There are a number of things on ADHD Dallas residents should know if struggling with this condition. ADHD, which stands for attention deficit hyperactive disorder, is a condition that mainly affects children. As the name suggests, the main symptoms are inattentiveness and hyperactivity. While these symptoms are seen with many children at some point in their lives, the condition becomes serious only when they are seen at an abnormal age.
Statistics show that between 2 and 5% of adults are affected. Half of them involve those in whom the disorder has persisted from childhood. The presentation in adolescences adults is a bit different from what is seen in children. These persons are seen to be restless rather than hyperactive. They often have difficulties in establishing interpersonal relationships both within the family unit and at the workplace.
The condition is generally divided into three different subtypes depending on the symptomatology. The first type is known as the combined type and includes symptoms of both hyperactivity and inattentiveness. The second type is referred to as the inattentive type and this type is mainly characterised by impaired concentration. It was previously called attention deficit disorder, ADD. The third is the hyperactive-impulsive type that has hyperactivity but inattentiveness is not seen.
The exact cause and pathophysiology of this disorder is not well understood. Several theories have attempted to explain but they all lead to many unanswered questions. One theory claims that the symptoms that are seen are due to shrinkage of brain tissue in the affected persons. The pre-frontal cortex and the cerebellum are said to be most affected and a condition known as frontal lobe dysfunction comes about. Another explanation is that there are abnormalities in dopamine transmitters.
There are several risk factors that have been associated with this disorder. Ongoing studies suggest that there is a role for genetics. The environment also contributes albeit quite little. The environment includes what the child is exposed to while still in the uterus. Alcohol intake in pregnancy may lead to fetal alcohol syndrome whose symptoms resemble those of ADHD. Exposure to tobacco has also been found to be a big risk factor. Other things to be avoided include lead, organophosphates and dialkyl phosphate.
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.
There are a number of drugs available for treatment of the condition. The one thing that they all have in common is that they are all stimulants. Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant that may be used as an alternative. These drugs are contraindicated in pre-school children. Their main side effects include mania and drug-induced psychosis. For this reason, they should be stopped intermittently so that assessment of side effects can be done. Tendency for abuse and dependence is quite high. Zn supplementation has also been found to be useful.
If they wish to get more information on ADHD Dallas residents can consult a qualified psychiatrist. The encouraging is that with proper management, affected persons can lead a near normal life. Social support from the family and colleagues in the work place is crucial.
Statistics show that between 2 and 5% of adults are affected. Half of them involve those in whom the disorder has persisted from childhood. The presentation in adolescences adults is a bit different from what is seen in children. These persons are seen to be restless rather than hyperactive. They often have difficulties in establishing interpersonal relationships both within the family unit and at the workplace.
The condition is generally divided into three different subtypes depending on the symptomatology. The first type is known as the combined type and includes symptoms of both hyperactivity and inattentiveness. The second type is referred to as the inattentive type and this type is mainly characterised by impaired concentration. It was previously called attention deficit disorder, ADD. The third is the hyperactive-impulsive type that has hyperactivity but inattentiveness is not seen.
The exact cause and pathophysiology of this disorder is not well understood. Several theories have attempted to explain but they all lead to many unanswered questions. One theory claims that the symptoms that are seen are due to shrinkage of brain tissue in the affected persons. The pre-frontal cortex and the cerebellum are said to be most affected and a condition known as frontal lobe dysfunction comes about. Another explanation is that there are abnormalities in dopamine transmitters.
There are several risk factors that have been associated with this disorder. Ongoing studies suggest that there is a role for genetics. The environment also contributes albeit quite little. The environment includes what the child is exposed to while still in the uterus. Alcohol intake in pregnancy may lead to fetal alcohol syndrome whose symptoms resemble those of ADHD. Exposure to tobacco has also been found to be a big risk factor. Other things to be avoided include lead, organophosphates and dialkyl phosphate.
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.
There are a number of drugs available for treatment of the condition. The one thing that they all have in common is that they are all stimulants. Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant that may be used as an alternative. These drugs are contraindicated in pre-school children. Their main side effects include mania and drug-induced psychosis. For this reason, they should be stopped intermittently so that assessment of side effects can be done. Tendency for abuse and dependence is quite high. Zn supplementation has also been found to be useful.
If they wish to get more information on ADHD Dallas residents can consult a qualified psychiatrist. The encouraging is that with proper management, affected persons can lead a near normal life. Social support from the family and colleagues in the work place is crucial.
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