Category: ADHD

ADHD in Adolescents

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ADHD in Adolescents

ADHD in Adolescents

 Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adolescents is characterized by a pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity.  These symptoms can interfere with a teen’s ability to thrive in school, after school activities, or within peer groups. However, with proper treatment many symptoms of ADHD can be managed.

SYMPTOMS

People with symptoms of inattention may experience:

  • Distractibility
  • Becoming bored with tasks easily
  • Difficulty maintaining attention or focus
  • Trouble completing tasks
  • Losing things often
  • Disorganization
  • Struggling to follow directions

People with symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity may experience:

  • Fidgeting or having trouble sitting still
  • Acting without thinking of consequences
  • Non-stop talking
  • Interrupting others
  • Impatience

Treatment

Although there is currently no cure for ADHD, treatment can help provide a relief from symptoms for adolescents with ADHD. Treatment plans vary but commonly include:

  • Psychotherapy
    • Different forms of psychotherapy, commonly known as talk therapy, are used to help treat ADHD. A mental help professional can provide guidance and help one stay organized, focused, and productive.
  • Medication
    • Stimulants are commonly used to treat ADHD in teenagers. Stimulants increase dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which play an essential role in thinking and attention.
    • Various non-stimulant medications may also be used in the treatment of ADHD. These medications are typically less habit forming and less likely to be abused than stimulants.

How to Help as a Parent or Guardian

Although we suggest seeking professional help, in addition there are ways you can help your teen with ADHD as a parent or guardian. You can support your teen by:

  • Talking openly and with support
  • Setting a daily schedule
  • Building up their self-esteem by affirming positive behavior
  • Creating a reminder system
  • Working with their teachers to help create a support network at school
  • Making sure they get enough sleep
  • Helping them stay organized
  • Setting a good example

Finding TREATMENT AND RESOURCES

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Overview of ADHD

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Overview of ADHD

Overview of ADHD

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is marked by a pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity. The symptoms of ADHD can interfere with work, school, and daily life. However, individuals can often find relief from symptoms through proper treatment. 

SYMPTOMS

People with symptoms of inattention may:

  • Find it hard to listen to or follow instructions
  • Have trouble maintaining focus
  • Overlook or miss details
  • Be easily distracted
  • Have difficulties staying organized
  • Avoid tasks that require sustained focus

People with symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity may:

  • Have trouble sitting still
  • Often feel restless
  • Be impatient
  • Talk excessively
  • Interrupt others
  • Act without thinking of consequences

Treatment

There is no cure for ADHD but treatment can often provide individuals relief from symptoms. Treatment may vary but plans commonly include:

  • Psychotherapy
    • Various types of psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be used in the treatment of ADHD. A mental health professional can help teach one to better stay organized, increase productivity, and more.
  • Medication
    • Stimulants are most commonly used in the treatment of ADHD. Stimulants increase dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which play an essential role in thinking and attention.
    • A variety of non-stimulant medications may also be used in the treatment of ADHD. This includes antidepressants, which were not designed to treat ADHD but have been found to reduce symptoms in some.

Finding TREATMENT AND RESOURCES

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How ADHD Affects Adults

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How ADHD Affects Adults

How ADHD Affects Adults

October is ADHD Awareness Month and it is important to understand how ADHD affects adults, and not only children. NAMI estimates that 4.4% of adults aged 18-44 have ADHD, making it a fairly common mental health condition. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is marked by a pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity. The symptoms of ADHD can cause difficulties in relationships, work, and daily life. Luckily, treatment is available and has been proven to help diminish ADHD symptoms for many. 

SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms of ADHD may vary but, common symptoms include:

  • Inattention
    • Trouble paying attention to details
    • Difficulties staying organized
    • Forgetfulness
    • Losing things easily
    • Trouble sustaining attention for long periods of time
    • Easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or stimuli
  • Hyperactivity and Impulsivity
    • Restlessness
    • Unable to engage in activities quietly
    • Interrupting others
    • Talking excessively
    • Difficulty waiting one’s turn
    • Trouble with self-control

Treatment and Therapies

Treatment and therapies may vary but treatment plans commonly include:

  • Medication
    • Stimulants are most commonly used to treat ADHD as they increase dopamine and norepinephrine, which play essential roles in thinking and attention
    • Non-stimulants may also be used in the treatment of ADHD although tend to work slower, but they still have been found to improve focus, attention, and impulsivity
  • Psychotherapy
    • Behavioral therapy is often used as it helps one monitor their behaviors, and focus on the positives of controlling their impulses
    • Cognitive behavioral therapy is also used as it helps teach mindfulness activities and creates a greater sense of self-awareness

Finding TREATMENT AND RESOURCES

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Read more articles: https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/articles/

ADHD Awareness Month

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ADHD Awareness Month

ADHD Awareness Month

October is ADHD Awareness Month, which is a national effort to bring attention to the disorder. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is marked by a pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity. These symptoms can create difficulties within daily life and functions. However, with treatment, those struggling with ADHD often find relief and can further their success in school, work, and other areas of life.

Spreading awareness can help further research on the disorder, as well as help individuals recognize the symptoms of ADHD and receive adequate treatment.

SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms of ADHD may vary but, common symptoms include:

  • Inattention
    • Difficulty sustaining focus
    • Disorganized
    • Often losing things
    • Easily distracted
    • Overlook or miss details
    • Trouble finishing projects
    • Difficulty processing information quickly 
  • Hyperactivity
    • Trouble sitting still
    • Unable to engage in certain activities quietly
    • Often fidgeting or talking
  • Impulsivity
    • Interrupting others
    • Impatience and difficulty waiting
    • Acting without thinking of consequences
    • Inability to delay gratification 

Treatment and Therapies

Treatment and therapies may vary but treatment plans commonly include:

  • Medication
    • Stimulants are most commonly used to treat ADHD as they increase dopamine and norepinephrine, which play essential roles in thinking and attention
    • Non-stimulants may also be used in the treatment of ADHD although tend to work slower, but they still have been found to improve focus, attention, and impulsivity
  • Psychotherapy
    • Behavioral therapy is often used as it helps one monitor their behaviors, and focus on the positives of controlling their impulses
    • Cognitive behavioral therapy is also used as it helps teach mindfulness activities and creates a greater sense of self-awareness

Finding TREATMENT AND RESOURCES

Return to home page: https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/

Read more articles: https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/articles/

ADHD: Signs and Symptoms

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ADHD: Signs and Symptoms

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is marked by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. It affects not only children, but also many adults. For individuals with ADHD, the symptoms interfere with daily life. With treatment, however, people with ADHD can further their success in school, work, and other aspects of life.

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of ADHD may vary depending on the person. Common symptoms include, but are not limited to:

  • Inattention
    • Difficulty keeping focus
    • Disorganized
    • Easily distracted
    • Trouble completing assignments or projects
    • Difficulty processing information quickly 
  • Hyperactivity
    • Trouble sitting still
    • Often fidgeting or talking
    • Restlessness
  • Impulsivity
    • Interrupting others
    • Impatience
    • Acting without thinking of consequences
    • Inability to delay gratification 

Treatment and Therapies

Treatment and therapies may vary but treatment plans commonly include:

  • Medication
    • Although not always, stimulants are most commonly used to treat ADHD as they increase dopamine and norepinephrine, which play essential roles in thinking and attention
    • Non-stimulants may also be used in the treatment of ADHD although tend to work slower, but they still have been found to improve focus, attention, and impulsivity
  • Psychotherapy
    • Behavioral therapy is often used as it helps one monitor their behaviors, and focus on the positives of controlling their impulses
    • Cognitive behavioral therapy is also used as it helps teach mindfulness activities and creates a greater sense of self-awareness

Finding TREATMENT AND RESOURCES

  • To learn more about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or to find out if it may affect you, we recommend contacting your health care provider.
  • To read more about ADHD, the following resources are suggested:
    • NAMI: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/ADHD
    • NIMH: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd

 

Living With ADHD

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Living With ADHD

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder, affecting both children and adults, that makes it difficult for one to pay attention and control impulse behaviors. The American Psychiatric Association estimates 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults have ADHD. Although there is no cure for ADHD, various treatments can be used to help minimize the symptoms of the disorder. 

Treating ADHD

The following are treatments commonly used for ADHD:

  • Medication
    • Stimulants: Stimulants are used because the medicine increases dopamine, which can help one’s ability to think and pay attention.
    • Non-Stimulants: Although these medications may take longer to work than stimulants, they can also improve one’s ability to focus, pay attention, and control impulses.
    • Antidepressants: Antidepressants are not currently approved by the FDA specifically for the treatment of ADHD, but are prescribed at times to treat adults with the disorder.
  • Therapy
    • Therapy may not directly be effective in treating ADHD symptoms, but is often used as a way for individuals to help cope with daily challenges.
  • Education and Training
    • To help children and adults struggling with ADHD, the support and guidance of family, friends, and teachers can play a big role in treatment. This assistance includes, but is not limited to, parenting skills training, stress management techniques, and support groups.

RESOURCES

  • To learn more about ADHD, or find out if you or your child may be affected by the disorder, we recommend contacting your health care provider.
  • To read more about ADHD, the following resources are suggested:
    • APA: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/adhd/what-is-adhd
    • NIMH: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-the-basics
    • NAMI: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/ADHD

ADHD: Signs and Symptoms

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ADHD: Signs and Symptoms

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is a developmental disorder that affects both children and adults, creating a pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity that interferes with daily functioning.

Primary Characteristics

  • Inattention
    • Difficulties sustaining attention
    • Not following through or failure to finish tasks
    • Avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort
    • Easily distracted by unrelated thoughts and/or stimuli
    • Forgetful in daily activities
  • Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
    • Often fidgeting or in motion
    • Restless
    • Interrupting others
    • Difficulty doing tasks quietly 

Symptoms can vary

ADHD, like other disorders, can have varying symptoms depending on the person at hand. The characteristics listed are often found in those with ADHD, but that does not mean the symptoms are limited to those mentioned.

TREATMENT AND RESOURCES

  • To learn more about ADHD, or find out if you or your child may be affected by the disorder, we recommend contacting your health care provider.
  • To read more about ADHD, the following resources are suggested:
    • https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/
    • https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/ADHD
    • http://www.russellbarkley.org/factsheets/adhd-facts.pdf