ADHD Overview

ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder is a condition that first becomes apparent in childhood, although sometimes it may remain undiagnosed till late adolescence or adulthood. In children the symptoms are very characteristic and diagnosis can be reached easily. With progressive age, though, the symptoms show slight variations that can be attributed to changed lifestyle. For example, while children with ADHD and adults with ADHD have the same complaints of inability to pay attention for prolonged periods of time, focus on work, be distracted easily, but instead of abrupt, rude and hyperactive behavior, adults complain of restlessness, insomnia, anxiety and irritability spontaneously. In children this problem comes to the forefront more easily when a child’s grades drop or his performance in comparison to the rest of their class, or when his aggressive or out of control behavior cannot be attributed to ‘being spoilt’ anymore.

ADHD in adults generally continues from childhood, where it has not been diagnosed. Our practice consist of a team of psychiatrists with years of experience in identifying and diagnosing cases of ADHD as early in the course of the disorder as possible. Over the years, we have helped thousands of adults with ADHD restore their control over their life, predominantly high functioning people, and we have helped them lead a normal life, no different from anyone else who does not have ADHD. We have extensive experience in managing ADHD in adults and helping them function as normal people, instead of having them suffer or lag behind their peers.

Diagnosis of ADHD

While diagnosis of ADHD may seem simple enough based on the characteristic symptoms, it takes knowledge and experience like ours to correctly classify and diagnose ADHD and ADD. The approach to treatment depends solely on getting the right diagnosis. We also make sure that ADHD is not being mistaken for another condition with masquerading symptoms, or to identity ADHD that is being wrongly treated as another condition.  Our initial evaluation takes into account clinical features, a complete comprehensive history, and neuropsychological testing which will help us give every patient the correct diagnosis, to both establish or rule out ADHD and ADD.

Treatment of ADHD

Treatment for patients of ADHD includes drugs that help stabilize the patient as well as improve their focus and concentration. But it’s not just medication that is needed. We offer options like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, that helps patients analyze and gain control over their shifts at their own pace and in their ways, and ADHD specific therapy, In addition, we conduct sessions teaching  relaxation therapy and stress management, counseling for better time management, talk therapy with our team of psychiatrists- by which we help in giving patients the ability to establish control over their lives and their careers without having to compromise on any front, just because they have ADHD. Career control is especially boosted by our help with ADHD coaching and organizational skills training. Even on the personal front, with the kind of support and counseling our practice offers, patients regain their ability to maintain and let their interactions with other people improve, with better management of moods and anxiety issues, thus improving their quality of life.

Facts about ADHD:

• ADHD is a biological disorder. It  has one of highest genetic powers of transmission when compared to other psychiatric illnesses (i.e. schizophrenia or bipolar disorder ). The genetic power of ADHD transmission is as high as human height transmission.
• A key symptom of ADHD is attention problems, not hyperactivity; some patients are not hyperactive. Other frequent complaints include lack of motivation and feelings of boredom.
• ADHD undermines performance in educational and professional areas and is often destructive to the social life and relationships of those afflicted. Studies show that  people with untreated ADHD score 20 points lower of their actual IQ performance.
• 5-7% of the population suffer from ADHD which doesn’t end with childhood and persists throughout adult life. Still, ADHD is a hot topic of public debate about its very existence. ADHD is a rarely diagnosed and consequently undertreated disorder which as a bottleneck chokes personal potential if allowed to remain untreated.
• Efficacy of medications, specifically stimulants, is as high as 90 % .This is on a very top level of chronic illness control in medicine in general.