Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) was once thought to be a disease of children, affecting 4 to 12 percent of school-aged children. However, some recent theories show that 10-60% of these cases continue even till adulthood. In an adult, ADHD can cause issues in one’s personal as well as social life. It is believed to be caused by a diverse range of environmental, genetic, and biochemical variables; however, the precise cause in a given patient may be unknown and vary between individuals.
In this blog, Dr. Raman Sukheja, a well-known name for ADHD medications treatment in Wales, sheds light on various aspects of the condition, including causes, symptoms, and ways to treat it.
But first, let's understand what ADHD is.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is one of the most prevalent childhood neurological diseases. It is typically diagnosed in childhood and frequently persists into adulthood. ADHD patients may have difficulty paying attention and restraining impulsive behaviors. They can also be extremely active (hyperactive).
What Causes ADHD?
The exact cause of ADHD is still unidentified, but some studies show that genetics play a major role in a person developing this condition as a child. Apart from that, few other risk factors may also contribute to the cause, which are:
- Brain injury in childhood
- The use of tobacco or alcohol by a pregnant woman increases ADHD risk for her child.
- Premature birth
- Underweight at the time of birth
Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
ADHD symptoms in adults may be the adverse version of childhood symptoms and may cause personal and professional difficulties. These are:
- Adult ADHD patients complain of trouble concentrating, paying attention, and remembering things. They may also get angry easily, but they may also feel sad easily or lose interest or pleasure in most things. Symptoms may also include a feeling of being tired, lacking energy (rather than hyperactive), and having trouble eating.
- The adult patient with ADHD may exhibit impulsivity, affective lability, and angry outbursts.
- Other mental health problems, such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance abuse disorders, learning disabilities, and borderline and antisocial personality disorders, often accompany ADHD symptoms in adults.
Advanced ADHD Treatment in Wales
- The professional psychiatrist, Dr. Raman Sakhuja, uses advanced neuroscience-based equipment to screen for the disease. The screening test, called QbCheck, is a computer-based continuous performance task that measures activity, reaction time, and mistakes in paying attention. The patient can see the test and look at it objectively. This test can also be used to track how treatments are going.
- After the screening, a structured, in-depth interview is done to learn about the person's early development and school years. The focus of the assessment is to rule out possible overlapping conditions, such as emotional dysregulation as part of a Personality Disorder or Mood Disorder, rule out the possibility of a Psychotic Illness, and find any co-morbid conditions, such as Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, or others.
- ADHD is often linked to sleep problems, so screening for sleep problems is also done as part of the assessment. If it turns out that sleep is affecting or influencing ADHD symptoms, Dr. Sakhuja will offer to use structured sleep tools and Actigraphy to do a more detailed and in-depth assessment of sleep. Also, treatments and ways to improve sleep are given based on what is found.
Dr. Raman Sakhuja uses a multimodal treatment for ADHD treatment for adults that uses many different methods, such as medication, improving sleep, self-help materials and support groups, psychological interventions, dietary help, and neurofeedback.
To consult the best adult psychiatrist in Wales, visit Dr. Raman Sakhuja at Wales Psychiatry Centre today!
