Dr. Jon Chandler
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Chandler RxP Psychiatric Services
Blog
Blog
An ongoing series of informational entries
An ongoing series of informational entries
ADHD FAQ
ADHD FAQ
March 15, 2022
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, and can cause significant impairment in daily functioning. As such, it's natural to have questions about ADHD, whether you're a person with the disorder, a family member, or a healthcare professional. Here are ten frequently asked questions about ADHD, along with their answers:
Top 10 Most Frequently Asked ADHD Questions:
Top 10 Most Frequently Asked ADHD Questions:
January 15, 2022
- What are the symptoms of ADHD?
ADHD is characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Inattention symptoms include difficulty sustaining attention on tasks, making careless mistakes, forgetfulness, and being easily distracted. Hyperactivity symptoms include fidgeting, restlessness, and difficulty sitting still. Impulsivity symptoms include interrupting others, difficulty waiting for one's turn, and acting without considering consequences. - How is ADHD diagnosed?
ADHD is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation that includes a clinical interview, behavioral rating scales completed by parents or caregivers, and observations of the individual's behavior in different settings. There is no single test for ADHD, and diagnosis is based on the presence of symptoms that are consistent with the disorder and are causing impairment in daily functioning. - What causes ADHD?
The exact causes of ADHD are not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Studies have shown that certain genes may play a role in the development of ADHD, and environmental factors such as prenatal exposure to toxins or maternal stress may also contribute to the disorder. - Can ADHD be cured?
ADHD cannot be cured, but it can be effectively managed with a combination of medication, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle modifications. With proper treatment, individuals with ADHD can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their daily functioning. - What medications are used to treat ADHD?
Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate and amphetamines are commonly used to treat ADHD. These medications work by increasing the availability of certain neurotransmitters in the brain that are involved in attention and focus. Non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine and guanfacine may also be used in some cases. - What is behavioral therapy for ADHD?
Behavioral therapy for ADHD focuses on teaching individuals strategies for managing their symptoms and improving their daily functioning. This may include techniques for improving attention and focus, managing impulsivity, and developing better organizational skills. - Can adults have ADHD?
Yes, ADHD can persist into adulthood, and many individuals are not diagnosed until later in life. In adults, ADHD may present differently than in children, with more subtle symptoms such as difficulty with organization and time management. - How does ADHD affect academic performance?
ADHD can have a significant impact on academic performance, as individuals with the disorder may have difficulty focusing on tasks, completing assignments, and managing their time effectively. However, with appropriate interventions such as medication and behavioral therapy, many individuals with ADHD are able to succeed academically. - What is the impact of ADHD on relationships?
ADHD can also impact relationships, as individuals with the disorder may struggle with impulsivity, interrupting others, and forgetfulness. However, with treatment and support from loved ones, individuals with ADHD can learn to manage their symptoms and maintain healthy relationships. - Can ADHD be prevented?
There is no known way to prevent ADHD, but early detection and intervention can help minimize the impact of the disorder on daily functioning. Additionally, avoiding exposure to toxins and other environmental factors that may contribute to ADHD during pregnancy may help reduce the risk of the disorder in some cases.
conclusion, ADHD is a complex disorder that can have a significant impact on daily functioning. However, with appropriate treatment and support, individuals with ADHD can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their quality
Top 10 ADHD Questions and Answers
Top 10 ADHD Questions and Answers
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, and can cause significant impairment in daily functioning. As such, it's natural to have questions about ADHD, whether you're a person with the disorder, a family member, or a healthcare professional. Here are ten frequently asked questions about ADHD, along with their answers:
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
ADHD is characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Inattention symptoms include difficulty sustaining attention on tasks, making careless mistakes, forgetfulness, and being easily distracted. Hyperactivity symptoms include fidgeting, restlessness, and difficulty sitting still. Impulsivity symptoms include interrupting others, difficulty waiting for one's turn, and acting without considering consequences.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
ADHD is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation that includes a clinical interview, behavioral rating scales completed by parents or caregivers, and observations of the individual's behavior in different settings. There is no single test for ADHD, and diagnosis is based on the presence of symptoms that are consistent with the disorder and are causing impairment in daily functioning.
What causes ADHD?
The exact causes of ADHD are not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Studies have shown that certain genes may play a role in the development of ADHD, and environmental factors such as prenatal exposure to toxins or maternal stress may also contribute to the disorder.
Can ADHD be cured?
ADHD cannot be cured, but it can be effectively managed with a combination of medication, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle modifications. With proper treatment, individuals with ADHD can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their daily functioning.
What medications are used to treat ADHD?
Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate and amphetamines are commonly used to treat ADHD. These medications work by increasing the availability of certain neurotransmitters in the brain that are involved in attention and focus. Non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine and guanfacine may also be used in some cases.
What is behavioral therapy for ADHD?
Behavioral therapy for ADHD focuses on teaching individuals strategies for managing their symptoms and improving their daily functioning. This may include techniques for improving attention and focus, managing impulsivity, and developing better organizational skills.
Can adults have ADHD?
Yes, ADHD can persist into adulthood, and many individuals are not diagnosed until later in life. In adults, ADHD may present differently than in children, with more subtle symptoms such as difficulty with organization and time management.
How does ADHD affect academic performance?
ADHD can have a significant impact on academic performance, as individuals with the disorder may have difficulty focusing on tasks, completing assignments, and managing their time effectively. However, with appropriate interventions such as medication and behavioral therapy, many individuals with ADHD are able to succeed academically.
What is the impact of ADHD on relationships?
ADHD can also impact relationships, as individuals with the disorder may struggle with impulsivity, interrupting others, and forgetfulness. However, with treatment and support from loved ones, individuals with ADHD can learn to manage their symptoms and maintain healthy relationships.
Can ADHD be prevented?
There is no known way to prevent ADHD, but early detection and intervention can help minimize the impact of the disorder on daily functioning. Additionally, avoiding exposure to toxins and other environmental factors that may contribute to ADHD during pregnancy may help reduce the risk of the disorder in some cases.
In conclusion, ADHD is a complex disorder that can have a significant impact on daily functioning. However, with appropriate treatment and support, individuals with ADHD can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their quality
Blog
Blog
Atypical Antipsychotics, or SGAs
| Posted on March 10, 2014 at 1:25 AM |
AKA: Second-Generation, Atypical Antipsychotics, or simply SGAs.
These medications tend to be superior to that of Typical Antipsychotics because they treat BOTH positive and negative symptoms of Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders.
Q: What the heck are positive vs. negative symptoms of Schizophrenia?
A: Simply put, positive symptoms are psychotic behaviors like:
- Delusions and paranoia
- Disordered thoughts and speech
- Tactile, auditory, visual, olfactory and/or gustatory hallucinations
- While negative symptoms are disruptions to normal behaviors and emotions and can sometimes be confused with clinical depression, with symptoms like:
- Flat, or dull affect (showing no emotion, monotone voice)
- Lack of pleasure in everyday life
- Lack of ability to begin and sustain planned activities
- Speaking little, even when forced to interact
Since both negative and positive symptoms exist within Schizophrenia, these newer, Atypical Antipsychotics are the treatment of choice, here is a list:
- Aripiprazole (Abilify)
- Asenapine Maleate (Saphris)
- Clozapine (Clozaril)
- Iloperidone (Fanapt)
- Lurasidone (Latuda)
- Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
- Olanzapine/Fluoxetine (Symbyax)
- Paliperidone (Invega)
- Quetiapine (Seroquel)
- Risperidone (Risperdal)
- Ziprasidone (Geodon)
Common Side Effects:
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Weight gain
Sometimes atypical antipsychotics can cause:
- Problems sleeping
- Extreme tiredness and weakness.
With long-term use, atypical antipsychotics can also carry a risk of:
- Tardive dyskinesia
Though atypical antipsychotics are usually given for Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders, they have become increasingly popular as an adjunct (or in addition) to an SSRI, or antidepressant. In fact the FDA recently approved Abilify for people who do not respond to antidepressants alone. You’ve all seen the commercials where the Antidepressant and Abilify become friends…?
Tags: Abilify, adjunct, antipsychotic, Aripiprazole, Asenapine, Atypical Antipsychotics, Clozapine, Clozaril, delusions, Fanapt, Geodon, hallucinations, Iloperidone, Invega, Latuda, Lurasidone, Maleate, negative symptoms, newer antipsychotics, non-conventional antipsychotics, Olanzapine, Olanzapine/Fluoxetine, Paliperidone, positive symptoms, Quetiapine, Risperdal, Risperidone, Saphris, schizo, schizophrenia, Second-Generation Antipsychotics, Seroquel, SGAs, Symbyax, Ziprasidone, Zyprexa
Categories: None