ADHD is the acronym for Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting a person’s thought process and emotions. Sometimes, ADHM symptoms can be diagnosed in childhood (mostly in school). In this stage of life, the symptoms of ADHM, like anger issues and inattention, are most noticeable.
A person with ADHD may experience unusual levels of hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors. This problem can happen to both children and grown-ups. Those who have ADHD can struggle to concentrate on a single task for a long time. But they don’t need to worry as there are various ADHD treatment options available. Read on to know them.
Different Types of ADHD
Here are the types of ADHD people suffer from:
Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive
Typically, those having predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type of ADHD feel hyperactive-impulsive behavior. These may include interrupting people and fidgeting.
Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive
Combined ADHD is the most common ADHD type. Those having combined ADHD show a collective display of hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive behaviors. These can include a tendency toward impulsiveness and an incapability to pay attention.
Predominantly inattentive
People with predominantly inattentive ADHD have difficulty focusing and following instructions. They also struggle to complete any given task.
Diagnosis for ADHD
Since the symptoms of ADHD are unnoticeable, they are hard to identify. But, the main symptoms begin in the early stages of life (before the age of 12) and may continue into adulthood.
Also, there is nothing like one-test-for-all to diagnose the signs of ADHD. The diagnosis for ADHD includes:
- Information gathering
The expert may ask questions about the patient’s current medical conditions and medical history.
- Physical test
A physical test can help avoid other possible causes of your symptoms.
- ADHD rating scales or psychological tests
These tests can help gather and assess information associated with your symptoms.
ADHD Treatment
Over 80 percent of people suffering from ADHD also experience other mental issues. For example, depression, anxiety, or substance abuse disorders. All these conditions and their cure may influence ADHD. For instance, there are certain stimulants that may worsen anxiety symptoms.
In addition, many ADHD therapies can help in managing the symptoms, and here are some of them:
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can teach skills and coping mechanisms. These may help a person easily complete any overwhelming tasks. You may come across strategies to act in certain circumstances. There can be some direct feedback in these strategies to help learn appropriate behaviors.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a temporary, goal-centric type of psychotherapy. The aim of this therapy is to change the negative patterns of thinking.
Those with ADHD who have life problems like time management and procrastination may get help from CBT.
It can also help ADHD patients deal with illogical thought patterns that may keep them from finishing any task.
Psychotherapy
Various types of psychotherapy can help in controlling your ADHD symptoms in a better way. Any psychotherapy may help a person open up about their feelings of dealing with ADHD.
The ADHD problem might even result in having issues with peers and superiors. You can better manage these relations if you go for psychotherapy.
While taking psychotherapy, the person can discover their behavioral patterns. They may also learn ways to make better decisions in the future.
Also Read: How To Find Mental Health Services In Naperville IL?
Parent Training And Education Programs
Is your child suffering from ADHD? Then, personalized parent training and education programs may help. In such programs, the parents can learn different ways to interact with the child and play with them. These can help in enhancing their behavior and attention.
Parent training and education programs are generally organized in groups. Each group has about 10 to 12 parents. A single program typically has 10 to 16 meetings, each lasting up to 2 hours.
The main aim of a parent training and education program is to teach parents about behavior management. This boosts confidence in their ability to help the little ones and improve their relationship with their parents.
Medications for ADHD
According to experts, ADHD medications are safe to use when a professional precisely monitors them. Chances of severe problems are very uncommon.
Stimulants, like products having Amphetamine or Methylphenidate, are often prescribed. But, the medical expert can prescribe other medicines as well.
The other medications may include non-stimulant atomoxetine and some antidepressants like Bupropion. Compared to Stimulants, Atomoxetine and Antidepressants work slower. But you can take these if you can’t take stimulants due to health problems.
How do ADHD Medications Work?
Depending on the type of ADHD, medications can react in different ways. But, every ADHD medicine reacts by raising neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are the body’s chemicals that transfer messages from a nerve cell to another nerve or muscle.
Dopamine and norepinephrine are some of the neurotransmitters. By increasing the level of these neurotransmitters, you can lessen the ADHD symptoms. It may also lower hyperactivity, manage executive dysfunction, and increase attention span.
The reaction of ADHD medications varies from person to person. It is not inevitable that what works well for a person will also be effective for you. The medication may not bring any benefit or cause side effects. There may also be a need for a higher dosage of drugs.
Your doctor might have to prescribe different medications and dosages to determine what works best for you. Also, the doctor will check you and adjust the dosage of the medicines. By doing so, they can figure out the ideal balance between the benefits and side effects.
Common Side Effects Of ADHD Medicines
One may experience side effects of ADHD medicines in the earliest stages of treatment. These side effects are often mild and do not stay long. Also, they might vanish in a couple of weeks of treatment because your body adjusts to the medicine. Serious or long-term symptoms are uncommon.
The most common side effects are:
- Weight loss
- Trouble sleeping
- Changes in blood pressure level
- Anxiety
- Rebound effect
- Decreased appetite
- Upset stomach
What Is The Right Time To See A Doctor?
Have you started with ADHD medicines? If so, you will have to make frequent visits to an ADHD clinic. The experts will observe your physical reactions until they determine the perfect medicine.
After finding a good medicine, the specialists will check your condition to ensure the treatment is still effective.
From Where To Get Best ADHD Treatment In Naperville?
iCare Psychiatry and Behavioral Services PLLC is a reputable ADHD Clinic in Naperville. We are known to provide immediate support and care to ADHD patients. Our treatments and interventions contribute well to making us a trustworthy choice for ADHD.
Rubabetu Abimbola-Akinola, the Adult Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at iCare Psychiatry is known for her approach in ADHD treatment. She has years of expertise in her field and an impressive track record of patients. Most of her past patients say that she had been a great companion in their struggles and was excellent in her job. She has been a lifesaver for many.
Besides ADHD, her expertise lies in treating conditions like eating disorders, schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder. Click here to schedule an appointment with her now!