Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Attention deficit disorder (ADHD): symptoms and correction

Many people believe that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a childhood disorder. But they also occur in adults. At its core, ADHD is a minimal dysfunction of the cerebral hemispheres that can occur before a child is born. Such deviations are cured only in 50% of cases. ADHD in adults manifests itself in different ways and the syndrome is not always accompanied by hyperactivity. People suffering from this pathology can live a completely normal life and not even be aware of their condition. They can create families, raise children, engage in those types of professional activities that do not require much attention and allow them to show their hyperactivity. But timely detection of the syndrome and its treatment can significantly improve the quality of life.

Main manifestations

The International Classification of Diseases has an entire section dedicated to ADHD. Diagnoses vary in the presence and prevalence of symptoms of the pathology, but for the most part they concern children, since most of these manifestations disappear as they grow older. First of all, this concerns hyperactivity.

It rarely occurs in adults. This is explained by the fact that the human body changes completely after puberty, and its energy resource becomes limited. But at the same time, after adulthood, new symptoms of ADHD arise. Among them, instability of attention is most clearly manifested. Such people find it very difficult to carry out daily tasks, such as cleaning the house, preparing food, sorting things and putting them in their places.

People with ADHD tend to provoke conflict. Constant quarrels cause family destruction. You can determine that an adult has ADHD by the following signs:

• Difficulty performing routine tasks such as cleaning or cooking. In everyday life, such people are disorganized, they are absent-minded, easily distracted by extraneous matters and are constantly late;
• inability to draw up and control your own budget, as well as pay utility and other bills on time. People with ADHD do not know how to save money and use it wisely;
• lack of ability to listen to the interlocutor to the end;
• lack of tact when communicating with other people. It is difficult for a person with this type of disorder to restrain spontaneous statements; they are extremely impulsive;
• forgetfulness, which manifests itself in the inability to take medications regularly;
• lack of interests and hobbies. Attention deficit disorder in adults manifests itself in the inability to concentrate at work and engage in one type of activity for a long time;
• Constant difficulties arise when planning your activities, as well as in the subsequent implementation of your plans. Patients with attention deficit disorder almost always lack long-term plans;
• inability to make a report, draw a conclusion, or draw a conclusion. Inability to analyze anything.

All these manifestations of the disease negatively affect a person’s work. The inability to concentrate on performing work duties and important assignments does not allow you to move up the career ladder and reach heights in the profession. Intemperance and impulsiveness, as well as a lack of tact, complicate relationships with colleagues and superiors. For the same reason, conflicts may arise in the family with loved ones.

With ADHD, difficulties may arise with driving a car, since such people cannot concentrate their attention on the road, notice all road users, road signs, compare pictures from the mirrors, assess the situation and carry out the necessary actions at that moment.

The syndrome also affects the intimate sphere, especially for women. It is almost impossible for them to achieve orgasm with this disorder. During sexual intercourse, you need to fully concentrate on what is happening and your feelings, and ADHD does not allow you to do this.

It is incredibly difficult for an adult with ADHD to read books and watch movies, especially if the plot is not captivating from the first words or seconds. Such people simply do not have enough patience; they lose interest in history after just a few minutes.

Diagnosis of the disorder

Experts say that ADHD in adults does not occur unexpectedly. This disorder is transformed from a childhood form of pathology. Therefore, in the diagnostic process, much attention is paid to collecting information about the presence of relevant symptoms in the patient’s childhood. To do this, a survey is carried out of the person seeking help, his family members and people from his close circle. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the patient’s school success, as well as the pace of his development and achieved results.

In parallel with the collection of information, a general medical examination should be carried out. This will exclude somatic or neurological diseases that have similar manifestations. Studies using various types of tomographs can confirm the presence of organic defects in the central nervous system. Such changes are recorded when a person tries to concentrate on something. At rest, organic changes in the brain are not recorded.

In addition, various tests can help diagnose ADHD in adults. With their help, you can not only identify the degree of mental development, but also get a complete picture about the patient.

The most effective treatments

The main difficulty in treating ADHD in adults is related to late diagnosis. The earlier this disorder is identified, the easier it will be to treat. But, in any case, it must be comprehensive.

Attention deficit disorder can be treated by a psychologist or psychotherapist with mandatory prescription of medications.

Psychotherapy plays a leading role in correcting a disorder such as attention deficit disorder in adults. The psychotherapist selects the most effective technique based on the individual characteristics of the patient and the severity of his condition:

1. Cognitive and behavioral therapy helps raise the patient's self-esteem and promotes self-affirmation.
2. Relaxation trainings are useful; using them, a person can relieve the burden of heavy psycho-emotional stress.
3. Behavioral courses help the patient learn to organize his life, make the most of his time, and distribute it between work and leisure.
4. Family psychotherapy will help improve relationships between spouses, one of whom suffers from ADHD. Work trainings are used to normalize the professional sphere.

Treatment with drugs for adults follows the same scheme as for the treatment of the childhood form of the syndrome. Patients with ADHD cannot control their medication intake themselves, unlike healthy people, so in this matter they need control from relatives.

The most effective medications for treating ADHD are psychostimulants. But this group of drugs can be addictive, so their use should be supervised by specialists. Nootropic drugs can also be used in the treatment of attention deficit disorder. Under their influence, brain activity improves, and thought processes are also stabilized. Only a qualified doctor can recommend specific medications after a thorough examination of the patient has been carried out and an accurate diagnosis has been made.

Drug treatment can improve the ability to concentrate somewhat, but it is not able to solve problems with disorganization, forgetfulness and inability to manage one's own time. In order for treatment to be successful, it is necessary to combine known methods of correcting ADHD in adults.

Additional Methods

Along with psychotherapy and drug treatment, other methods of correcting attention deficit disorder can be used. Most of them are suitable for independent use as auxiliary methods in the complex treatment of ADHD.

One of the easiest ways to reduce the symptoms of attention deficit disorder is to exercise regularly. During exercise, the levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain increase. These substances have a positive effect on the ability to concentrate. To achieve sustainable results, you need to train at least 4 times a week, but you don’t have to go to the gym for this. You can simply take walks in the park.

Treatment will be more effective if sleep can be normalized. When a person sleeps, his brain rests and relaxes, resulting in an improved psycho-emotional state. Without a stable sleep pattern, ADHD symptoms will become more severe.

You should also pay attention to your diet; it should be balanced and regular. But with attention deficit disorder, it is more important to monitor not what a person eats, but how he does it. The inability to self-organize leads to the fact that a person’s nutrition becomes disordered. He can go without food for a long time and then absorb it in large quantities. As a result, not only the symptoms of the disorder worsen, but also the person’s well-being as a whole.

Yoga or meditation can help relieve some of the symptoms of ADHD. If you practice regularly, you can increase your focus, reduce impulsivity and anxiety, and get rid of depression. You can find recommendations for yoga classes on the Internet, but it is better to contact a trainer. He will create the most suitable set of exercises (asanas) taking into account your age and physical health.

Misconceptions about ADHD

In our country, there are not so many adults with a confirmed diagnosis of ADHD. This is explained by the fact that only a few people with such a disorder seek specialized help. It is simply not customary for us to go to psychotherapists, psychologists, and especially psychiatrists. But in the West things are different. The diagnosis of ADHD was once made to many celebrities, who show by their example that this disorder is not a death sentence. Jim Carrey, Paris Hilton, Justin Timberlake, Avril Lavigne and many other world film and pop stars suffer from attention deficit disorder. They openly talk about their problems, thereby helping ordinary people to believe in themselves and begin to change their lives for the better.

Therefore, you should not believe the misconception that ADHD is just a “fashionable” diagnosis that justifies poor upbringing and pedagogical neglect. The first scientific works devoted to ADHD were published at the beginning of the last century. There are other myths regarding attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, here are some of them:

• The diagnosis of ADHD is given to almost all children who are overly mobile and active. In fact, this disorder is not very common. Approximately 6% of the population faces this disorder, and only a third of them receive the necessary treatment. Most hyperactive children are not treated at all, especially girls;
• Attention deficit disorder is a disease of hyperactive boys. But this is far from true; in most cases, patients with attention deficit disorder do not have hyperactivity. Such people are simply considered lazy and stupid. The syndrome is very common among girls and women, but, according to statistics, it is more often diagnosed in the stronger sex;
• This disease was invented by Americans who are prone to finding simple solutions to complex situations. The syndrome occurs in almost all countries, but not everywhere this disorder has been sufficiently studied;
• The main cause of ADHD is bad teachers, parents and lack of rigidity in upbringing. The family and immediate environment can affect a person with ADHD, but the main cause of the disorder is genetic characteristics or organic changes in the brain. In this case, even the most experienced teachers and loving parents can rarely influence the child’s behavior;
• People with ADHD put little effort into solving their problems and therefore should not make excuses for them. MRI studies have led to the conclusion that the more a person with this syndrome tries, the more his condition worsens. When trying to concentrate on performing any task, the patient simply turns off the frontal cortex of the brain.

But the most dangerous is the misconception that children with ADHD outgrow this pathology, and after 12-14 years all symptoms will disappear. Modern research has shown that manifestations of attention deficit disorder persist into adulthood in more than half of all children suffering from this disorder.

Such a large number of myths and misconceptions about ADHD are explained by the fact that children and adults suffering from it look quite normal, they are able to cope with basic responsibilities. The syndrome, although it complicates a person’s life, still does not make him seriously ill. Adults adapt to their pathology so well that they can mislead even the most experienced doctors. In most cases, abnormalities can be identified only after a thorough computer examination of the patient’s brain.

One of the forms of gradual quantitative increase in disorders of individual mental functions, most often manifested in changes in behavior, is called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In most cases, this diagnosis is associated specifically with children. However, adults can also suffer from the disorder. According to statistics, the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder among people over 18 years of age reaches 6-7%.

Basic Concepts

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a complex borderline problem located at the intersection of medicine, psychology and pedagogy. The pathology itself consists of a chronic behavior disorder manifested in childhood. Symptoms of the disorder that are not corrected in time make themselves felt in adulthood in at least 60% of patients.

The specific clinical manifestations of the disease are quite varied. In this regard, initially attention deficit hyperactivity disorder had a number of synonyms reflecting the predominant clinical picture or pathogenesis of the disease - “deficit of moral control”, “minimal brain dysfunction”, “chronic hyperkinetic brain syndrome”, “mild brain dysfunction” and others. However, none of them fully reflected the essence of the disease. The term "attention deficit hyperactivity disorder" was coined in 1980 and has proven to be the most commonly used term to describe behavioral disorders. Along with it, “attention deficit disorder without hyperactivity” and “residual type syndrome” were identified, diagnosed in individuals who suffered from ADHD at an earlier age.

ADHD is a polyetiological disease manifested by behavioral disorders that manifest in children over 5 years of age and are accompanied by decreased attention and hyperactivity. Potentially, such changes provoke problems with learning and work, a decrease in the quality of life, and social maladaptation of a person.

Causes

Currently, ADHD is considered as a consequence of a neurodevelopmental disorder that arose in childhood. It is believed that ADHD cannot develop as a primary disease in adults, and its presence is the result of a process that started in childhood.

The disease is based on perinatal pathology of the nervous system with disruption of the coordinated functioning of cerebral structures that provide control of attention and organization of behavior. Such formations include:

• association and prefrontal cortex;
• cerebellum;
• thalamus;
• corpus callosum;

• There are also less common theories about the development of ADHD. According to them, the disorder may be associated with:

  • food allergies;
  • disorders of glucose metabolism;
  • pathology of the thyroid gland;
  • helminthiasis;
  • diseases of the bronchopulmonary system.

  In addition, social adversity may be important co-factors of ADHD. Subsequently, they act as complications of the disease.

  Clinical manifestations

  The clinical symptoms of ADHD in adults are somewhat different from those in children. Moreover, a retrospective assessment of the patient’s behavior at the age of 5-15 years in most cases corresponds to the manifestation of the disorder in childhood.

  Mandatory manifestations of ADHD in adults are considered constant physical activity and impaired attention. The most typical complaints are forgetfulness, inattention, absent-mindedness, and impaired concentration.

  In addition, common signs of the disease are:

  • emotional lability;
  • failure to complete a planned action;
  • hot temper;
  • poor resistance to stress;
  • impulsiveness.

  

  Additionally, frequent companions of ADHD are autonomic disorders, sleep disorders and headaches.

  There is no laboratory-instrumental diagnosis of ADHD. Therefore, diagnosis is based on clinical criteria.

  The predominance of one of the symptoms of the disease can manifest itself clinically in different ways. Thus, hyperactivity in adults can manifest itself as signs of an excessive desire for leadership. At the same time, there may be no reinforcement for such ambitions. Such patients talk a lot, often enter into conflicts, and are sometimes aggressive. They choose to work too actively for themselves and are constantly busy with things to do, which ultimately harms family relationships.

  When impulsiveness predominates, people do not tolerate stressful situations well, constantly change jobs, do not maintain social contacts, and are prone to depression. Characteristic of them is a predisposition to addiction.

  Predominant attention deficit disorder in adults manifests itself in the form of an inability to plan one’s time, disorganization and poor work organization. At the same time, scattered attention and lack of concentration are clearly noted.

  

  Manifestations of symptoms can be combined with each other in any variation. The influence of the symptoms of the disease extends to all areas of human life. However, no significant cognitive deficits are observed, and patients have normal neurological status on physical examination.

  In adults, compared to children, ADHD is more likely to include a predominance of inattention and less often hyperactivity.

  Treatment

  Regardless of the age at which ADHD was diagnosed, it requires correction. Early identification of the disorder and adequate therapy significantly improves treatment outcomes. The set of measures aimed at eliminating the clinical manifestations of ADHD includes:

  • cognitive behavioral therapy;
  • physiotherapy;
  • physiotherapy;
  • impact on concomitant pathology;
  • participation in addiction treatment programs (if available);
  • drug treatment (neuroprotectors, vegetative correctors, antidepressants, etc.).

  The leading role in the treatment plan is given to psychotherapy, self-control and social adaptation of the patient. The fight against inattention, hyperactivity and absent-mindedness using medications is unjustified due to the lack of an organic nature of the lesion. Medications can only be prescribed by the attending physician. Their feasibility is justified only if neuropsychological correction is ineffective and in the presence of comorbid pathology requiring the prescription of medications.

  

  Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, despite its traditional association with childhood, also occurs among the adult population, being a serious medical and social problem. It is more difficult for people with this disorder to get a job, adapt to a new team, take a high position, make friends, and start a family. The significant prevalence of the disease, the variability of clinical manifestations and the severity of behavioral disorders dictate the need for early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of the pathology. Despite the relevance of issues related to the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in adults, there is still no uniform standard for the management of such patients. An individual approach to people suffering from behavioral disorders can significantly improve the effectiveness of the therapy, improve the patient’s quality of life and adapt it to the surrounding reality.

1. Definition of attention deficit disorder (ADHD)
2. ADHD in children. How to help your child?
2.1. Features of behavior with this syndrome
2.2. Related disorders
2.3. How to behave with a child?
3. About attention deficit disorders in adults. Signs and symptoms
4. Treatment. Fighting Attention Deficit Disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological and behavioral developmental disorder that begins in childhood. Symptoms include difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, and poorly controlled impulsivity.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, ADHD is a common disorder, affecting 3-7% of school-aged children.

The exact cause of ADHD is still unclear. However, experts believe that ADHD symptoms may be caused by a combination of factors. Here are some of them:

— ADHD tends to be inherited, which indicates the genetic nature of this disease.

— There is evidence to suggest that drinking and smoking during pregnancy, preterm birth, and prematurity may also increase a child's chance of developing ADHD (4, 5).

— Brain injuries and infectious diseases of the brain in early childhood also create a predisposition to the development of ADHD.

2. ADHD in children. How to help your child?

Children with ADHD have difficulty concentrating and, as a result, cannot always cope with schoolwork. They make careless mistakes, do not pay attention and do not listen to explanations. Sometimes they may become excessively mobile, fidgeting, standing up, and doing a lot of unnecessary actions, instead of sitting quietly and concentrating on school or other activities.

This behavior may not be acceptable in the classroom and can cause problems both at school and at home. Such children often have poor academic performance and are often considered mischievous, disobedient, and "terrorizing" their family and peers at school. At the same time, they themselves may suffer from low self-esteem; it is difficult for them to make friends and be friends with other children.

In fact, the reason for the above behavior is a lack of certain biologically active substances in certain parts of the brain. Each part of the brain controls specific behavioral and thought processes. ADHD is thought to affect more than one area of ​​the brain. Depending on which part of the brain is affected, the child may show more signs of attention deficit or hyperactivity disorder.

2.1. Features of behavior with this syndrome

1. Symptoms of inattention.

Such children are easily distracted, forgetful, and have difficulty concentrating their attention. They have trouble completing tasks, staying organized, and following instructions. It seems that they do not listen when they are told something. They often make mistakes due to carelessness and lose their school supplies and other things.

2. Symptoms of hyperactivity.

Children seem impatient, overly sociable, fussy, and cannot sit still for long. In class, they tend to run away at inopportune times. Figuratively speaking, they are always in motion, as if wound up.

3. Symptoms of impulsivity.

Very often in class, teenagers and children with ADHD shout out the answer before the teacher finishes his question, constantly interrupt when others are speaking, and have difficulty waiting their turn. They are unable to delay gratification. If they want something, then they must get it at the same moment, without succumbing to various persuasion.

All children can be inattentive or hyperactive at times, so what makes children with ADHD different?

ADHD is detected if a child's behavior differs from the behavior of other children of the same age and development level for a sufficiently long time, at least 6 months. These behavioral features arise before the age of 7 years; later they manifest themselves in various social situations and negatively affect intrafamily relationships.

If ADHD symptoms are severe, this leads to social maladaptation of the child at school and at home. The child should be carefully examined by a doctor to rule out other diseases that may also cause these behavioral disorders.

2.2. Related disorders

Problems in studies

Children with ADHD cannot fully process certain types of information. One child understands worse what he sees, another - what he hears. As a result, hyperactive children with attention deficit disorder have problems learning school subjects.

Depression

The child isolates himself from the outside world and is sad most of the time. A child with attention deficit disorder usually has low self-esteem and shows little interest in life. The child may sleep or eat noticeably more or less than usual.

Fears

Excessive fears can make a child vulnerable and fearful. He is usually haunted by anxious thoughts. The baby can be too active, calm or withdrawn. Please note that childhood fears and child depression can be associated with other reasons than ADHD.

The behavior of a child with ADHD can be extremely unbearable. It often makes parents feel guilty and ashamed. Having a child with ADHD does not mean that you raised him poorly.

ADHD is a disease that requires proper diagnosis and proper treatment. With effective treatment, it is possible to normalize behavior at school and at home, increase the child’s self-esteem, facilitate social interaction with other children and adults, that is, help the child realize his potential and return him to a full life.

2.3. How to behave with a child?

1. Develop a positive attitude. Instead of criticizing your child and telling him what he SHOULD NOT do, turn your comments into a more positive direction and tell your child what he SHOULD do. For example, instead of: “Don’t throw your clothes on the floor,” try saying: “Let me help you put your clothes away.”

2. Don't be stingy with praise.

3. Help your child not to worry. Activities such as quiet games, listening to pleasant music, or taking a bath will help your child calm down when he is irritated or frustrated.

4. Make simple and clear rules for your child. Children need a certain routine. With its help, they know when and what they need to do, and they feel calmer. Do your daily tasks at the same time of day.

5. Communicate more. Talk to your child. Discuss various topics with him - what happened at school, what he saw in the movies or on TV. Find out what the child thinks.

6. Limit distractions and supervise your child's work.

7. Respond appropriately to bad behavior. Explain what exactly angered you about his behavior.

8. Rest. Sometimes you need a rest too.

9. If you feel like you can’t cope, talk to your doctor who will give you the necessary advice.

Although it is believed that ADHD cannot be completely cured, it can be corrected. Treatment of hyperactive children with attention deficit disorder can combine educational methods, medication and behavioral therapy. The course of treatment for attention disorder is selected individually.

If your baby suffers from attention deficit disorder, then you should take note.

3. About attention deficit disorders in adults. Signs and symptoms

Attention deficit disorder (ADD), contrary to popular belief, does not only occur in children. Constant tardiness, disorganization, and forgetfulness are some of the unpleasant manifestations of this syndrome, which can upset the personal life and career of an adult. The first step in the fight against this psychological disease is to understand the syndrome itself and its characteristics.

As a rule, attention deficit disorder manifests itself in adults who were diagnosed with this disease in childhood. However, there are cases when this syndrome first appears only in adulthood.
Attention deficit in children often goes unnoticed and is attributed by parents and teachers to the child’s personal qualities: a dreamer, a softie, a lazy person, or simply “not the most gifted student in the class.”

In adults, SDA occurs differently than in children, and in each individual case it may have unique manifestations. The following categories describe the most common symptoms of ADD in adults.

1. The problem of concentration and focusing attention

Often, adults with ADD have difficulty concentrating on everyday tasks and activities. Common symptoms in this category are:

“freezing” without realizing it, even in the middle of a conversation.
Increased distractibility; “wandering” attention does not allow you to concentrate on one task or subject.
Inability to focus, for example when reading or speaking to someone.
Difficulty completing tasks, even the simplest ones.
Tendency to not pay attention to detail, which leads to mistakes in work or school.
Poor listening ability; difficulty playing back a conversation or following instructions.

2. Super concentration

People with ADD are generally thought to be unable to focus on anything, but there is a flip side to this coin: sometimes these people become overly focused on a task or subject. This paradoxical symptom is called hyperconcentration.

For example, a person may become so engrossed in a book, television program, or computer game that he completely forgets about time or his obligations that need to be done. Hyperconcentration can be channeled into productive channels, but if this symptom is ignored, its consequences can affect work or relationships.

3. Disorganization and forgetfulness

Attention deficit disorder often disrupts the established order of things in the life of an adult. Organization, the ability to prioritize, consistency in activities and tasks, and time management become overwhelming tasks for adults with ADD. Common symptoms of disorganization and forgetfulness include:

• Weak organizational skills (the house, workplace or car is overflowing with unnecessary things and is in a state of chronic disorder).
• The desire to procrastinate.
• Difficulty starting and finishing tasks.
• Chronic tardiness.
• Constantly forgetting about appointments, commitments, or deadlines.
• Constantly losing things or putting them in inappropriate places (keys, wallet, phone).
• Inability to calculate time.

4. Impulsiveness

If this symptom is part of your ADD complex, you may develop behavioral problems and react incorrectly to other people's phrases. You have problems with impulsivity if you experience:

Constantly interrupting interlocutors.
Inability to control yourself.
Rashly expressing thoughts out loud that may be rude or indecent.
Craving for addictive substances or activities.
Spontaneous or thoughtless action without awareness of the consequences.
Problems with adequate behavior in society (this can even include sitting in a frozen position during a long meeting).

5. Emotional difficulties

Many adults with ADD have problems with feelings, especially anger and frustration. Typical symptoms in this category are:

Feeling of bad results.
Inability to cope with disappointment.
Rapid onset of fatigue or nervousness.
Frequent irritability and mood swings.
Difficulty staying motivated.
Hypersensitivity to criticism.
Hot temper.
Low self-esteem and increased vulnerability.

6. Hyperactivity and restlessness

Hyperactivity in adults is similar to hyperactivity in children. It manifests itself in increased energy. However, in adults, this symptom affects the psychological state more than physical activity. The complex of symptoms of hyperactivity includes:

Feeling of restlessness, excitement.
Desire for risky situations.
Rapid onset of boredom.
"Running" thoughts.
Reluctance to sit quietly in one place; motor restlessness.
An acute desire for vivid impressions.
Excessive talkativeness.
Doing many things at once.

Adults with attention deficit disorder are less likely to be hyperactive than children. Only a small number of people with ADD exhibit symptoms in this category. Remember that you may have attention deficit disorder even if you have no symptoms of hyperactivity.

4. Treatment. Fighting Attention Deficit Disorder

Often people themselves do not suspect that they have such problems, considering their fussiness and eternal haste to be quite natural.

And if, as you read the article, you discover symptoms of this disease, do not be upset. After all, ADHD is a disease, and any disease can be cured.

For more effective treatment, it is important to know your ADHD type.
There are at least 6 different types of ADHD, each requiring a different treatment approach.

Type 1: classic ADHD.

Patients experience the core symptoms of ADHD, as well as hyperactivity, nervousness, and impulsivity. There is a decrease in the activity of the frontal cortex and cerebellum, especially with concentration. This type is usually diagnosed early in life.

In this case, you should use dietary supplements that increase dopamine levels in the brain, such as green tea, L-tyrosine and Rhodiola rosea. If they are ineffective, stimulant medications may be needed. A diet high in protein and limited in simple carbohydrates can also be very helpful.

Type 2: Inattentive ADHD.

Patients exhibit the core symptoms of ADHD, but also experience low energy, decreased motivation, detachment, and a tendency to become self-obsessed.

This type is usually diagnosed later in life. It is more common in girls. These are quiet children and adults and are considered lazy, unmotivated and not very smart. Recommendations for this type are the same as for type 1.
Type 3: ADHD with excessive fixation.

These patients are also characterized by the primary symptoms of ADHD, but in combination with cognitive inflexibility, problems with switching attention, a tendency to dwell on negative thoughts and obsessive behavior, and a need for uniformity. They also tend to be restless and touchy, and they tend to like to argue and go against each other.

Stimulants usually only worsen the condition of such patients. Supplements that increase serotonin and dopamine levels are better for treatment. A diet with a balanced combination of healthy proteins and smart carbohydrates is also recommended.

Type 4: Temporal lobe ADHD.

The main symptoms of ADHD in these patients are combined with short temper. They sometimes experience periods of anxiety, headaches or stomach pains, indulge in dark thoughts, have memory problems and difficulty reading, and sometimes misinterpret comments made to them. As children, they often have head injuries, or in their family one of their relatives has had fits of rage.

Stimulants usually make these patients even more irritable. It's best to use a combination of stimulant supplements to help calm and stabilize your mood. If a patient has problems with memory or learning, it is worth taking dietary supplements that improve memory. If medication is needed, it is a combination of anticonvulsants and stimulants. It also doesn't hurt to eat a higher protein diet.

Type 5: Limbic ADHD.

The primary symptoms of ADHD in these patients are accompanied by chronic melancholy and negativity combined with loss of energy, low self-esteem, irritability, social isolation, lack of appetite and sleep. Stimulants here also cause backlash problems or symptoms of depression.

Type 6: Ring of Fire ADHD.

In addition to the core symptoms of ADHD, these patients are characterized by moodiness, angry outbursts, oppositional personality traits, inflexibility, hasty thinking, excessive talkativeness, and sensitivity to sounds and light. This type may be called the "Ring of Fire" because brain scans of people with this type of ADHD show a characteristic ring.

There are also a number of procedures that are common to all patients with ADHD, in addition to doctor's orders.

1. Take a multivitamin.
They help with learning and prevent chronic diseases.

2. Supplement your diet with omega-3 fatty acids.
ADHD sufferers have been shown to have a lack of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood. Two of them are especially important - eicosapentaenoic acid (EPPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Typically, taking EZPC helps people with ADHD a lot. For adults, I recommend 2000–4000 mg/day; children 1000–2000 mg/day.

3. Eliminate caffeine and nicotine.
They prevent you from falling asleep and reduce the effectiveness of other treatments.

4. Exercise regularly.
At least 45 minutes 4 times a week. Long, brisk walks are just what you need.

5. Reduce the flow of information.
Watch TV, play video games, or use your cell phone or other electronic devices for no more than half an hour a day. This may not be easy, but it will have a noticeable effect.

6. Treat food like medicine.
Most ADHD patients do better when they follow a brain-healthy eating program. Working with a nutritionist can make a big difference.

Conclusion:

We can say that ADHD is the scourge of the 21st century. Unfortunately, in our time, an increasing number of people have become susceptible to this syndrome. It’s not surprising, considering how much information we perceive every day, happiness is already in the fact that we haven’t gone crazy.

Give yourself a break sometimes, allowing your brain to take a break from the abundance of new information that we feed it every day, surfing the Internet or watching TV. I think he will be grateful to you.

As you can see, even for those with ADHD it is quite possible.

ADHD (diagnosed by a neurologist) - what is it? This topic is of interest to many modern parents. For childless families and people who are far from children in principle, this issue is not so important. The named diagnosis is a fairly common chronic condition. It occurs in both adults and children. But at the same time, you should pay attention first of all to the fact that minors are more susceptible to the negative influence of the syndrome. For adults, ADHD is not as dangerous. However, sometimes it is useful to understand such a common diagnosis. What is he? Is it possible to somehow get rid of such a disorder? Why does it appear? All this really needs to be sorted out. It should be noted right away that if there is a suspicion of hyperactivity in a child, this should not be ignored. Otherwise, the baby will have some problems before entering adulthood. Not the most serious, but they will cause trouble for the child, the parents, and the people around them.

Definition of the syndrome

ADHD (diagnosed by a neurologist) - what is it? It has already been said that this is the name of a neurological-behavioral disorder widespread throughout the world. Stands for "syndrome and hyperactivity." In common parlance, quite often this syndrome is simply called hyperactivity.

ADHD (diagnosed by a neurologist) - what is it from a medical point of view? The syndrome is a special functioning of the human body in which attention disorder is observed. We can say this is absent-mindedness, restlessness and the inability to concentrate on anything.

In principle, not the most dangerous disorder. This diagnosis is not a death sentence. In childhood, hyperactivity can cause a lot of trouble. But in adult life, as a rule, ADHD fades into the background.

The disorder under study most often occurs in children of preschool and school age. Many parents believe that ADHD is a real death sentence, an end to a child’s life. In fact, as already said, this is not the case. In reality, hyperactivity is treatable. And again, this syndrome will not cause many problems for an adult. Therefore, there is no need to panic and get upset.

Causes

Diagnosis of ADHD in a child - what is it? The concept has already been revealed earlier. But why does this phenomenon occur? What should parents pay attention to?

Doctors still cannot say exactly why hyperactivity occurs in a child or adult. The fact is that there can be a lot of options for its development. Among them are the following:

1. Complicated pregnancy of the mother. This also includes difficult births. According to statistics, children whose mothers had a non-standard birth are more likely to be susceptible to this syndrome.
2. The presence of chronic diseases in a child.
3. Severe emotional shock or change in a person's life. In particular the baby. It doesn't matter whether it was good or bad.
4. Heredity. This is the option that is considered most often. If the parents had hyperactivity, then it is not excluded in the child.
5. Lack of attention. Modern parents are constantly busy. Therefore, children quite often suffer from ADHD precisely because this is how the body reacts to a lack of parental care.

Hyperactivity should not be confused with spoiled behavior. These are completely different concepts. The diagnosis being studied is not a death sentence, but omissions in upbringing quite often cannot be corrected.

Manifestations

Now it’s a little clear why attention deficit hyperactivity disorder occurs. Its symptoms are clearly visible in children. But not the little ones. It should be remembered that children under 3 years old cannot be given an appropriate diagnosis. Because this is a normal phenomenon for such people.

How does ADHD manifest? The following distinctive features that are found in children can be identified:

1. The child is overly active. He runs and jumps all day without any purpose. That is, to just run and jump.
2. The baby has difficulty concentrating on anything. It should also be taken into account that the child will be extremely restless.
3. Schoolchildren often have low performance in school. Poor grades are a consequence of problems concentrating on assigned tasks. But this phenomenon is also identified as a sign.
4. Aggression. The baby may be aggressive. Sometimes he is simply unbearable.
5. Disobedience. Another one seems to understand that he should calm down, but cannot do it. Or he completely ignores any comments addressed to him.

This is how ADHD can be defined. Symptoms in children resemble spoilage. Or simple disobedience. That is why it is recommended to consult a doctor at the first signs. But more on that a little later. First, it is worth understanding how the condition being studied manifests itself in adults.

Symptoms in adults

Why? ADHD is diagnosed without any problems in children. But, as already mentioned, it is not so easy to detect in an adult. After all, he seems to fade into the background. It occurs, but does not play an important role. ADHD in adults can often be confused with an emotional disorder, for example. Therefore, it is recommended to pay attention to some common symptoms.

Among them the following components can be distinguished:

• the person is the first to start conflicts over trifles;
• there are unreasonable and sharp outbursts of anger;
• when talking to someone, a person “has his head in the clouds”;
• easily distracted while performing a task;
• even during sexual intercourse a person can become distracted;
• there is a failure to fulfill previously made promises.

All this indicates the presence of ADHD. Not necessarily, but it is a possibility. You need to see a doctor for a full examination. And if the diagnosis of ADHD in adults is confirmed, treatment will be required. If you follow the recommendations, you can get rid of the disorder quite quickly. True, in the case of children you will have to show persistence and determination. Childhood hyperactivity is difficult to treat.

Who to contact

The next question is which specialist to contact? At the moment, medicine has a huge number of doctors. Which of them is able to make the correct diagnosis? Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children can be recognized by:

• neurologists (they are the ones people most often come to with illness);
• psychologists;
• psychiatrists;
• social workers.

This also includes family doctors. It should be noted that social workers and psychologists only make a diagnosis. But they do not have the right to prescribe medication. This is not in their competence. Therefore, most often, parents and adults are simply sent for a consultation with neurologists.

About diagnostics

Recognition with hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) occurs in several stages. An experienced doctor will definitely follow a certain algorithm.

At the very beginning, you need to tell us about yourself. If we are talking about children, the doctor asks to draw up a psychological portrait of the minor. The story will also need to include details of the patient’s life and behavior.

The next stage is the appointment of additional studies. For example, a neurologist may ask to do an ultrasound of the brain and tomography. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children will be clearly visible in these photographs. With the disease being studied, the functioning of the brain changes slightly. And this is reflected in the ultrasound results.

I guess that's all. Additionally, the neurologist will study the patient’s disease record. After all of the above, a diagnosis is made. And, accordingly, treatment is prescribed. Correcting ADHD is a very lengthy process. At least in children. The treatment prescribed varies. It all depends on the cause of hyperactivity.

Medicines

Now it is clear what attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is. Treatment, as already mentioned, is prescribed to children and adults in a variety of ways. The first method is drug correction. As a rule, this option is not suitable for very young children.

What can be prescribed for a child or adult patient diagnosed with ADHD? Nothing dangerous. As a rule, only vitamins and sedatives are present among the medications. Sometimes - antidepressants. Signs of ADHD are eliminated quite successfully in this way.

No further significant medications are prescribed. All pills and drugs that a neurologist prescribes are aimed at calming the nervous system. Therefore, you should not be afraid of the prescribed sedative. Regular use - and soon the disease will pass. Not a panacea, but this kind of solution works quite effectively.

Traditional methods

Some people don't trust the effects of medications. Therefore, you can consult a neurologist and use traditional methods of treatment. They are often no less effective than tablets.

What advice can you give if you have ADHD? Symptoms in children and adults can be eliminated by taking:

• tea with chamomile;
• sage;
• calendula.

Baths with essential oils, as well as salt with a calming effect, help well. Children can be given warm milk with honey at night. However, the medical effectiveness of these techniques has not been proven. A person will act at his own peril and risk. However, many adults refuse any treatment for ADHD. But in the case of children, as already mentioned, the problem being studied should not be overlooked.

Treatment of children without pills

What other treatments are there for ADHD? The drugs prescribed by doctors are, as already mentioned, sedatives. Something like Novopassit. Not all parents are ready to give their children this kind of pill. Some indicate that sedatives are addictive. And by getting rid of ADHD in this way, you can make your child dependent on antidepressants. Agree, not the best solution!

Fortunately, hyperactivity in children can be corrected even without pills. The only thing to consider is that parents must be patient. After all, hyperactivity cannot be cured quickly. And this must be remembered.

1. Spend more time with children. Especially if hyperactivity is a consequence of lack of parental attention. It’s good when one of the parents can remain “on maternity leave”. That is, not to work, but to work with the child.
2. Send your child to educational clubs. A good way to increase a child’s attention, as well as develop it comprehensively. You can even find specialized centers that organize classes for children with hyperactivity. Now this is not such a rarity.
3. You need to do more with the student. But don’t force him to sit for days on homework. It should also be understood that poor grades are a consequence of ADHD. And scolding a child for this is at least cruel.
4. If it is necessary to find a use for its energy. In other words, sign up for some sports classes. Or just let him run as much as he can during the day. The idea of ​​sections interests parents most of all. A good way to spend time usefully and at the same time throw out pent-up energy.
5. Calmness is another point that must take place. The fact is that parents, when correcting ADHD in children who show aggression, scold them for bad behavior, and as a result, cannot cope with the child’s condition. Only in a calm environment is healing possible.
6. The last point that helps parents is supporting the child's hobbies. If a child is interested in something, he needs to be supported. This should not be confused with permissiveness. But there is no need to suppress children’s desire to explore the world, even if it is too active. You can try to interest your baby in some calmer activity. Things that you can do with your child help a lot.

By following these rules, parents have a high probability of success in treating ADHD in children. Rapid progress, as has already been said, will not come. Sometimes correction takes up to several years. If you start treatment on time, you can completely defeat this chronic condition without much difficulty.

conclusions

Diagnosis of ADHD in a child - what is it? What about an adult? The answers to these questions are already known. In fact, there is no need to be afraid of the syndrome. No one is safe from it. But with timely contact with a specialist, as practice shows, there is a high probability of successful treatment.

Self-medication is not recommended. Only a neurologist is able to prescribe the most effective therapy, which will be selected individually, based on the reasons that led to this diagnosis. If a doctor prescribes a sedative for a very young child, it is better to show the baby to another specialist. It is possible that parents are communicating with a non-professional who is not able to distinguish spoilage from ADHD.

There is no need to be angry with your child or scold him for being active. Punish and intimidate too. Under any circumstances, it should be remembered that hyperactivity is not a death sentence. And in adult life, this syndrome is not so noticeable. Often, with age, hyperactive behavior normalizes on its own. But it can appear at any time.

In fact, ADHD is most often seen in schoolchildren. And you shouldn’t consider this a shame or some kind of terrible sentence. Children with hyperactivity are quite often more talented than their peers. The only thing that prevents them from succeeding is the problem of concentration. And if you help solve it, the child will please his parents more than once. ADHD (diagnosed by a neurologist) - what is it? which does not surprise modern doctors and can be corrected with proper treatment!

A special condition that interferes not only in childhood, but also in adulthood. Many of us don’t even think that learning difficulties, troubles at work and in family life are associated with this syndrome.

What it is

In fact, the full name of the syndrome is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Typically, decreased attention and hyperactivity (excessive mobility) are combined. However, there is a variant without hyperactivity with a predominant decrease in attention, as well as a variant with predominant hyperactivity without a significant decrease in attention.

Doctors believe that this syndrome is the result of the functioning of the nervous system. To date, no reliable reasons for the development of the syndrome have been found. Children and adults with ADHD often have high or normal intelligence.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually appear in childhood and, with proper correction, are almost unnoticeable in adults. It is believed that with age a person manages to adapt, the nervous system is rebuilt and ADHD no longer affects everyday life as much. However, if a child with such a diagnosis is not helped, then the likelihood of symptoms persisting into adulthood is 60%.

The most unpleasant symptom is decreased attention. Such people find it difficult to listen to the end of their interlocutor, watch a movie, finish reading a book, and have difficulty learning. In adults, this may manifest itself in the inability to plan expenses, perform monotonous work, etc. They may find it difficult to create a strong long-term marriage or achieve a promotion.

Hyperactivity can manifest itself in different ways. For example, some people find it difficult to sit still. Others constantly twirl objects in their hands, such as a pencil or a handkerchief. It happens that people with hyperactivity interrupt their interlocutor, shouting out their point of view. ADHD is characterized by impulsive behavior. It is very difficult to control such manifestations, and many simply fail.

Diagnosing ADHD in an adult can be difficult because symptoms can be similar to mental disorders such as depression or anxiety. If you suspect you have ADHD, you may need help from several specialists initially.

A neurologist will rule out organic brain damage (for example, tumors, vascular diseases), a psychiatrist will rule out mental damage (for example, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder). An experienced psychologist will conduct a detailed examination of intelligence and personality traits.

To establish a diagnosis, information about the patient’s childhood is extremely important, because ADHD does not develop out of nowhere in an adult; manifestations always begin in childhood. Once the diagnosis is established, observation and assistance from a psychologist and psychotherapist may be required.

How to help yourself

Medication treatment for ADHD should only be done under the supervision of a physician. But you can do a lot yourself to improve your condition. To reduce symptoms, you may be advised to maintain a sleep schedule, sleeping at least 8 hours a day. Active physical activity, as well as yoga and meditation are very useful. Eating well and eating regularly can also help relieve symptoms.

If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, don't despair. Modern medicine has many ways to help, and the effect of treatment almost always exceeds even the patient’s wildest expectations.

Be healthy!

Maria Meshcherina

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