ADHD Symptoms, Neurobiology and Genetics
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the most common neurobehavioral disorder diagnosed in children and adults. There are common theories on why people have ADHD, but recent findings have shown through imaging showing structure and function of the brain, suggest that people who suffer from ADHD have brain connections which are not normal as they develop.
ADHD is More Than You Think
These abnormal brain networks found in people with ADHD are related to emotion, attention, sensorimotor functions and cognition in the brain. Interestingly, genetic studies have shown that ADHD has high heritability at around 60-70%, the wide variety of genes interacting with environmental factors, which also increases the risk of developing ADHD.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Children
This impairing condition has yet to be understood fully with regards to the causes that lead to it and ongoing studies should be able to clarify this gradually in the future. The manifestations of ADHD symptoms in children may vary. Some have the hyperactive- impulsive form, and some will have either one characteristic expressed. There are several features of an inattentive type of child with ADHD, such as poor concentration, often times in classroom set-ups where there are many distractions. Inattentive types are also disorganized, forgetful and are not persistent in achieving tasks. Hyperactive-impulsive types are those who are overactive, impulsive and appear to be very noisy.
Children of either type may appear to be more complicated, and show the following ADHD symptoms. Their performance is usually inconsistent, and they look like they have very poor self-esteem. These kids also don’t find incentives as sources of motivation to do something. People may also notice they are very clumsy, inflexible, and tend to defy others. They may also suffer from sleep problems, and have difficulty learning in school.
Stereotyping People with ADHD Symptoms
There are different combinations as to the expression of these behaviors, and some kids may be very different from others. Some ADHD symptoms may be present in some while others are not. Some children with ADHD are excellent athletes, finding sports, dancing or other physical activities as a way to ‘use up their energy’. Children with ADHD symptoms may also be labeled as naughty or dumb. They may also have inferiority complex or are very negative. In this case, a definite diagnosis, treatment and counseling must be sought.
Latest in ADHD Medication
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has become a household name of a disease that causes children, adolescents, young adults and adults to become easily distracted, to have difficulty in listening and concentrating and have difficulty completing tasks. In the United States, there are nearly two million children who are diagnosed with ADHD. A variety of ADHD medications are laid out in today’s market.
ADHD Medication for All Ages
While there are known and popular ADHD medications for children and adults, such as Ritalin, Aderall and Dexedrine, there is a current recognizance of the discontinuation of health care in between the transition period of late adolescence and young adulthood. ADHD is associated with considerable reduction of health-related quality of life. This means that people who continue to suffer from ADHD generally have difficulty experiencing normal lives. Recently, a drug called atomoxetine has been found to improve the quality of life in both children and adolescents. It has also been found that atomoxetine improves some aspects of health-related quality of life in both boys and girls.
What’s the Fuss About This ADHD Medication?
Recently, atomoxetine was tested in a group of adolescents and young adults, where the efficacy, tolerability and safety profile of this ADHD medication were investigated. It was found that atomexetine was efficacious in both adolescents and young adults and that it was safe and tolerable to take. The study showed that there was no difference between tolerability of the placebo drug tested and atomoxetine, except for some treatment-emergent nausea in the atomoxetine-treated group. The difference between atomoxetine and other stimulant ADHD medication is that it has less abuse potential than others. The mechanism of action of atomoxetine is to inhibit norepinephrine uptake, and are used for the clinical treatment of a variety of disorders such as ADHD, narcolepsy, major depressive disorder, and as anti-depressants.
There are several side-effects from using ADHD medication such as atomoxetine. These include nausea, bowel changes, mood changes such as irritability, decreased appetite or libido, and some cardiovascular effects. There are several health warnings also associated with atomoxetine, such as decreased liver function and seizures. There are also warnings against increased suicidal tendencies following medication. You and your doctor must make educated decisions before considering intake of this medication for any of your loved ones.
Digging Through Options with ADHD Treatment
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurobiological condition that may affect a person’s function and relationship to the community. People diagnosed with ADHD and are seeking treatment may be confronted with several treatment options. The most common ADHD treatment is the intake of stimulant drugs. Hand in hand with stimulant drugs is to undergo behavioral therapy. It is said that 70-80% of people who take stimulant drugs experience improvement with their behavior and symptoms. In addition, behavioral therapy helps affected people to be more aware of themselves and to learn strategies in dealing with their condition and to change the way they think, behave and feel to the person’s betterment.
Stimulant Medication and Behavioral Therapy as ADHD Treatment
Stimulant drugs for ADHD treatment such as Ritalin come in several forms, which are immediate acting, short acting and long acting. Improvements in behavior such as less fidgeting, completion of tasks, and less hyperactive symptoms can be seen after starting treatment using stimulant drugs. Parents may have heard some drawbacks associated with stimulant drugs, since most of these are of extremely high potential for abuse and dependency. Parents are encouraged to monitor their child’s behavior and see if they truly are improving with their medication.
Behavioral therapy on the other hand may have several goals to achieve for the ADHD patient. Cognitive behavior therapy is considered a practical method for ADHD treatment. People with ADHD usually have difficulty coping with their day to day lives. They often experience very negative self-esteem, and failure to organize, prioritize and complete their tasks. Cognitive behavioral approach identifies goals for the patient and helps the patient manage and attain their goals while dealing with obstacles that impede their tasks.
Non-conventional ADHD Treatments
Some people may be wary of taking prescription drugs, and may want to explore herbs as forms of ADHD treatment. An appropriate herbalist should be able to help you naturopathic therapies. St. John’s wort is usually used to treat symptoms of anxiety and irritability. Other herbs associated with ADHD treatment are gingko biloba, rosemary and passion flower. Some studies have equally shown that herbal medicine can be as effective as regular prescription drugs but effects may differ as per individual.
The Diagnosis for ADD symptoms
Diagnostics for ADD symptoms is predominantly categorized according to DSM-IV criterion. If the patient would show several signs in at least 6 to 7 months of observation then patient would be diagnosed with ADHD and would be treated according to the case.
Some of the inappropriate types of behavior checked within kids include troubles in school and in home. Usually, children who have the inability to concentrate and would lack role responsibility would have the illness. Usually the physical, mental, social and behavioral aspect is also closely monitored.
Some of the symptoms that are seen in children with ADHD are:
•Trouble in concentration and completing certain tasks
•Usually does not listen especially when spoken directly
•Problems in organizing and completing chronological activities
•Forgetfulness especially in certain activities
•Problems with memory especially in terms of long term memory
•Has a destructive attitude that hinders school and work activities
•Forgets names and schedules
•Low self esteem
Of course the ADD symptoms would be constantly monitored by the physician in order to check if such acts are really based on ADHD or if it based on another type of disorder. Some of the symptoms for other disorders such as schizophrenia, psychosis, pervasive attitude, mood, dissociative and anxiety disorders share several symptoms that are quite similar to ADHD. That is why physicians would often base their conclusions according to a chain of ADD symptoms. If the patient shows several symptoms then the doctor would need to have another session. Once the other session is over, the case would be based on the observations within the 1st and the 2nd sessions. Usually, there is also a 3rd session done especially when the physician would not be able to distinguish the case after the previous sessions.
Once ADD symptoms would be apparent, treatment would depend on the severity of the case. Usually, primary and secondary medications are provided in order to control a certain ADD symptoms. Primary medications are provided for patients who have hyperactivity and other compulsive movements such as fidgeting while the secondary medications are designed to target the emotional state of the patient.
Primary and Secondary ADD medication
According to several pharmaceutical groups, there are indeed several types of ADD medication that can be applied today. Although there is no known cure for ADHD, there are several forms of medication that are said to dramatically improve the behavioral and mental development of the affected individual.
A recent study has pointed out that there are certain forms of ADD medication that are well known to have an effect to predominantly inattentive individuals. Such medications that are allowed the U.S Food and Drug Administration are divided according non-stimulants and stimulants. Of course, such medications would be based on the diagnosis of the patient. First line and second line medications are reserved according to the severity of the illness.
In terms of first line ADD medications, this line involves several stimulants that have a very fast response rate. Some of the medications that are included in the first line are Addreall, Vyvanse, Concerta and Ritalin. The second line medications however are based mostly on anti-depressants such as Prozac, Wellbutrin and Zoloft. Such medications target the brain and aids in the prevention of unwanted actions such as inattentiveness, irritability, fidgeting and noise making. Patients who also suffer the troubles of sleeping would be able to benefit from the second line medications. Second line ADD medications are also well known to promote concentration however it does not totally cure the illness.
In order to get such medications, parents would need to go through intense training and psychiatric sessions. Usually, behavioral therapy is included within the training so that parents would not only have the capacity to improve their child’s organizational and concentration skills but would also be able to improve role responsibility and proper social interaction. Once the ADD medications are provided, parents would constantly need to visit the child psychologist in order to get prescription. Some of the medications that are provided for ADHD patients cannot be bought over the counter and the only way to get them would be through a licensed child therapist. Parents would also need to constantly monitor their children for any side-effects. Once side effects are seen, it is important to visit the hospital immediately.
Modern ADD treatment that are applied today
In reality, full ADHD treatment is simply not possible. Indeed there are no known ADD treatment or cure for ADHD, yet there are several approaches used to apparently alleviate the symptoms.
Through the use of the right ADD treatment and medication, people suffering from the symptom would be able to improve in their performance as well as with their relationships with their friends and family. Self esteem is also clearly affected once the patient would be given the right form of treatment. Of course, in reality there are various types of strategies and approaches that apply in rehabilitation and it is usually based on the case of the individual. Since it is well known that ADHD is not caused by any environmental factors, the ADD treatments applied would usually target the internal factors.
One of the most famous ADD treatment applied today is the positive reinforcement strategy. Such a strategy is based on how parents would react to the actions of the child. Usually, the positive movements of the child are awarded and further motivation is applied to increase the number of positive acts. The main purpose of positive reinforcement is to influence the child in doing more positive roles by simply providing a reward system for each goal. Once negative behaviors are done by the child, lesser rewards are given so in essence there really is no need for punishment. This type of ADD treatment is also known as behavior modification. Behavior modification not only applies to children but also to many adults.
Another famous ADD treatment applied in therapy is parent training. This technique involves training parents to handle their children not through the use of violence or old age parenting techniques but through new and innovative behavioral modification tools. Parents who would partake from such trainings would surely gain knowledge and would be able to lead their children towards the right track. Once the training is applied, parents would be able to know the effects of the modification techniques and would be able to see the improvement in both the emotional and behavioral aspect of their children. That is why such techniques are recommended by major psychiatrists today.
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