ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a type of neurodevelopmental disorder found in children as well as adults which interfere with work and social life.
Overview
The attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may be present since childhood; however, in some people it get manifested explicitly in adulthood or get unnoticed during childhood.
ADHD is manifested in children in different patterns including inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.
ADHD begins in childhood and progress to adulthood affecting school performance, interaction with society and relationships depending on the grade of the disorder. ADHD may be seen as inattention or inability to focus on a topic or as hyperactivity [ overactivity which is inappropriate to the setting or context], impulsivity [hasty actions without any forethought].
ADHD may occur in various forms with all these problems in combined form or singly.
Three different types of ADHD include:
- Predominantly inattentive form
- Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive form
- Combined form
ADHD in children and adult present in different ways. ADHD may lead to relationship issues, work place problems and oversensitivity to criticism particularly in adults.
ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood itself; however some forms of ADHD may escape the diagnosis and manifest as problems in adulthood.
The diagnosis is based on the clinical presentation of the disorder [ the presence of persistent symptoms that have occurred over a period of time and are noticeable over the past six months]. A healthcare provider can diagnose ADHD without much difficulty. The treatment for ADHD is dependent on the manifestation &the grade of the disorder. Modern medical as well as complementary and integrative medicine treatments are available for managing ADHD.
What are the causes of ADHD?
Although the exact cause of ADHD is not clear, it has been found that genetics play a prominent role.ADHD runs in families.
What are the signs & symptoms of ADHD?
ADHD may be presented in three different ways:
- Predominantly inattentive type
- Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive type
- Combined
- Predominantly inattentive type
Attention deficient hyperactive children of this category fail to pay attention to details, to focus on the matters discussed; and often gets complaints of poor attention span while being taught in schools.
Children with ADHD often makes mistakes in tasks due to poor attention to detail. They forget or fail to do tasks assigned due to their inability to pay attention for long and the restlessness.
They fail to do homework, chores and can not focus on conversations for a long time. Easily get distracted.
Sustained focus and mental effort are difficult.
- Hyperactive /impulsive type
People having this type of ADHD constantly fidget. They are not able to sit at one place and are bounding with energy. Quite often stamped as talkative. Children often run about in class or in places where it is not appropriate.
Interfere while discussing a matter, will not allow to complete it. Cuts the conversation or answer a question before the question is completed.
Difficult to wait patiently for his or her turn.
While doing any activity or game there will be great disquiet and do things hastily and impulsively without any forethought.
- Combined type of ADHD
In this type of ADHD both inattentive and hyperactive symptoms can be found. It is more complex and may impact the social interaction as well as relationships if not appropriately managed right from childhood.
ADHD symptoms in adults
Forgetfulness. Poor attention span and inability to focus on tasks for long.Restlessness.
Easily get distracted. Difficulty in doing some tasks in an organized way.
Difficulty in completing tasks that need prolonged attention.
How ADHD is diagnosed?
Primary level health providers as well as mental health professionals can recognize ADHD and can refer for medical evaluation. Mostly ADHD is diagnosed by clinical evaluation, asking questions to the person, family, care givers etc. Family history and upbringing environment are also taken into account to evaluate the condition. Some other psychiatric diseases or mental conditions may mimic ADHD. A well-trained mental health provider can differentiate these from ADHD.
Treatment for ADHD
ADHD is managed with various strategies depending on the age and grade of the condition. In preschool children medications are not recommended by modern medicine mostly. Parent child interaction therapy is recommended.
However, in some other higher grade cases medications are advised.
Depending on the progress or advancement of disease medications or therapy is given.
In children who do not improve with medications special school education and learning techniques are recommended.
Homeopathy &Integrative medicine approach
- Lifestyle modification
- Diet & nutrition
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Homeopathic medications
We provide homeopathic medications after detailed case taking & evaluation of family history, drug history, parental behaviour& approach, environment etc.
Homeopathy offers various constitutional remedies which are efficacious and safe to use in children as well as adults.
A few of the homeopathic drugs used for managing ADHD include tuberculinum,tarentula, Lachesis etc. Homeopathic medications are helpful to a large extent in managing emotional and behavioural problems in ADHD people. Homeopathy may be of help in integration with conventional medicine to relieve the distresses caused by pharmaceuticals and also in establishing emotional control and focus to a certain degree.
Homeopathic medications are selected with holistic approach integrating physical, mental and emotional characteristics of the individual having ADHD. Homeopathic drugs prescribed by a qualified homeopathic physician may be gentle and safe; also, non addictive.
Homeopathy can complement conventional medicine treatment well. Although many promising study results are there, extensive and rigorous research is needed in this realm beyond a few case studies.
What is the advantage of using homeopathic medicine?
Safe and gentle
Emotional control and stability
Improved focus and attention
Non-addictive remedies
Mental wellness & lifestyle protocols incorporated by us [ Mediprecision ]also in the treatment strategy tailoring to the individual needs help for improving the quality of life.
written by dr sanjana p
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