addition to medicine, therapy and classes to help improve attention and concentration can also be helpful. These can help you learn to manage your behavior and work more efficiently, which may also improve your relationships with others.
