What is ADHD?
ADHD is short for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It’s a mental health condition that can cause unusual levels of hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors. Both adults and children can have ADHD, but symptoms usually start in childhood.
The symptoms of ADHD can be mild, moderate or severe, depending on a person and it might not be recognized as an issue until they take on new responsibilities, such as starting college or a new job.
Causes of ADHD
The causes of ADHD are largely unknown, but there are a number of theories. Experts believe ADHD is the result. of biological and genetic factors.
The most common theory is that people with ADHD have lower levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in their brains. These neurotransmitters help control impulses and attention.
Biological and genetic factors make up about 75% of the risk for developing ADHD. Among these factors, some of the most studied include:
- Premature birth or low birth weight
- Exposure to environmental toxins such as lead during childhood
- Brain injury
- ADHD sometimes runs in families, so genetics may also play a role.
Assessment of ADHD
Assessment of ADHD typically involves the comprehensive evaluation of information gathered from a number of sources, including parents, teachers, partners, family members and/or colleagues, depending on the age of the patient.
An assessment for ADHD typically involves:
- the use of rating scales and questionnaires,
- and clinical interviews,
Therapies for ADHD
Psychological therapies may be delivered either individually or in groups.
* Psychoeducation. This involves educating the patient and family about ADHD, which then allows them to obtain additional information and support for themselves.
* Behavioural or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This is a set of techniques that have been shown to be effective ADHD treatment for children and adults. This type of therapy is based on a combination of behaviour modification, social skills training and cognitive therapy (a technique that helps the patient recognize the negative thought patterns that contribute to his/her low self-esteem and depression).
* Family therapy. This is a non-judgmental approach that helps parents deal with their child’s symptoms at home, as well as how to manage their own stress as parents.
* Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT). This type of therapy focuses on helping the individual understand his/her interpersonal relationships, especially in terms of how they affect your mental health. It also helps the patient develop better relationships with others, which can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
* Psychotherapy. This involves talking with a therapist about your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It may include one-on-one sessions.
Medication for ADHD
The most common medications used to treat ADHD in Dubai are stimulants. These work by affecting the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. Neurons communicate with each other in your central nervous system by sending chemical messages, called neurotransmitters, to one another. These chemicals, such as norepinephrine and dopamine, help the brain regulate behavior.
Children who have ADHD have less dopamine and norepinephrine in their brains than children who don’t have ADHD. When you take a stimulant medication for ADHD, it increases the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which helps your symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity improve.
The two main types of stimulants are methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine (Adderall). Both come as tablets, capsules, or liquids that your doctor will prescribe to you based on your symptoms and needs. They’re effective in treating the symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity because they affect both types of neurotransmitters equally.
Stimulants can also cause side effects like decreased appetite and insomnia. But these side effects usually go away.