What Is ADHD?
ADHD is a health condition that begins in childhood. In roughly 30% to
50% of cases, ADHD continues into adulthood. ADHD is a chronic condition
in which individuals have long-term difficulties with attention. They
may also display frequent hyperactive or impulsive behaviors.
What Causes ADHD?
Although the exact causes of ADHD are not yet known, researchers believe
that genetics and environmental factors may contribute to the development
of the condition. It is also possible that the condition may be caused
by central nervous system issues that occur during brain development.
Premature birth and exposure to lead may increase the risk of developing ADHD.
What Are the Symptoms of ADHD?
There are three subtypes of ADHD, and each subtype produces varied symptoms.
Symptoms of ADHD can vary from person to person. Children with ADHD may
have different symptoms than adults with the condition, and boys can have
different symptoms than girls.
Symptoms of ADHD begin before the age of 12. Some patients may have symptoms
as early as age three.
Symptoms of Predominantly Inattentive ADHD
Predominantly inattentive ADHD is diagnosed when most of the patient’s
ADHD symptoms are related to inattentiveness. In children with this type
of ADHD, typical symptoms may include:
- Being easily distracted
- Having trouble maintaining focus during tasks or play
- Having difficulties with organization
- Avoiding homework or other activities that require sustained focus
- Forgetting to do chores or other daily activities
- Losing pencils, toys, or other items needed for activities
When parents of a child with predominantly inattentive ADHD speak directly
to the child, they may notice that the child appears not to listen to them.
Symptoms of Predominantly Hyperactive or Impulsive ADHD
This type of ADHD features symptoms that are mostly related to hyperactivity
or impulsivity. Children with this form of the condition may display:
- Excessive talking
- Difficulty doing quiet activities
- Fidgeting or tapping with the hands or feet
- Difficulty sitting still
- Difficulty waiting for his or her turn
Other symptoms could include interrupting other people’s questions
or activities, running or climbing in inappropriate situations, and squirming
while seated.
Symptoms of the Combined Subtype
The third subtype of ADHD is the combined subtype. Patients with this ADHD
subtype display symptoms of both inattentiveness and hyperactivity or
impulsivity.
ADHD Symptoms in Adults
In adults with ADHD, the primary symptoms also tend to be inattentiveness,
restlessness, and impulsivity. Some adults find that they experience a
decrease in ADHD symptoms as they age, and they may have fewer symptoms
of hyperactivity than children with ADHD. Symptoms of ADHD in adults may
not be as clear as symptoms in children.
Some of the symptoms that adults with ADHD may notice include:
- Difficulties with multitasking
- Poor time management and planning
- Trouble with completing tasks
- Difficulties with prioritizing tasks
- Mood swings
- Difficulties with stress management
- Becoming angry very easily
- Problems with tolerating frustration
Adults with ADHD may miss deadlines or forget social plans or appointments.
Their work or school performance could decline, and their relationships
could be unstable. They may also have low self-esteem.
Symptoms in Males and Females
Although ADHD symptoms tend to be similar for all genders, males may be
more likely to experience hyperactivity. Females could be more likely
to have quiet inattentiveness.
How Do Clinicians Diagnose ADHD?
Since there are no specific tests to diagnose ADHD, patients will need
to have several different evaluations to arrive at a diagnosis. First,
a medical exam may be necessary to rule out conditions with similar symptoms,
including autism, learning difficulties,
anxiety,
depression, sleep disorders, epilepsy, and brain injuries.
The clinician will review the patient’s personal and family medical
history, and he or she may also look at the patient’s school records.
The doctor may interview the patient’s teachers, family members,
and others who know the patient well. The physician may use ADHD rating
scales, too.
What Are the Treatment Options for ADHD?
Medications, counseling, behavioral therapy, and education services can
all help with managing the symptoms of ADHD. Stimulant medications, includingamphetamines and methylphenidates, may be prescribed to individuals with ADHD.
Alternatively, doctors may also choose to prescribe atomoxetine, clonidine,
guanfacine, or antidepressants to patients with ADHD. Patients will need
monitoring for suicidal thoughts and psychiatric changes during ADHD treatment.
Patients who use prescription stimulants for ADHD treatment may need frequent
heart monitoring as well.
How Can Dual Diagnosis Help Patients With ADHD and Substance Abuse Issues?
Dual diagnosis enables patients with ADHD and substance abuse issues to receive care
for both conditions at the same time. This type of care can be more effective
than treating each condition separately. Typically, patients receive dual
diagnosis care at specialized facilities. Depending on the patient’s
specific health needs, treatment may be provided on an inpatient or outpatient basis.
What Treatments Are Provided With Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis treatment for ADHD and substance abuse issues provides medical
and psychological support throughout the patient’s recovery. When
the patient with ADHD and substance abuse issues comes for his or her
first day of treatment, a medical examination may be conducted so that
treatment providers can understand the patient’s overall health.
A medical examination will also help treatment providers create an effective
treatment plan for the patient with ADHD and drug abuse issues.
If the patient with ADHD and substance abuse issues is going through withdrawal,
doctors will prescribe him or her medications to ease any nausea,
anxiety, other symptoms that may occur. Individuals who go through the withdrawal
process at a residential facility when being treated for ADHD and substance
abuse will have their vital signs checked frequently.
Individual and group therapy sessions are often used to help ADHD and substance
abuse patients with the psychological aspects of recovery.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the most frequently used types of therapy for individuals with
ADHD and drug use problems.
Dialectical behavior therapy, person-centered therapy, and family therapy
can be effective when treating individuals with ADHD and substance abuse
issues as well. Mindfulness, yoga, self-hypnosis, art therapy, and other
treatments may be used as part of a holistic approach to ADHD and substance
abuse patient care.
Where Can I Get Treatment for ADHD and Drug Abuse?
If you believe that you may suffer from ADHD and substance abuse issues,
visit your doctor for treatment recommendations. Your doctor will be able
to recommend treatment centers where you can receive dual diagnosis care.
Your local health department can also provide this information.
If you are looking for a treatment center in Tennessee,
Grace Land Recovery may be an appropriate facility for your needs. Located near Memphis, Grace
Land Recovery offers all forms of
outpatient treatment. This includes
partial hospitalization program (PHP) treatment,
intensive outpatient program (IOP) treatment, and standard
outpatient program (OP) treatment.
Relapse prevention services are also available at Grace Land Recovery on top of numerous
other unique rehab and clinical services.
Grace Land Recovery also provides patients with many different types of
therapies that can help patients reach a full recovery. For example, here at Grace
Land Recovery, we offer
anger management therapy,
cognitive-behavioral therapy,
experiential therapy,
trauma therapy, and
rational emotive behavior therapy. All Grace Land patients can take part in all of our different types of
therapies in an individual, group, or family format.
To find out more about how we here at Grace Land Recovery can help you,contact us online or over the phone.
References:
