ADHD or attention deficit disorder in adults

ADHD is a developmental disorder of a neurological-behavioral nature, in which the hyperactivity of children along with attention deficit is pronounced. Among the hallmarks of this disorder, the presence of which provides the basis for a diagnosis of ADHD, include symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, increased activity and impulsivity that cannot be controlled. Due to the fact that it is difficult for children to concentrate, they often cannot complete educational tasks or solve problems correctly, as they make mistakes due to their own inattention and restlessness (hyperactivity). They may also not listen to teachers’ explanations or simply not pay attention to their explanations. Neurology considers this disorder as a stable chronic syndrome, for which no cure has been found to this day. Doctors believe that ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) disappears without a trace as children grow older or adults adapt to living with it.

Main symptoms

Children suffering from attention deficit disorder learn very poorly. It is difficult for them to concentrate on the teacher’s explanation and completing the task. This is not due to whim or caprice. They cannot absorb information and concentrate on studying due to a lack of biologically active substances in certain parts of the brain.

ADHD symptoms manifest themselves in the behavior of children, which is noticeably different from the actions and actions of their healthy peers:

1. Inattention. The child is very easily distracted and suffers from forgetfulness. Difficulties arise when completing tasks; he is not organized and does not follow instructions. When explaining new material or a task, it may seem that the child is not listening to the adult. A large number of errors are due to increased inattention. Such children often lose their things and school supplies.
2. Hyperactivity. The disorder is characterized by constant movement. The child simply cannot sit still. During class, he may get up at the most inopportune times. The child seems fussy, impatient, and overly sociable.
3. Impulsiveness. The desire to achieve pleasure in such children is much higher; they are not able to wait for their turn. Often they shout out from their seats, interrupting their interlocutor or teacher. If such a child wants something, he will demand it right away; it will not be possible to persuade him.

These symptoms of the disorder are basic, but even healthy children can sometimes be inattentive or overactive. To be able to talk about the presence of this pathology, it is necessary to conduct a thorough study. The doctor observes the little patient for a long time, at least six months. In order for the analysis of a child’s behavior to be complete and comprehensive, it will be necessary to assess his behavior in different conditions.

Talk to your child

Many children and adolescents with ADHD do not take medications correctly - they stop taking them without talking to their parents or doctor. If your child is on SRSD, make sure he understands how to take the medicine correctly and why the instructions are important.

Encourage anyone to come to you with any medication-related problems so you can work together to resolve the problem or find another treatment option. It is also important to remember that the product should never have an overwhelming effect on the child's energy, curiosity or enthusiasm. He must act like a child.

Monitoring

Here is a list of questions to ask when a child begins drug therapy, changes dosage, or starts taking different medications.

• Does the drug have a positive effect on the child’s mood and behavior?
• Do you think the dosage and the drug are working? How does the child think about this?
• Should I increase or decrease the dose?
• Experiencing any side effects such as headaches, stomach pain, fatigue, insomnia (suicidal thoughts while taking Strattera)? What is the likelihood that these side effects will continue? (Ask your doctor). Are there any long-term side effects?
• Think your medication or dosage level has stopped working?

Source: From Chaos to Calm, Janet E. Heininger and Sharon K. Weiss.

Causes of attention deficit disorder

Today, no one can say for sure why a child develops ADHD symptoms. Among the factors that give impetus to the development of attention deficit disorder are:

• heredity. Researchers have noted that the presence of this disorder in parents several times increases the likelihood of its development in children. Attention deficit disorder is often genetic in nature and can therefore be inherited;
• drinking alcohol and smoking during pregnancy can lead to impaired brain function in the fetus, which leads to the appearance of ADHD symptoms in the child in the future;
• a difficult pregnancy, infectious diseases suffered by a woman during this time can also lead to the child developing attention deficit disorder. The risk of developing this mental disorder increases several times among children born prematurely;
• Predisposition to the development of the disorder is increased by brain injuries of varying severity suffered by a child at an early age, as well as diseases of an infectious nature.

In some cases, attention deficit disorder occurs as a symptom of another mental disorder, for example, delayed speech or psycho-speech development. Some life circumstances or pathological processes in the body can manifest themselves in the same way as the symptoms of ADHD. Among them are:

1. A sudden change in lifestyle, moving, parental divorce or death of a loved one.
2. Malfunction of the thyroid gland.
3. Poisoning with heavy metals, in particular lead.
4. Depression and sleep disorders.

Experts believe that it is impossible to completely eliminate the symptoms of ADHD. This disorder is considered an incurable pathology. But it is still possible to help a child. Properly organized therapy will allow the patient to learn better, gain the necessary social skills and adapt to society.

Relaxation techniques for ADHD

Periodic relaxation of the whole body helps reduce the severity of attention deficit symptoms. Regular relaxation practice enhances concentration, helps you concentrate, and get rid of feelings of anxiety and depression. The following techniques work most effectively for ADHD:

• Meditation is the exact opposite of hyperactivity disorder and attention disorder. Its main goal is to focus on achieving the goal. During meditation, a person relaxes physically and emotionally, which allows him to focus on a specific thought. It has been scientifically proven that during meditation the activity of that part of the brain that controls attention, memory, and responses is activated;
• Yoga is a combination of meditation and physical activity. Holding poses in yoga develops balance and teaches control over your body. Yoga also teaches you how to breathe correctly, which helps you relax and focus on your goals. Yoga helps restore mental balance and improve your mood.

Also, to smooth out the symptoms of ADHD, adults attend various trainings on time management, self-organization, participate in thematic role-playing games and art therapy, and resort to the help of specialized coaches. However, the surest and most effective solution would be to make an appointment with an experienced psychologist.

Need a consultation with a psychologist? Call and make an appointment for a consultation in Moscow 8 (999) 333-37-77 (from 10.00 to 22.00) daily. Cost of consultation - Services and prices. The address for the consultation is in the Contacts section.

Types of ADHD

Highly qualified specialists practice an individual approach to the treatment of the syndrome. This is due, first of all, to the fact that for successful recovery it is necessary to eliminate the causes of the pathology. To date, several types of this disorder have been identified, requiring different approaches to therapy:

• the classic form is associated with disturbances in the functioning of the frontal lobe cortex. In this case, classic ADHD symptoms will appear, such as instability of attention, absent-mindedness, disorientation, etc. To achieve lasting results, drug therapy can be used to increase dopamine levels in the brain. Patients are advised to reduce their intake of simple carbohydrates and introduce high-protein foods into their diet;
• inattentive type. The core symptoms of ADHD will be complemented by a tendency to become self-obsessed, lack of energy, detachment and lack of motivation. This type of disorder is usually diagnosed at an older age and is more common in girls. The development of the inattentive type of ADHD is caused by a decrease in brain activity in the cerebellum and frontal cortex;
• attention deficit disorder with excessive fixation. Classic ADHD symptoms in this case are combined with a tendency to dwell on negative thoughts and obsessive behavior. Patients with this type of disease are overly touchy and restless, often argue and go against their mentors;
• If there is a disorder in the temporal lobes of ADHD, symptoms will include increased temperament. The patient may experience a feeling of anxiety, headaches and discomfort in the abdominal area. Characterized by the appearance of gloomy thoughts, memory problems, difficulties in reading texts, as well as incorrect interpretation of comments addressed to the patient;
• limbic type. Primary ADHD symptoms are accompanied by melancholy, a desire to isolate oneself from others, low self-esteem, sleep disorders and lack of appetite. Stimulants should not be used to treat this type of syndrome, as they can lead to the development of depression.

Also, the main symptoms of the disorder may be accompanied by outbursts of anger and moodiness, a desire to always be in opposition and increased talkativeness, hypersensitivity to loud sounds and bright lights, as well as hasty thinking.

Psychological counseling

A psychotherapist can help you cope with the symptoms of hyperactivity and attention disorder. Various psychotherapeutic techniques are aimed at developing new skills, combating negative attitudes, and managing irritability and anger. Therapeutic sessions can improve stress resistance, control impulsivity, and improve organizational abilities.

The following types of psychotherapy for attention deficit disorder in adults are distinguished:

• Personal form - involves struggling with life failures, educational difficulties, problems with professional self-realization, conflicts with others. Individual work helps to cope with feelings of anxiety, shame, irritability, low self-esteem, resentment and a sense of injustice;
• The family form - first of all, involves working through the problems that arise between spouses due to ADHD symptoms. Psychotherapy will help you concentrate on a constructive solution to problems in communication between spouses, smooth out conflicts of a material nature, get rid of impulsive behavior, and accept family responsibilities to each other. The family form is also effective for normalizing relations between adult children and parents.
• Cognitive form - aimed at searching and identifying negative attitudes, beliefs, positions that are accompanied by problems in social life.

The main goal of psychological counseling using the behavioral method is to develop a realistic outlook on life and a hopeful perception of the world. Cognitive therapy also helps to cope with disorganization, increase productivity, and plan your time more effectively.

Diagnostics

Many people mistakenly believe that attention deficit disorder is a disorder of overactive boys. But among patients there are those who are not characterized by hyperactivity. In this case, the symptoms of the disorder are blurred and it is even more difficult to identify them. Often, due attention is not paid to the disease in such children; they are constantly reproached for laziness, willfulness, lack of motivation, and are also called stupid.

The main difference between this syndrome and other types of mental disorders is the complete absence of clear laboratory or instrumental diagnostic methods. In the diagnostic process, specialists mainly rely on stories from relatives, teachers and other people from the child’s close circle.

Diagnosis of ADHD is preceded by painstaking work. A child whose behavior causes concern is monitored over a long period of time. A pediatrician or child psychologist collects information, interviews teachers and other mentors, and seeks the opinions of parents, guardians, or other family members. Also at the diagnostic stage, a full medical examination of the child is carried out, this allows ADHD symptoms to be differentiated from other psychological disorders or diseases that can lead to behavior changes.

During interviews to collect information about the patient, the doctor pays great attention to the situation in his family. Parents also fill out forms and questionnaires regarding themselves and close relatives. This can help identify if there are problems in family relationships that may cause the child to exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The mental health of other family members is also assessed, because, as mentioned, the presence of the syndrome is due to genetic predisposition.

The final stage of diagnosis is the analysis of the information received. A diagnosis can be made if the following statements are confirmed:

• the main symptoms of ADHD (inattention, impulsivity, etc.) are intensely expressed, the degree of their manifestation does not correspond to the age of the patient. Manifestations of the disorder are observed for a long time;
• manifestations of the disorder penetrate into all areas of life, leading to significant complications. Children can be capricious in different situations when they are tired, do not get enough sleep, want to eat, etc. But to make a diagnosis, it is necessary to find confirmation that the child’s behavior creates problems for others and for himself;
• Signs of ADHD appear early in life and are persistent. If signs of pathology show themselves from time to time, then they are most likely due to other reasons;
• ADHD symptoms are not associated with the presence of other somatic, psychosomatic or mental disorders in the child. To identify such a relationship, a more thorough medical examination of the patient is carried out.

Despite the fact that specialists use some diagnostic criteria in their work, the final diagnosis is made solely from the subjective opinion of the doctor, which, in turn, is also based on the subjective opinions of teachers and relatives. Therefore, there is a high risk of error. To avoid this, it is necessary to approach the diagnosis of attention deficit disorder with special care.

What diseases can accompany ADHD?

Some children develop other diseases that accompany this disorder. These include:

• Disorders of the development of learning skills, which lead to the fact that the child’s academic performance is significantly lower than that of peers.
• Oppositional defiant disorder, which involves willful disobedience, hostility, and even violent behavior.
• Emotional disorders, when a child feels a loss of strength, becomes nervous and tearful. A restless child may lose the desire to play with other children. Such a child may be too dependent.
• Tics can also co-occur with ADHD. The manifestation of tics is varied: twitching of facial muscles, prolonged snoring or twitching of the head, etc. Sometimes, with strong tics, sudden cries may occur, which disrupts the child’s social adaptation.
• The child may also have a delay in psycho-speech development or mental development (ZPRD or ZPR)

Treatment

Treatment often uses medications to relieve ADHD symptoms. These include various stimulants, most often prescribed methylphenidade, nootropic drugs, as well as antipsychotics that can reduce the child’s excitability and hyperactivity.

Drug treatment is aimed at eliminating the physical problem that led to the development of the disorder. The main symptoms of ADHD become less pronounced due to the normalization of blood circulation in all parts of the brain and the correction of pathologies in the cervical spine, which often occur due to birth injuries.

But most experts believe that the use of medications is justified only in isolated cases; many children can be cured using psychocorrection methods. The most successful in eliminating the symptoms of ADHD is applied behavioral analysis, which is used when working with young children, as well as cognitive behavioral therapy, which is applicable in mental correction in young people and adolescents.

My child is diagnosed with ADHD. What does this mean?

Not all people understand that ADHD is a disease, and some see it as an unfounded “label.” At times, parents may find it difficult to accept that their child is sick and may become angry at the diagnosis. Sometimes parents believe that they themselves are to blame for this diagnosis, because they were bad or inattentive parents. It is important to understand that ADHD is a disease. Treatment can improve a child's academic performance, social adaptation, and ability to make and maintain friendships. Proper treatment can reduce family tension, normalize life at home, and make it enjoyable for everyone in the family. The most important thing is that effective treatment for a child with ADHD increases his chances of having a healthy, happy, and productive future without any problems. If you are concerned about having this disease and its consequences for your family, talk to a specialist who can tell you about this disease. Delaying treatment due to a lack of understanding of the problem is certainly not right for your child.

Recommendations for parents of children with ADHD

Only a qualified doctor can diagnose, diagnose and prescribe competent treatment for attention deficit symptoms. But the child’s recovery largely depends on his parents. First of all, they must accept their baby and realize that his behavior is not the result of upbringing, but a consequence of the disease.

To eliminate ADHD symptoms, experts recommend adhering to the following behavioral strategies at home:

1. Create a daily routine and strictly follow it. It is very important that your child sleeps enough time. A child who does not get enough sleep becomes more capricious, aggressive, and loses the ability to concentrate.
2. Monitor the child's nutrition. Many researchers claim that ADHD symptoms depend on what is included in the baby's daily diet. Children suffering from attention deficit disorder are often deficient in omega-3 acids. Therefore, sea fish should be a mandatory part of the children's menu. You can give your child fish oil or multivitamin supplements containing magnesium and B vitamins. These micronutrients also reduce ADHD symptoms. In addition, it is necessary to exclude from the diet foods high in gluten (cereals), casein (milk) and polysaccharides. Carbohydrates should be supplied to the body from fruits and vegetables, and it is best to avoid eating sweets, potatoes, rice and flour dishes. The diet of a child with attention deficit disorder should include plenty of meat, eggs, legumes, nuts and cheese.
3. Organize the space of the children's room in such a way that all the child's things have certain places. The baby will be less likely to lose them. Various sources describe ADHD symptoms, and one of the most persistent is called the inability to organize. This greatly complicates the process of social adaptation of the child. A clear organization of space will make life a little easier for the baby.
4. During classes, all distractions should be eliminated. Be sure to turn off the TV, computer, radio, etc. A child who exhibits the core symptoms of ADHD has difficulty concentrating. Therefore, parents should make sure that nothing disturbs him.
5. Give your child the right to choose. When he gets dressed, offer two sets of clothes, and during meals - several types of dishes. But the number of options should not be too large - otherwise it can lead to the development of emotional and sensory overload.
6. When talking with your child, try to give precise instructions. All instructions must contain a minimum of information. It is necessary to refrain from persuasion and threats.
7. Set realistic goals for your child so that he can cope with them. A child's success must be rewarded. Use visuals to display his achievements.
8. Help your child find an activity in which he can achieve success. This will develop social communication skills and also improve your child's self-esteem.

Parents can help a child overcome the symptoms of ADHD; without their participation, even the best therapy will be ineffective. The best remedy for most psychological disorders in children is the love, support and understanding of the closest people - mom and dad!

Proper nutrition

Proper nutrition is important not only for a slim figure, but also for the stability of your emotional state. When managing ADHD symptoms, it's not just what a person eats, but also how they eat it. Many people with hyperactivity disorder eat erratically and can go without food all day and then eat their daily allowance. This eating behavior is the result of a lack of planning skills and impulsive decisions. Recommendations for normalizing eating behavior:

• Plan your meals - main meals and snacks should be prepared in advance (usually 2-3 days in advance). Chaotic eating increases the symptoms of hyperactivity, so food should be ready before the feeling of hunger appears;
• Control the amount of microelements consumed, namely zinc, magnesium, iron. If your intake is insufficient, start taking multivitamins;
• Protein and complex carbohydrates are necessary for a good mood, filling with energy, and combating irritability;
• Eat foods high in omega-3. These fatty acids promote concentration and reduce hyperactivity.