ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a mental health condition that is characterised by behavioural issues related to inattention and being hyperactive and compulsive.
The common symptoms of ADHD are hyperactivity, having difficulties concentrating or focusing, acting on impulse and being restless and easily distracted.
People with ADHD can have habitual lateness, forget appointments, not listen to others, interrupt others while they are talking, have impatience and trouble making friends.
Anxiety and depression can also present with ADHD due to various difficulties encountered in daily life.
ADHD-related behaviour or symptoms can be noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable as the child grows older. Although the symptoms usually appear before the age of 12 years, the diagnosis can apply to people of any age. Some people may not get a formal diagnosis until they are much older, and some may never get a diagnosis.
ADHD can have an impact on various areas of life such as school, work and relationships.
The diagnosis of ADHD is clinical and usually made by a mental health professional in person. There are self-screening tools available, and these can be used at the initial assessment as part of supporting evidence.
The treatment of ADHD in adults may involve a combination of medications, talking therapies and lifestyle changes.
There are two types of medications used to treat ADHD, and these are stimulants and non-stimulants.
Stimulant medications provide about 70-80% ADHD improvement. They work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, thus helping to enhance focus and reduce hyperactive behaviours.
Common stimulant medication is methylphenidate which includes brands such as Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate and Quillivant XR.
The other stimulant medication is amphetamine which is branded as Adderall, Vyvanse, Dexedrine or Evekeo.
Non-stimulant medications include atomoxetine or Strattera.
Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications could be used to treat depression and anxiety associated with ADHD.
The non-medical therapies include counselling, cognitive-behavioural therapy or CBT, talking therapy, family therapy, ADHD coach and support groups.
Lifestyle changes can be beneficial, and it is recommended to create a regular schedule for waking up and going to bed at the same time, to have good sleep and regular physical exercise, to try relaxing activities such as meditation and yoga, and to reduce stress.
The safety and effectiveness of natural remedies for ADHD are not clear; however, ginkgo and ginseng are thought to help with hyperactivity aspect of ADHD.
Vitamin B6, magnesium and zinc could also have some beneficial effects.
If there are symptoms or difficulties that could suggest ADHD, it is advisable to see a healthcare professional for an assessment and formal diagnosis.
ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a condition that affects children’s behaviour and is characterised by inattention and hyperactivity.
Children with ADHD usually have hyperactivity where they are always on the move and have difficulties with concentration and paying attention.
They can have habitual lateness, forget things, not listen to others, interrupt others while they are talking, have impatience and sleep problems, and trouble making friends.
The symptoms of ADHD may be noticed at an early age, and they usually tend to become more noticeable as the child grows older and starts school.
Although the diagnosis is usually made before the age of 12, some children are diagnosed later in childhood or as an adult.
The symptoms of ADHD may improve with age, but if the diagnosis was made at a young age, the individual can continue to have difficulties in adulthood.
It should be noted that being inattentive, hyperactive and restless at times does not mean ADHD. This could be a normal variation or phase that many children go through as they are growing.
The exact cause of ADHD is not fully known, but it runs in families suggesting a possible genetic cause.
There are other factors that are thought to increase the risk, and these include prematurity before the 37th week of gestation, having low birthweight, and smoking, alcohol or drug abuse during pregnancy.
ADHD is also more common in people with learning difficulties.
There is currently no cure for ADHD, but there are various treatments and therapies that can help children with difficult behaviour. The management involves various therapies, medication, educational support, and other types of support for children and parents.
Appropriate support and education for the affected child and their parents can be very helpful as looking after a child with ADHD can be challenging.
Psychoeducation is a common approach where affected child and their parents talk about ADHD and its effects. This is thought to help to cope and live with this condition.
Behavioural therapy usually involves behaviour management and is based on a system of rewards to encourage the child to try to control their ADHD.
Tailored parent training and education programmes can help parents on how best to interact, talk and play with a child who has ADHD.
CBT or cognitive behavioural therapy can be considered for some children, and this is aimed at trying to change how a child feels about a situation to improve the problem behaviour.
A combination of medication and therapy can be more suitable for some children so that they can cope better with their daily life.
The treatment with medication is usually initiated by a paediatrician or child psychiatrist.
The medications used to treat ADHD do not provide permanent cure and are aimed at helping children concentrate better, be less impulsive, feel calmer, and learn and practise new skills.
It is normal to start with a small dose of medication and build on this as needed. Some medications need to be taken every day while others are taken just on school days.
In terms of natural remedies, there is no strong evidence to show that they work.
Children with ADHD should have a healthy and balanced diet. If a link is found between types of food and worsening ADHD symptoms, these should be avoided and discussed with a doctor.
Some studies suggest that supplements of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can be beneficial for people with ADHD, but these may not work for everybody.
If it is suspected that a child might be showing symptoms of ADHD, it is advisable to see a doctor in person for proper diagnosis as early as possible so that the appropriate support and education can be given.
Anxiety and generalised anxiety disorder are commonly used to describe excessive worry. Although they are related they are not the same.
Anxiety is a natural response to stress and danger, and it is usually a temporary feeling. Most people feel anxious sometimes and this is a normal feeling. This is not always a medical disorder unless it becomes chronic and impacts the daily life of a person.
Generalised anxiety disorder is considered a mental health condition, and it is characterised by chronic, excessive and uncontrollable worry about various issues such as health, disease, work and relationships. This can last for six months or longer.
There is usually no obvious underlying cause for generalised anxiety disorder, but the risk can be higher if there is positive family history of anxiety disorder, another anxiety disorder like panic disorder, past traumatic events, chronic illness, or history of alcohol or drug abuse.
Generalised anxiety disorder is a common mental health condition, and it is more common in women than in men.
The symptoms can vary from person to person and include fast or racing heart, palpitations, sweating, rapid breathing, trembling, restlessness, upset stomach, concentration and sleep difficulties, and a sense of impending doom.
Low mood or depression can also occur with generalised anxiety disorder.
Generalised anxiety disorder is different from panic disorder and phobia. Panic disorder is when someone gets sudden attacks of anxiety and panic.
A phobia is an overwhelming fear of something specific such as height, spiders, closed spaces and germs.
The diagnosis of generalised anxiety disorder is usually clinical although sometimes a blood test may be required to check for thyroid dysfunction, hormonal imbalance and vitamin deficiencies.
A generalised anxiety disorder questionnaire or tool can be used to help with the diagnosis.
There are various treatments for generalised anxiety disorder, and these are aimed at managing the common symptoms. It can take several weeks to see improvements in anxiety symptoms.
The common treatments include medication, cognitive behavioural therapy or CBT, talking therapy and counselling.
The medicines used to treat generalised anxiety disorder are a type of antidepressant called SSRIs which stands for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. This type of antidepressant works for anxiety as well as depression.
The decision to choose the appropriate treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and patient’s preferences, and talking therapies can be tried first before starting a medication.
If conventional treatments do not work, it is advisable to see a specialist for further assessment.
The symptoms of anxiety can be relieved with various self-help measures and techniques.
Talking to someone usually helps with the feeling of anxiety, and this could be a family member, friend, counsellor or Samaritan.
Self-help therapies through books, online tools and courses can be beneficial.
Slow, deep breaths can reduce anxiety by helping the body switch from a stress response to a relaxation response. Inhaling for a count of four, holding for four, and exhaling for four is a known useful technique.
It is important to focus on breathing deeply into the abdomen, which engages the diaphragm and calms the nervous system.
Picturing a calming place like a beach or forest can engage the senses and promote calm.
Getting adequate sleep to have better energy, regular exercise and healthy diet are also recommended. Walking, jogging, running, swimming and yoga can reduce anxiety and stress.
It is advised to not focus on the things that cannot be changed, and it is better to focus on various techniques that can work to feel calmer.
It is recommended to avoid excessive amount of caffeine containing products such as coffee, tea, cola and energy drinks as these can disrupt sleep and aggravate anxiety.
Smoking, excess alcohol, drugs and gambling are to be avoided as these can lead to more problems with mental health.
If there are symptoms of anxiety, it is advisable to see a doctor in person for full assessment.
Depression is a common mental health condition. It is not the same as having low mood or feeling unhappy for a few days. It is normal to experience feelings of low mood and stress during difficult times. Depression is when there is persistent low mood or sadness that lasts for weeks or months.
Depression can have a significant effect on a person's personal life, work and relationships. It should not be taken lightly, and it is advisable to seek medical help sooner rather than later so that the appropriate treatment and support can be provided for proper recovery.
There are various symptoms of depression, and these can vary from person to person.
The common symptoms of depression are low mood, feeling unhappy and hopeless, loss of interest in things, and feeling very tearful.
The other symptoms that can occur with depression include feeling constantly tired, poor sleep, loss of appetite or sex drive, and body aches and pains.
The symptoms of depression can be mild, moderate or severe. Mild symptoms may not have any significant effect on daily life, whereas severe symptoms can have more detrimental effects on a person and lead to feeling of suicide and that life is no longer worth living.
Depression can present without a trigger, but major life events such as bereavement, major accident or illness, losing a job or giving birth can bring it on.
The other possible causes of depression are positive family history, thyroid disease, hormonal imbalances, and stress.
The treatment of depression depends on the severity of symptoms and individual preferences. It can involve a combination of lifestyle changes, medications and talking therapies.
Mild depression may not require any treatment, and watchful waiting can be followed to see how this progresses and whether it improves on its own. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, self-help methods and cognitive behavioural therapy or CBT can be considered for mild depression.
Moderate to severe depression usually requires a combination treatment with antidepressants and talking therapy. A referral to a specialist mental health service may be necessary.
Talking therapies include CBT, counselling, mindfulness-based therapy, psychodynamic therapy and interpersonal therapy.
The common medications used to treat depression include citalopram, fluoxetine, sertraline and venlafaxine.
Lifestyle changes are thought to help with the symptoms of depression. Healthy diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking and excess alcohol can all be beneficial. Reading a self-help book or joining a support group can also help with depression.
If there are symptoms of depression, it is important to see a doctor in person for an assessment.
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