ADHD
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common mental health disorders. Recent studies show that up to 10% of children and 6% of adults have significant symptoms of ADHD.
ADHD
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common mental health disorders. Recent studies show that up to 10% of children and 6% of adults have significant symptoms of ADHD. Whilst the exact cause of ADHD is unclear, there is some indication that Genetics, Environment and Problems at key stages of development may play a role in the development of ADHD. If you have a close family member with ADHD or another mental health diagnosis, the risk may increase. Babies that were conceived and born whilst the mother was using substances or those who were born prematurely are also at increased risk.
The core symptoms of ADHD often first present in childhood. ADHD in the educational environment is well known and there are commonly reported problems within the classroom setting. This maybe the first indication that the core symptoms are active for any young person. These problems do not finish when education ends, in fact without effective treatment they may well become more problematic overtime.
Educational failure, unemployment, antisocial behaviours, unsafe sex, risk taking, gambling, early or unwanted pregnancy, dangerous driving, use of prescription or street drugs and excessive use of alcohol are significantly more prevalent in those with adolescent/adult ADHD.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD
Males and females can display very different ADHD symptoms, with males three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than females.
13% of males will be diagnosed with ADHD during their lifetimes. This drops significantly to 4.2% for females, where symptoms are often easy to overlook because they present as ‘less typical’ ADHD behaviour. As a result, many females do not receive their initial diagnosis until adolescence or adulthood, if at all.
Common symptoms associated with ADHD include:
- trouble concentrating or focusing
- difficulty staying organised
- forgetful about completing tasks
- easily distracted
- tendency towards impulsiveness
- difficulty sitting still.
In the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the American Psychiatric Association describes three types of ADHD:
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
- Predominately Inattentive Type (more often diagnosed in girls/women)
- Combined Type.
Treatments for ADHD
There are many options available in the treatment of ADHD in teenagers and young adults. ADHD treatment is well researched and, in conjunction with psychotherapy, can make a significant difference to the lives of young people.
A detailed medical history and family history will be taken prior to deciding on the must appropriate treatment for any young person. Additionally, parent support and parent training can assist parents in learning about ADHD and help to manage ADHD behaviours. Positive interactions between members of the family can help to reduce conflict and negative impact on the family system.
www.nice.org.uk provides information and resources together with recommendations for ADHD treatment.
Finding an ADHD specialist and receiving a proper diagnosis is the first step on the treatment journey, whether in-person or online. A combination of self-reporting, family reporting and educational reporting may be used to understand how some symptoms may change based upon the environment. (ADHD can respond positively to changes in the environment and strategies that can be put into place at home and at school.)
ADHD medication may be prescribed. FDA medications that are helpful following a diagnosis of ADHD include those that belong to Stimulant and Non-Stimulant Groups.
Deciding which medication is right for each young person takes time and should be undertaken with the support of an ADHD treatment team. As with all medications, there can be less desirable effects. Monitoring the positive changes, together with any unpleasant effects, will help the treatment team to reach the most effective dose for each young person.
At The Wave Clinic, Dr Rasyid works with families to develop treatment plans, including medication, that meet their specific needs. ‘Taking a good medical history and really getting to know the young person is essential in finding answers. Schools and parents are an invaluable resource, although it is often the young person themselves who is most aware’.
The Role of the Family in ADHD
Whilst family therapy does not directly impact the core symptoms of ADHD, it does have significant and beneficial effects of the way that the family relate to the young person or family member.
Our parents tell us, that following family therapy and parent/family training for ADHD they feel ‘like better more effective parents’. We focus on more positive interaction and reducing the more difficult ‘oppositional’ aspects of living with a family member with ADHD symptoms. The family feel empowered having made the positive choice to engage in treatment, especially where there is dual diagnosis, addictive behaviours, self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
Helping parents to re-establish boundaries, find educational and employment solutions and navigate some of the more difficult aspects of home life has positive effects for the whole family system. Family therapy at The Wave is an opportunity to re-establish the quality of family relationships and to reduce the pressure and stress within the whole family.
