DO I HAVE ADHD?

• BY DR. AK RANA

ADHD is Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

ADHD usually revolve around difficulty in concentrating, completing the assigned task and not able to plan and manage their time effectively.

SYMPTOMS OF ADHD

ATTENTION DEFICIT-

1. It is difficult to look into details.
2. Not being able to focus at one thing.
3. It is easy to get distracted. For example, with the noise or a car passing by.
4. Disorganized work habits. Not following time table, plans and always lagging behind deadlines.
5. Always try to avoid slower and boring tasks.
6. Lack of concentration on communication.
7. Leaving things in between and not completing them till end.
8. Forgetting things like keys, wallets or spending lots of time searching things around.
9. Losing objects.

HYPERACTIVITY/ IMPULSIVITY

1. Feeling restless.
2. Not being able to wait for your turn to speak or for any other task.
3. Jump/run/fall (injuries are common)
4. Interrupting a conversation or when a person is speaking. It is done either to complete the other person’s sentence or to speak what they want.
5. Always full of energy.
6. It is difficult to control emotion, especially anger or when things are not going according to them and they are not so good at handling such situations.

• At least 6 symptoms should be positive for attention deficit and 6 symptoms for hyperactivity.
• Onset of symptoms should be <12 years of age.

Symptoms of attention and concentration start from childhood. These might change as we grow older.

Usually 40-50% children with ADHD may develop ADHD symptoms in adulthood.

When it is concerned with adults, they are usually moody and are not able to handle stress efficiently (stress intolerance).

They often lose control on themselves or going with the impulse.

Temper tantrums/ rage and procrastination are also seen.

MANAGEMENT OF ADHD

PHARMACOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT

Stimulants – Methylphenidate

Non-stimulants – Atomoxetine (SNRI): initial choice in adult ADHD.

Clonidine and Guanfacine (alpha 2 agonist)

NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT

• CBT processes

• Distractions need to be reduced

These days notifications of messages and posts ‘pop-up’ at any time on mobile.

We leave all our work and open it to see it. After it, we won’t resume the work just like that but will spend some more time on mobile.

Again after 10-15 minutes, another notification comes up. If not this, then we would be looking at the mobile, hoping to see a notification.

Person is motivated to keep working on the task for the fixed hours, without getting distracted. Mobile and any such distractions are kept aside.

• Training to complete a work in the fixed time is given.

It is done to formulate a rough plan and concentrate on the work, thereby completing it.

• Persons with ADHD find it difficult to sit a place for long time.

They are trained to be seated at a place for hours.

It is also started on timer basis, slowly increasing the time.

• There distress tolerance is increased.

By training and slowly putting them in variety of situations.

To make them learn, understand and calmly come out of such problems.

ADHD can affect someone’s life and work in mild to moderate to severe ways.

Several symptoms and not one or two decide so.

If that is true then consult a specialist, and start the treatment.

If you have any questions or you want to tell your story/views, kindly share in comments.

You can also contact our team at halleysclinic@gmail.com

also read HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU ARE ANXIOUS?

also read DEPRESSION IN EVERYDAY LIFE