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ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)

Mental Health, Psychological Disorders, Uncategorized / By

ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is a mental disorder characterized by abnormal levels of hyperactive and abnormal behaviour.

  • People who suffer from this disorder may have unstable relationships, perform poorly at work and school, have love low self-esteem, and other problems.
  • The disorder affects both young and old. Symptoms normally start in early childhood and continue in adulthood but for some, symptoms decrease or become less frequent as they get older.
  • About 50% of people diagnosed in childhood continue to have symptoms into adulthood and about 5% of adults have the condition.
  • The disorder is three times more common in boys than in girls
  • As of 2015, it is estimated to affect about 51.1 million people globally.
  • Treatment is very important as untreated ADHD can have a negative impact on many aspects of life.

CAUSES

Most cases are of unknown causes. However, interactions between genetics, the environment, and social factors are believed to play a role.

Studies suggest that a reduction in dopamine, a chemical in the brain that helps move signals from one nerve to another may be a factor in ADHD.

Other risk factors may include

  • Alcohol intake during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorder which can include ADHD
  • A family history of the disorder
  • Extreme premature birth, very low weight may also increase the risk
  • Children exposed to a certain toxic substance such as lead
  • Certain infections during pregnancy, at birth, and in early childhood. Infections such as measles, rubella.
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • A dysfunctional family

SYMPTOMS

  • Trouble focusing or concentrating on tasks
  • Being easily distracted
  • Hot temper
  • Frequent mood swings
  • Impulsiveness
  • Poor planning
  • Unable to listen or carry out instructions
  • Interrupts or intrudes conversations
  • Talks excessively
  • Difficulty sitting still
  • Avoid or dislike task that requires sustained mental effort

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Almost everyone has symptoms similar to ADHD at some point in their lives. If symptoms are recent or occur occasionally in the past, you probably don’t suffer from the disorder. ADHD is diagnosed only when symptoms are so severe that they cause ongoing problems in more than one area of your life.

No single test is available that can confirm the diagnosis, but the diagnosis will likely include:

  • A physical exam to help rule out other possible causes of symptoms
  • The doctor may gather information by asking questions about current medical issues, personal and family medical history, and the history of symptoms. The doctor may gather this information from family members and teachers and use rating scales to evaluate that information.

TREATMENT

Treatment option usually includes psychotherapy, medication or both. These treatments don’t cure the condition, they only relieve it.

The two main medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants.

Stimulants are commonly the most prescribed medications. They work by increasing the amounts of dopamine and norepinephrine. Examples are methylphenidate or amphetamine.

If stimulants don’t work, the doctor may suggest non-stimulants such as atomoxetine (Strattera), and certain antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin). Atomoxetine and antidepressants work slower than stimulants.

Psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy may teach you how to manage behaviour and help to improve symptoms.