What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as the name itself suggests involves inattention that is persistent along with impulsive behaviour that significantly impacts the well-being of the person. A combination of hyperactivity and inattention can be commonly observed among those who are diagnosed with ADHD.
The signs of ADHD can be observed by family members and teachers at school through the child’s interaction, working in class, and overall behavior. The diagnosis must be given by qualified mental health professionals only. Its impact can be observed in many ways, for example:
- The child is unable to sit continuously to complete homework
- The individual may easily get distracted even by a slight sound
- The person might experience restlessness impacting their productivity
If you or a loved one has symptoms, see an ADHD psychiatrist in Gurgaon.
What are the Different Types of ADHD?
There are three subtypes often described; these include
- Predominantly Inattentive Type
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
- Combined Type
7 Most Common Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Children
Here are a few signs that may indicate attention or behavioral challenges in children:
- Difficulty paying attention to one thing at a time
- Getting easily distracted by external stimuli
- Increased forgetfulness and restlessness
- Challenges in timely task completion
- Impaired performance in school due to inattention
- Excessive speech and physical activity
- Interrupting others and speaking out of turn
What are Causes of ADHD?
There can be multiple different causes contributing to its development, and an interplay of these causes is also possible. The causes can include genetic basis and environmental risk factors. The interplay of both nature and nurture can also lead to symptoms. At times, the causes can also be related to the use of alcohol and drugs during pregnancy, low APGAR scores, and psychosocial challenges.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in Adults
Adults may exhibit symptoms similar to those of children, but the identification process may differ depending on their unique circumstances. The lives of adults may have obstacles because of difficulty in executive functioning and management of time. The impact on adults can be observed in the following aspects of life:
- Interpersonal relationships such as friends and family
- Higher education such as post-graduation or diploma
- Workspace and productivity level in task management
Diagnosis often involves careful examination and ensuring proper differential diagnosis from other disorders is conducted.
ADHD in Children VS Adults: Key Differences
| Aspects | ADHD in Children | ADHD in Adults |
|---|---|---|
| Hyperactivity | Unable to sit in one place, excessive physical movements | Unable to take rest and increased restlessness |
| Inattention | Difficulty attending to school work and conversations | Increased forgetfulness and difficulty attending to daily tasks |
| Social Relationships | Impulsive behaviour can impair social relationships | Struggles in maintaining relationships |
| Time Management | Challenges in completing tasks timely | Challenges in prioritization of tasks and increased procrastination |
| Sleep | Trouble falling asleep | Irregular sleep patterns |
Is Your Child Struggling? Identifying Common Symptoms
It is always better to reach out to a qualified professional in a timely manner for a proper diagnosis and management plan. Here are some signs that you can be more careful of so that you can provide your child with suitable help:
- Difficulty sitting still for example in the classroom
- Challenges in following even basic instructions
- Getting easily distracted and increased physical movement
- Losing things very often for example misplacing stationary
- Unable to wait for one’s turn in games or while speaking
Furthermore, the duration and intensity of symptoms also play a crucial role in the diagnosis. Parents must be careful and not diagnose their child by themselves; instead, they should reach out to the best psychiatrist for proper assessment.
How Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Can Be Treated
ADHD can be treated with the help of qualified and competent mental health professionals such as therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists. The treatment process begins with assessments of the disorder and understanding its severity and pervasiveness to effectively develop goals. Different treatment methodologies may be used as per the individual needs and strengths. Some key points that can support the treatment plan include:
- Avoiding physical punishment
- Psycho-educating the caregivers
- Scheduling tasks in advance
- Using time management strategies
- Being kind to self while being on this journey
Effective Ways to manage Attention and Hyperactivity in Children
There are a lot of scientifically proven strategies that can help children. If you are looking for ADHD treatment in Gurgaon, then here are some commonly observed elements of the treatment plan that you should familiarize yourself with:
- Parent training programs and family therapy
- Minimising distractions in the child’s environment
- Psychiatrists can prescribe medications if needed
- Cognitive behaviour therapy through psychotherapy sessions
- Mindfulness training and yoga for improving attention
Each professional may use different strategies and the above listed points are only for general awareness. You can look for the top ADHD psychiatrists in Gurugram to find the most suitable professional for your child’s concerns.
How to Manage ADHD in Adults
The best psychiatrists for ADHD can use diverse modalities as a part of the intervention plan. Some treatment strategies that can be used for adults diagnosed are
1. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
The therapist and the client can together work to improve organization skills, task management and listening skills.
2. Metacognitive Therapy
The client can be encouraged to become more aware of feelings and thoughts through metacognitive therapy.
3. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Distress tolerance techniques, emotion regulation, management of interpersonal relations and improving mindfulness are a few essential elements of DBT.
4. Neurofeedback
Neurocognitive deficits are better understood and explored through neurofeedback so that clients can be supported.
5. Pharmacotherapy
Psychiatrists can better identify if there is any need for medication and accordingly prescribe suitable dosages of medicine.
Conclusion
Being unable to attend to anything and feeling constantly restless is not easy, andAthena Behavioral Healthis here to support you on this journey. We have a comprehensive team of mental health professionals who use evidence-based strategies and individualized treatment plans to provide you with the best possible assistance.
Answer 1 – Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour are a few of the primary symptoms of ADHD.
Answer 2 – Clinical psychologists and psychiatrists conduct psychological assessments, and observations to give a proper ADHD diagnosis.
Answer 3 – A balanced and nutritious diet along with a structured routine involving some mindfulness practises can help manage ADHD symptoms however along with that professional help is also advised.
Answer 4 – Cognitive behaviour therapy, social skills training and mindfulness training are a few non-medication therapies for ADHD treatment.
Answer 5 – You can seek referrals from trusted healthcare professionals and search online for the ‘best ADHD therapists near me’ or ‘ADHD treatment near me’ and gradually shortlist the professionals who match your criteria.
Answer 6 – Individuals diagnosed with ADHD may experience challenges in paying attention, executive functioning and management of time however with proper support they can live a productive life.
Answer 7 – Yes, genetic basis can be a contributing factor towards the development of ADHD.