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Dr. Jon Chandler

Chandler RxP Psychiatric Services

Blog

An ongoing series of informational entries

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: 

January 15, 2022

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.

  11. 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

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

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Ways to Cope with Depression

Posted on December 23, 2020 at 9:00 AM

Ways to cope with and treat Depression
Written and published with permission by Endrina Mangual Valladares

 

Globally, more than 264 million people of all ages suffer from depression. It's also the world's leading cause of disability. The diagnostic criteria stated in the DSM-5 for depression are: the individual must be experiencing five or more symptoms during the same 2-week period and at least one of the symptoms should be either: depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure. Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day. People may experience: anxiety, general discontent, guilt, hopelessness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, mood swings, agitation, irritability, restlessness, or social isolation, insomnia or restless sleep, lack of concentration, slowness in activity, or thoughts of suicide, changes in weight. Some times these symptoms are not easily noticed by the people surrounding the affected and this can make them feel even more alone. There are different ways to cope and treat depression; psychotherapy, medication, brain stimulation and mind-body medicine. 

For psychotherapy a psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist or licensed clinical social worker uses a variety of techniques to help you with shift your negative thinking. For medication we have antidepressants, mood stabilizers or antipsychotic pills. Some FDA approved medications are Fluoxetine and Escitalopram. Some mood stabilizers used for depression are Lithium and Valproic acid. The FDA has also approved Aripiprazole and Quetiapine slow-release tablets as adjunctive treatment for depressive disorders, and the combination of Olanzapine and Fluoxetine for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression. Some patients for who medication, or psychotherapy has not been successful may want to try electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Other first-line indications for the procedure include people who are catatonic or suffering from a form of depression known as psychotic depression (depression associated with delusions and hallucinations). Research has shown that lifestyle changes like exercise, good nutrition, improving sleep and avoiding procrastination by keeping up with chores can boost the effects of therapy or medication. It is always important to develop a strong support network, reduce stress levels, and learn to curb any negative thinking.


References:

https://www.medscape.com/answers/286759-14692/what-are-the-dsm-5-criteria-for-diagnosis-of-major-depressive-disorder-clinical-depression

https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/detecting-depression#1

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/free-publications-women/depression-medicines

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/electroconvulsive-therapy/about/pac-20393894

https://medshadow.org/5-treatments-for-depression-without-meds/

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