ADHD is the abbreviated form for attention deficit hyperactive disorder. As suggested by the name, the characteristics include hyperactivity and inattentiveness. Most of the affected persons are children. Many children present with a varying degree of these symptoms but it only in those that the behaviour is inappropriate for age that a diagnosis is made. There are a number of important facts on ADHD Dallas residents may wish to know if they are dealing with the condition.
When the condition presents in adulthood, the symptoms may be a bit different. Instead of hyperactivity or impulsiveness, they become very restless. The affected individuals have difficulties establishing and maintaining relationships both at home and in the work place. In terms of prevalence, about 2% to 5% of adults in the general adult population are believed to live with the disorder. 50% of the adults had the diagnosis made in childhood and in the other half the onset is in adulthood.
Depending on the predominant symptoms that are seen in the affected individual, the disorder is broadly classified into three. The first subtype comprises symptoms that are suggestive of both hyperactivity (impulsiveness) and inattentiveness. In the second subtype, the predominant symptom is a lapse in concentration but the signs of impulsiveness are not seen. The third type is predominated by hyperactivity without the signs of attention deficit.
The exact cause of the disorder is yet to be established. Several theories have been suggested in an attempt to explain the pathophysiology. One of them claims that the cause of the symptoms is shrinkage in brain volume that mainly affects the prefrontal cortex of the left brain causing frontal lobe dysfunction. The other part of brain affected is cerebellum. Another explanation involves abnormalities in the dopamine neurotransmitter that affects the response to various types of stimuli.
There are a number of factors that have been identified as predisposing to the disorder. Genetic factors have been found to contribute greatly. About 76% of the cases are attributable to genetic abnormalities. The environment also contributes but to a very small proportion. The environment starts right from the time of conception. Foetal alcohol syndrome is has symptoms that are very similar to those of ADHD. The same is seen with exposure to tobacco smoke within the same period. Other substances that should be avoided are lead, dialkyl sulphate and organophosphates.
ADHD is frequently associated with other conditions. It only exists alone in 30% of cases. When combined with other conditions, the process of making a diagnosis and treating is extremely difficult. It is important to diagnose these comorbid conditions and to treat them separately. The commonest associated conditions include oppositional defiant disorder, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders and sleep disorders.
Several drugs are available for treatment. The drugs of choice are mainly stimulant in nature. A non-stimulant medication that may be used as an alternative is atomoxetine. The drugs are contraindicated in pre-school children. Possible side effects include mania and psychosis. The treatments should be stopped periodically to assess the response. Zinc supplementation is another measure that has been done and its main benefit is to reduce drug requirements.
If they wish to get individualized advice on ADHD Dallas residents need to work closely with specialists in psychiatry. They will be given more options on how to handle the condition. The fortunate thing is that most patients will recover with proper management.
When the condition presents in adulthood, the symptoms may be a bit different. Instead of hyperactivity or impulsiveness, they become very restless. The affected individuals have difficulties establishing and maintaining relationships both at home and in the work place. In terms of prevalence, about 2% to 5% of adults in the general adult population are believed to live with the disorder. 50% of the adults had the diagnosis made in childhood and in the other half the onset is in adulthood.
Depending on the predominant symptoms that are seen in the affected individual, the disorder is broadly classified into three. The first subtype comprises symptoms that are suggestive of both hyperactivity (impulsiveness) and inattentiveness. In the second subtype, the predominant symptom is a lapse in concentration but the signs of impulsiveness are not seen. The third type is predominated by hyperactivity without the signs of attention deficit.
The exact cause of the disorder is yet to be established. Several theories have been suggested in an attempt to explain the pathophysiology. One of them claims that the cause of the symptoms is shrinkage in brain volume that mainly affects the prefrontal cortex of the left brain causing frontal lobe dysfunction. The other part of brain affected is cerebellum. Another explanation involves abnormalities in the dopamine neurotransmitter that affects the response to various types of stimuli.
There are a number of factors that have been identified as predisposing to the disorder. Genetic factors have been found to contribute greatly. About 76% of the cases are attributable to genetic abnormalities. The environment also contributes but to a very small proportion. The environment starts right from the time of conception. Foetal alcohol syndrome is has symptoms that are very similar to those of ADHD. The same is seen with exposure to tobacco smoke within the same period. Other substances that should be avoided are lead, dialkyl sulphate and organophosphates.
ADHD is frequently associated with other conditions. It only exists alone in 30% of cases. When combined with other conditions, the process of making a diagnosis and treating is extremely difficult. It is important to diagnose these comorbid conditions and to treat them separately. The commonest associated conditions include oppositional defiant disorder, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders and sleep disorders.
Several drugs are available for treatment. The drugs of choice are mainly stimulant in nature. A non-stimulant medication that may be used as an alternative is atomoxetine. The drugs are contraindicated in pre-school children. Possible side effects include mania and psychosis. The treatments should be stopped periodically to assess the response. Zinc supplementation is another measure that has been done and its main benefit is to reduce drug requirements.
If they wish to get individualized advice on ADHD Dallas residents need to work closely with specialists in psychiatry. They will be given more options on how to handle the condition. The fortunate thing is that most patients will recover with proper management.
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