Symptoms, Causes and Treatment of ADHD
ADHD (with “Hyperactivity”)
ADHD is indicated by a lack of concentration, impulsiveness and over-activity which usually begins before the age of seven, persists at least six months and is not due to other psychiatric disorders or environmental influences, (e.g. reaction to problems in the family environment). Behavioural problems and conduct disorders are more associated with ADHD than ADD.
ADD (without “Hyperactivity”)
The main characteristic of ADD without hyperactivity is difficulty in concentration. Studies show that children with this diagnosis often suffer from anxiety and learning difficulties. Although there are no studies conducted on adults with this disorder, it is expected that ADD without hyperactivity has a different effect than ADD with hyperactivity.
Common symptoms in children and adults
- Being easily distracted
- Repeatledly being late
- Mood swings
- Addictive behaviours
- Being chatoic
- Persistent boredom
- Low self-esteem
- Excessive abuse of drugs/ alcohol
- Forgetfulness
- Anxiety
- Relationship problems
- Difficulty finding employment
- Procrastination
- Depressive feelings
- Restlessness
Sam’s Story
Sam was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 22 years old. During high school and university, Sam found his inability to focus was affecting his studies in law. In looking for a solution, Sam wanted to find an ADHD treatment that could offer longer-lasting effects. Sam found out about Neurofeedback through the expert team at neuroCare Clinics Australia.
In the space of only a few months, Sam’s intattention levels dropped to below the diagnosis for ADHD. Sam has successfully completed his studies and is now a Graduate Lawyer.
Adults with ADHD
Adults with this disorder, especially those who have not been diagnosed and received ADHD treatment, can suffer from a number of problems, some of which are directly caused by ADHD and other compensatory behaviour associated with ADHD. These symptoms may of course also be seen in children with ADHD.
The symptoms of ADHD in adults may be constant or situation dependent. Some people with ADHD can concentrate if they are interested or excited, while others find concentration difficult. Adults with ADHD may actively seek stimulation or by contrast, avoid it as much as possible. Whilst antisocial behaviour is sometimes noticeable in adults with ADHD, the opposite may also be an indication as some may seek attention and acceptance by overtly pleasing others. Targeted Neurofeedback is an ADHD treatment method which can help people with ADHD adapt and control these behaviours.
How common is ADHD in Adults?
Although little is known about the prevalence of ADHD in adults, the research that has been done shows that ADHD occurs equally in adult men and women. Two-thirds of children diagnosed with ADHD before puberty will still show behavioural problems during adolescence when emotional problems related to ADHD manifest. Up to one-half of these adolescents will still have symptoms of ADHD lasting into adulthood.
Isn’t it too late to diagnose in adults?
The effects of ADHD into adulthood can have a serious negative impact on self-esteem and personal development. Adults suffering from ADHD often benefit from a correct diagnosis and intervention by a trained therapist. It allows patients to put ongoing behavioural and social difficulties into a proper perspective, whereas before they may have felt misunderstood.
With good management of personal and social development, people diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can still achieve positive outcomes with correct intervention by a trained therapist. ADHD treatments and therapies such as Neurofeedback and cognitive behavioural therapy can improve self-esteem, as well as work and learning skills in adults and in children.
ADHD: After Diagnosis
With the support of a professional, there are a number of ADHD treatment options available. ADHD assessment and diagnosis should be seen as a step in the right direction, providing relief for patients to know that they are on a path forward to alleviating daily personal struggles and other behavioural or relationship issues. A professional may suggest counselling and coaching for the adult or child, their family and close friends, as well as asking for support from employers or educators. A professional may also prescribe medication, as well as neuromodulation therapies such as Neurofeedback or EEG biofeedback. A trained therapist will recommend one or more of these ADHD treatments depending on the severity of the disorder and how much it impacts on the daily life and well-being of the person.
Tips that patients with ADHD or ADD found useful:
- Allow yourself internal structure. These include calendars, lists, notes to yourself, colour coding, routines to help you remember things.
- Take on a “good addiction.” Find an exercise or other healthy and fun activities for regular and structured periods where you can “let off steam”
- Create a rewarding environment. Design projects, tasks, etc., in order to minimize frustration. Break large tasks into smaller steps and set priorities.
- Allow yourself a break. Take time to calm down and regain perspective when you feel angry or overwhelmed. Walk away from the situation if necessary.
- Use humour! It helps if partners and colleagues remind you to keep busy with your job, as long as it is done with humour and respect. Learn about symptoms of ADHD with humour. Make jokes with friends and family about symptoms such as getting lost and forgetting things.
- Be a pupil and teacher. Read books. Talk to professionals about medication, neurofeedback and behaviour. Talk to other adults who have ADHD. Let the people who matter know what are the pros and cons of ADHD.
- Make sure you get enough hours of sleep and have a regular sleep-wake rhythm.
- Make sure to get as much natural daylight (or sunlight) during the day, and prevent exposure to computers and tablets in the evening, before bedtime. If you would still like to use tablets and computers, consider installing the free software F.Lux which reduces the amount of blue light as a function of the time-of-day.
The importance of a personalised approach to treating ADHD
The underlying causes of inattention, hyperactivity or sleep difficulties are not necessarily the same in two people. Because of this, we create ADHD treatment and therapy programs which look at the individual brain activity of the person, whether they be a child or an adult. At neuroCare our clients receive a detailed report of the brain activity and sleep/wake patterns through a QEEG assessment, as well as a Actigraphy Sleep Assessment.
What is Neurofeedback?
Clients attend sessions at least 2 times per week for anywhere between 30 to 40 sessions. After the learned brain activity has been consolidated, no further sessions are needed.
Our clinics offer comprehensive assessments and personalised medication-free programs
Want to learn more about this program or our assessments?
neuroCare is innovating mental health and performance by personalising therapy following a detailed assessment. neuroCare’s objective, measurable and effective approach is based on our natural ability to learn (neuroplasticity) and technology to accelerate the learning (neuromodulation).
To learn more about what we do worldwide
www.neurocaregroup.com
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