Why And When Do We Need To Treat ADHD
If most of your some days make you feel hopeless and that life has no meaning lifeless, you might be suffering from major depression. Do not worry because and trust me, you are not alone in this.


WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT
Start With Your Primary Care Doctor
Talking to a professional is the first thing you have to do if you or your child is showing symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or most commonly known as ADHD or ADD. You may consult the following professionals for they have experience in assessing and treating ADHD through a thorough assessment.
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Diagnosing ADHD
ADHD is diagnosed by exclusion, a diagnosis reached by a process of elimination, because disorders such as anxiety, sleep, or depression have similar symptoms.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Psychiatric Association (APA), and the American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) released a guideline on how healthcare professionals should make the diagnosis. They must ask the patient, the parents, the teachers or any adults who interacted with the patient about the behavioral changes of the patient in at least two areas – at home and at school (for school age children).
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ADHD And Executive Function
ADHD is generally thought of as a disorder of executive function. People with this disorder tend to show a decline in cognitive control of their behavior. In terms of reacting to insignificant external or internal stimuli, their reaction is much lower compared to normal. Based on studies, their MRI studies show a thinning of the cortex in the areas linked to working memory and attention. (Molecular Neuropharmacology; Nestle, Hyman 321-323)
Diagnosis is based on the criteria of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed. (DSM 5). You can find below a brief summary of the criteria.
Note: This information is solely for education purposes only and can therefore not be used for any form of self-diagnosis. Consult your trained health care providers for proper diagnosis and treatment.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
DSM-5 Criteria For ADHD
People with ADHD have a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity behavior that significantly interferes with functioning and development in the following areas:

Inattention: For children up to age, six or more symptoms might show. For age 17 and older adolescents, five or more may be evident. For adults, symptoms may persist for at least 6 months, thus be inappropriate for developmental level.

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: For children up to age, six or more symptoms might show. For age 17 and older adolescents, five or more may be evident. For adults, symptoms may persist for at least 6 months, thus be inappropriate for developmental level.
Moreover, the following conditions must also be met:

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Types Of ADHD
There are three kinds or presentations of ADHD that can occur based on the types of symptoms.

Combined Presentation
Combined Presentation: If several symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity and impulsivity are present for the past 6 months.

Predominantly Inattentive Presentation:
Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: If several symptoms of inattention only are present for the past 6 months.

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation:
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: If several symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity only are present for the past 6 months.
Presentations are subject to change over time as symptoms also change.
ITS MORE THEN JUST THE RIGHT PRESCRIPTION
ADHD In Adults
ADHD lasts to adulthood. According to Parikh and Baker (2016), around 65 percent of individuals with ADHD as children will develop persistent impairing symptoms by age 25.
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Changes In The DSM-5
In may 2013, the fifth edition of DSM was published and immediately replaced the previous versions.There were some modifications in the fifth edition for ADHD diagnosis.
ITS MORE THEN JUST THE RIGHT PRESCRIPTION
Obstacles In The Treatment OF ADHD
1. Fear of medication addiction
This is a myth that needs to be debunked. In a published journal of AACAP in 2016, a multi-cohort national study with a sampling of about 40,000 individuals showed that an early start of treatment for ADHD and continuing it for 6 years and more was associated with a lower rate of substance use than of the general population. In addition, those who had treatment later and took medication for less than 2 years showed similarity to the general population’s rate of substance use.
2. Relative Immaturity
Children and adolescents with ADHD are inclined to become less immature compare to their peers at the same age (JACCAP 2016;55(10):886-895). ADHD is more prevalent in males because females are more protected against ADHD development (JAACAP 2016;55(6):504-512).
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ADHD Treatment
1. Medication
Amphetamine – may come in short acting or long acting formulations that can be combined based on its responses. It increases the norepinephrine and dopamine release that are extremely important for the frontal brain circuits.
Methylphenidate – may also come in short acting and long acting formulations. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are the two most effective medications for ADHD. However, both have side effects that include: insomnia, decreased appetite, and growth delay. Taking both would enhance and increase the probability for side effects.
Atomoxetine – it also increases norepinephrine release. It is not as effective as a stimulant but it can be used as an alternative for those who have difficulties tolerating amphetamine and methylphenidate.
Bupropion – is a third line of treatment for those who have difficulties tolerating amphetamines and methylphenidate. It can also be added to enhance response.
2. Neurofeedback
Well-controlled studies fell short to show evidence on the role of neurofeedback as an effective treatment. (Cortese and collab JAACAP 2016;55(6):444-455).
Predominantly Inattentive Presentation:
Brain Training games failed to construct evidence that it is linked with ADHD treatment. They are perceived, however, to open new possibilities in the future as they further develop. At of the moment, they are utilized as part of cognitive rehabilitation (Psychiatric Times, June 2014: The Evidence and Application of Brain Training Games: Science or Sales, Larry Brooks).
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Myths About The Treatment Of ADHD
There are three myths about treating ADHD according to Strawn (2016).
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Consequences Of Not Treating ADHD
Below are the consequences if ADHD is left untreated according to research.

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Support
Family support is the best option when helping somebody who experiences depression.
Some of them might only want someone to talk to and wanted to feel that they have a
companion who is willing to understand and feel their situation.
ADHD Symptoms in Children
Does Your Child Have ADD OR ADHD?
ADHD significantly affects the behavior of any age with this disorder. According to a national study done by the CDC, 11% of school-aged children are being diagnosed with ADHD. The three major symptoms of the disorder are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. If symptoms become severe, enough to draw attention to the behavioral change of an individual and an evident decline in mental or social function, a diagnosis of ADHD is certainly possible.
ADHD Symptoms in Children
Children with ADHD/ADD may be classified under the following types:
ADHD Symptoms in Children
Not All Children Have Hyperactivity
Children who display the inattentive type of ADHD are frequently neglected in school, work, home or any settings since the depicted behavior is not turbulent. There are some parents or teachers, however, that are able to detect one or more symptoms of inattention due to their difficulties in following directions, turning in homework, getting consistent good grades, or interacting with other children.
ADHD Symptoms in Children
Attention Deficit Is A Misnomer
Living a life with ADHD does not only portray actions or reactions that are meant to garner attention. It does not necessarily mean bouncing off walls, interfering in every conversation, dancing wildly in the middle of a public gathering or any sorts. Some children who have ADHD display inability to focus, concentrate, and think and even show disinterest in an activity after some time.
Some exhibit hyperactivity, while some just sit peacefully with their thoughts and attention somewhere else. Some unnecessarily exaggerate their focus on a task, and find it difficult to shift their focus on other things while some may exert little to no attention but overly impulsive.
ADHD Symptoms in Children
ADHD Symptoms In Children May Include
The following are the symptoms you need to look out for in your children:
Knowing and learning the symptoms may often lead us to hastily self-diagnose but it is recommended and important to consult and be diagnosed by a mental health professional. Symptoms alone won’t guarantee that an individual does have the disorder. A specialist administers tests to determine what disorder the patient has. We highly recommend you to consider first all of your options before proceeding to medications or other forms of treatment to prevent risks.
You can visit this website for a more detailed description of ADHD symptoms in children.
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Interested in knowing more about ADHD and sleep issues? Check this out!