Understanding ADHD Treatment: A Guide for Patients and Families

What is ADHD?

ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), classed as a neurodevelopmental condition, is a condition that affects brain development and functioning. Simply put, it is a prolonged mental health issue where patients have difficulty concentrating, sitting still, or controlling their actions.

Impact of ADHD

ADHD can mess with one’s academic and professional achievements, interpersonal relationships, and routine tasks. Children with ADHD would prefer living in isolation and have poor self-esteem. Adults with ADHD may feel worthless in their lives and be sensitive towards criticism.

With proper treatment patient can improve focus, behavior, and overall life quality. However, parental and family support is a must in the lives of ADHD patients to overcome challenges and have contented lives.

This guide here explains everything that one must know about ADHD. It explains different ADHD treatments and how parents, caretakers, and families be a good support.

What Causes ADHD and Who Gets It?

To date, there is no scientific evidence on how ADHD is exactly caused. However, there are scientific studies revealing brain anatomical differences in children with ADHD compared to those without ADHD. There is a high possibility of genetic predisposition being the reason. Other potential factors linked to ADHD include low birth weight, premature delivery, and toxins exposure or stress during pregnancy. 

As ADHD tends to run in families, the majority of affected people are children. The signs are usually seen in school-age children. Young adults too develop this condition as a child but present symptoms in adulthood. As per old clinical records, males are mostly diagnosed with ADHD but at present women with ADHD are more than men.

Signs of Having ADHD

ADHD is classified into three main types. These are listed below along with the symptoms.

Predominantly inattentive type- For diagnosis of this ADHD presentation, a child should present 6 while a young adult should present 5 out of the following symptoms frequently:

• Trouble in concentrating or paying close attention to details

• Challenges in staying focussed on activities or tasks

• Problems with organizing tasks, doing work, or following instructions

• Disliking or avoiding activities that need sustained mental effort

• Getting highly distracted

• Being forgetful with daily tasks

• Losing on valuables needed in routine.

Predominantly Hyperactive/impulsive type- For diagnosis of this ADHD presentation, a child should present 6 while a young adult should present 5 out of the following symptoms frequently:

• Fidgeting with things around, hands or feet

• Not staying seated in the classroom or workplace

• Noisy while playing or doing leisure activities

• Showing excessive use of energy

• Being talkative

• Don’t wait for someone to complete a sentence or wait for own turn

• Intrudes or interrupts others.

Combined type- This presentation of ADHD includes symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive types. 

How is ADHD diagnosed?

Best Psychiatrists in Wales evaluation includes:

• description of the patient's symptoms by parents or caretakers;

• filling in on scales and questionaries by parents, caretakers, and teachers

• reviewing of patient’s complete medical and psychiatric history as well as family history

• discussion on the patient’s upbringing, environment, and education

• referral for medical evaluation to rule out other possibilities.

Sometimes, patients are ordered for neuropsychological or psychoeducational testing, usually when ADHD co-exists with other mental health conditions. To assess the severity of ADHD symptoms, a psychiatrist may even ask for a computer-based screening test like the latest neuroscience-based technology- QB Check.

ADHD Treatment

The major forms of ADHD treatment are:

• Stimulant and non-stimulant medications- These medicines help stay focussed and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity.

• Behavioral therapy like CBT- The provider helps the patient learn new skills and change their behaviors to manage their ADHD symptoms.

• Neurofeedback- The provider real-time monitors the patient’s brain activity with EEG and assists the patient to self-regulate their brain waves with feedback mechanisms. 

• Lifestyle modifications- ADHD symptoms are manageable with a healthy diet, regular exercise, good sleeping habits, and a consistent healthy routine.

• Support- Children with ADHD can get extra support at school offering tailored education plans and 504 plans. Dieticians are even available for nutritional support. Patients can even be a part of self-help resources and groups.

How Parents and Families Can Support Children with ADHD?

Parents, caretakers, or families of the child with ADHD can help by first understanding ADHD in detail. They can help the child by being patient and supportive, creating a consistent routine, setting clear rules and expectations, and following the ADHD treatment plan provided by a professional.

Get Personalised ADHD Treatment.

Living with ADHD can be challenging. But, with the best best-suited ADHD treatment and the best support from parents and families, children or adults with ADHD can thrive. If suspecting ADHD in your loved one or seeking for ADHD Medications & Treatment in Wales, contact Dr. Raman Sakhuja at Wales Psychiatry Centre. We provide certified, comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, the best possible treatment, and counseling. Looking forward to assisting you!