ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a chronic neurodevelopmental condition that affects the behavior of people. This disorder affects the development of the brain. The difference in brain development and activity affects attention, emotions, response, ability to sit without moving, and self-control. Although most identified during childhood, especially in school, it can continue during adulthood. Several treatments can help manage ADHD effectively—these range from medications to ADHD therapy.
Types of ADHD
There are three main types of ADHD
| Predominantly Inattentive Type | Individuals suffering from this type of ADHD are extremely disorganized and lack focus.They are distracted, have difficulty in following instructions, and completing tasks. |
| Predominantly Hyper-active Impulsive Type | Individuals with this type of ADHD are extremely impatient and show impulsive behavior.They fidget with things, interrupt and disturb others, and are always on the go. |
| Combined Type ADHD | It is the most common type of ADHD.Individuals having this type of ADHD disorder show inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive behaviors. |
Most common symptoms and warning signs associated with ADHD
Here are the most commonly occurring symptoms of ADHD in children and adults.
- Having difficulty in focusing or concentrating on a task
- Forgetting or losing a track of things
- Aggressive behavior and mood swings
- Failure to pay attention to minute details
- Having difficulty in organizing tasks and activities
- Excessive talking and physical movements
- Poor time management skills
- Chronic feeling of guilt and frustration
- Doing frequent careless mistakes during learning or working.
- Struggling to follow instruction
- Difficulty in waiting to speak to react
- Trouble staying on one topic when talking
Possible treatment options for ADHD
Medications form the first-line of treatment for ADHD.
- A person suffering from ADHD disorder will have to sit down with the doctor to know if medications are the advisable and the best possible option.
- The patient and the doctor decide the dosage and the type of medications for ADHD.
There are two types of medications available for ADHD:
(i) CNS stimulants
- These are the most commonly prescribed classes of drugs.
- They function by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine.
- In individuals suffering from ADHD, these drugs induce calming effects.
- They reduce hyperactivity, improve focus and attention span.
Some of the commonly used CNS stimulants to treat ADHD include:
- Amphetamines
- Methylphenidate
- Dextromethamphetamine
- Dexmethylphenidate
(ii) Non-stimulants
- The medical practitioner may consider non-stimulant medication if the CNS stimulants have not worked or caused side-effects that are difficult to manage.
- They take a longer time than stimulants to work.
- They function by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain.
- They improve attention, memory, and impulsivity.
Some of the commonly used non-stimulants to treat ADHD are:
- Atomoxetine
- Viloxazine
- Guanfacine
- Clonidine
Possible side-effects of stimulants and non-stimulants
Here are the most common side-effects of stimulants and non-stimulants.
- Headaches
- Reduced appetite
- Anxiety
- Nervousness
- Loss of weight
- Irritability
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Dryness of mouth
ADHD Therapy
ADHD therapy can help individuals overcome ADHD. There are different options available in both offline and online mode. It is best advised to consult a psychologist Toronto for ADHD assessments and to find out which ADHD therapy will be suitable.
Psychotherapy
- Different types of ADHD therapy can help an individual suffering from ADHD to manage the symptoms better.
- Psychotherapy is an effective treatment using which individuals can calm their anxiety and replace negative habits with positive ones.
- It also enables people to open up about their problems and to cope up with ADHD better.
- It also allows individuals to think positively about themselves and build strong relationships with others.
- Individuals also get to identify and improve their behavioral patterns and to make better choices in the future.
Behavior Therapy
- It is an effective treatment approach that allows individuals to keep an eye on their behaviors and change them accordingly.
- In this therapy, a professional psychologist Toronto works with a person to eliminate undesirable behavior.
- Strategies are developed to show positive behavior in certain specific situations.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- It is another one of the best ADHD therapy to beat depression and anxiety in adults having ADHD.
- It empowers individuals with ADHD to overcome their negative thinking perception and replace them with positive thoughts.
- This goal-based therapy boosts self-esteem with positive self-talk.
- The person with ADHD gets a completely refreshing feeling about himself/herself and the
- symptoms as well.
ADHD Assessments
- Unlike other diseases or disorders, a single test cannot be used to diagnose ADHD.
- ADHD assessments involve the use of screening procedures for diagnosing ADHD in adults and children.
- It is important to know that ADHD assessment is not a diagnostic test but an evaluation procedure that is performed to identify ADHD.
Seeking help from support groups
- Support groups are a great help for people who are suffering from ADHD.
- These support groups help individuals connect with other people to share their experiences and worries.
- Support groups allow people to meet with each other on a regular basis, build relationships, and a strong support network.
- A big relief for most individuals who are suffering from ADHD is that they are not alone in this fight.
- Be it yourself or your loved ones who are looking for assistance, support groups can be an effective resource for ideas and strategies to deal with ADHD.