There are a number of things on ADHD Dallas residents should know if struggling with this condition. ADHD, which stands for attention deficit hyperactive disorder, is a condition that mainly affects children. As the name suggests, the main symptoms are inattentiveness and hyperactivity. While these symptoms are seen with many children at some point in their lives, the condition becomes serious only when they are seen at an abnormal age.
When the condition presents in adulthood, the symptoms may be a bit different. Instead of hyperactivity or impulsiveness, they become very restless. The affected individuals have difficulties establishing and maintaining relationships both at home and in the work place. In terms of prevalence, about 2% to 5% of adults in the general adult population are believed to live with the disorder. 50% of the adults had the diagnosis made in childhood and in the other half the onset is in adulthood.
Depending on the predominant symptoms that are seen in the affected individual, the disorder is broadly classified into three. The first subtype comprises symptoms that are suggestive of both hyperactivity (impulsiveness) and inattentiveness. In the second subtype, the predominant symptom is a lapse in concentration but the signs of impulsiveness are not seen. The third type is predominated by hyperactivity without the signs of attention deficit.
The exact cause and pathophysiology of this disorder is not well understood. Several theories have attempted to explain but they all lead to many unanswered questions. One theory claims that the symptoms that are seen are due to shrinkage of brain tissue in the affected persons. The pre-frontal cortex and the cerebellum are said to be most affected and a condition known as frontal lobe dysfunction comes about. Another explanation is that there are abnormalities in dopamine transmitters.
There are a number of factors that have been identified as predisposing to the disorder. Genetic factors have been found to contribute greatly. About 76% of the cases are attributable to genetic abnormalities. The environment also contributes but to a very small proportion. The environment starts right from the time of conception. Foetal alcohol syndrome is has symptoms that are very similar to those of ADHD. The same is seen with exposure to tobacco smoke within the same period. Other substances that should be avoided are lead, dialkyl sulphate and organophosphates.
ADHD is frequently associated with other conditions. It only exists alone in 30% of cases. When combined with other conditions, the process of making a diagnosis and treating is extremely difficult. It is important to diagnose these comorbid conditions and to treat them separately. The commonest associated conditions include oppositional defiant disorder, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders and sleep disorders.
There are a number of drugs available for treatment of the condition. The one thing that they all have in common is that they are all stimulants. Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant that may be used as an alternative. These drugs are contraindicated in pre-school children. Their main side effects include mania and drug-induced psychosis. For this reason, they should be stopped intermittently so that assessment of side effects can be done. Tendency for abuse and dependence is quite high. Zn supplementation has also been found to be useful.
If they wish to get individualized advice on ADHD Dallas residents need to work closely with specialists in psychiatry. They will be given more options on how to handle the condition. The fortunate thing is that most patients will recover with proper management.
When the condition presents in adulthood, the symptoms may be a bit different. Instead of hyperactivity or impulsiveness, they become very restless. The affected individuals have difficulties establishing and maintaining relationships both at home and in the work place. In terms of prevalence, about 2% to 5% of adults in the general adult population are believed to live with the disorder. 50% of the adults had the diagnosis made in childhood and in the other half the onset is in adulthood.
Depending on the predominant symptoms that are seen in the affected individual, the disorder is broadly classified into three. The first subtype comprises symptoms that are suggestive of both hyperactivity (impulsiveness) and inattentiveness. In the second subtype, the predominant symptom is a lapse in concentration but the signs of impulsiveness are not seen. The third type is predominated by hyperactivity without the signs of attention deficit.
The exact cause and pathophysiology of this disorder is not well understood. Several theories have attempted to explain but they all lead to many unanswered questions. One theory claims that the symptoms that are seen are due to shrinkage of brain tissue in the affected persons. The pre-frontal cortex and the cerebellum are said to be most affected and a condition known as frontal lobe dysfunction comes about. Another explanation is that there are abnormalities in dopamine transmitters.
There are a number of factors that have been identified as predisposing to the disorder. Genetic factors have been found to contribute greatly. About 76% of the cases are attributable to genetic abnormalities. The environment also contributes but to a very small proportion. The environment starts right from the time of conception. Foetal alcohol syndrome is has symptoms that are very similar to those of ADHD. The same is seen with exposure to tobacco smoke within the same period. Other substances that should be avoided are lead, dialkyl sulphate and organophosphates.
ADHD is frequently associated with other conditions. It only exists alone in 30% of cases. When combined with other conditions, the process of making a diagnosis and treating is extremely difficult. It is important to diagnose these comorbid conditions and to treat them separately. The commonest associated conditions include oppositional defiant disorder, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders and sleep disorders.
There are a number of drugs available for treatment of the condition. The one thing that they all have in common is that they are all stimulants. Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant that may be used as an alternative. These drugs are contraindicated in pre-school children. Their main side effects include mania and drug-induced psychosis. For this reason, they should be stopped intermittently so that assessment of side effects can be done. Tendency for abuse and dependence is quite high. Zn supplementation has also been found to be useful.
If they wish to get individualized advice on ADHD Dallas residents need to work closely with specialists in psychiatry. They will be given more options on how to handle the condition. The fortunate thing is that most patients will recover with proper management.
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