As an often chronic and disabling condition, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, can cause serious issues in your life. Thankfully, ADHD treatment from a qualified psychiatrist is available to help manage the symptoms.
ADHD is a condition that primarily consists of impulsive behavior, hyperactivity, and difficulty paying attention. It can occur in both children and adults and cause lifelong issues with relationships, poor performance in school or at work, and low self-esteem.
ADHD comes in three subtypes depending on the major symptoms. It can be either predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive and impulsive, or combined, which is a roughly even mix of the two.
Children with inattentive symptoms often forget to do tasks, avoid activities that require concentration, have difficulty listening during a conversation, or make many careless mistakes in schoolwork. Those with hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms may demonstrate difficulty waiting for their turn, frequently interrupt conversations or activities, talk too much, or have difficulty staying still.
In adults, ADHD may manifest as difficulty coping with stress or following through with tasks, having a low tolerance for frustration, and demonstrating poor time management skills.
Symptoms of ADHD typically manifest before 12 years of age and may emerge as soon as three years of age. These symptoms sometimes become less severe in adulthood, though they may persist and cause serious debilitation throughout life.
ADHD is found more commonly in males than females, and its symptoms tend to manifest differently for each sex. For example, males will commonly show more hyperactivity, and females will more frequently display subdued inattention.
While there is no cure for ADHD, successful management of its symptoms can be attained with the help of a psychiatrist, who will commonly prescribe medications that are designed to help control the most common symptoms of ADHD. These symptoms tend to emerge early in life, so you should seek treatment as soon as you begin to notice them.
The most frequent type of medication used to treat the symptoms of ADHD is stimulants. Stimulants act quickly and, according to government officials, can reduce the number of symptoms in 70-80% of children.
Non-stimulants may also be suggested. These medications tend not to work as rapidly as stimulants, but their effects last longer, often up to 24 hours.
Different individuals may not respond the same way to the same medication. What works for one person may not work for another. Side effects might be experienced while on ADHD medication, such as decreased appetite or difficulty sleeping. If side effects are considered too problematic, a different medication may be tried.
Medication is not a recommended first-line ADHD treatment for children under the age of six. Instead, behavior management should be tried before medication.
ADHD can be a chronic and disabling condition, but a psychiatrist may be able to help.
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned in this article, contact our office so possible treatment options can be explored.
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