Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD
ADHD or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a developmental disorder marked by persistent irritation, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Patients struggle to stay focused, organised, and even to remain still or wait for their turn. Although this is a common behavioural pattern, patients suffering from ADHD exhibit this pattern every day in school, at work or even in social situations.
7–9%
Children in India estimated to have ADHD (average prevalence among children and adolescents).
1 in 14
Approximate number of children affected by ADHD in India.
50–80%
Children with ADHD continue to have symptoms during adolescence.
2–6%
Adults worldwide living with ADHD symptoms.
Complications Associated with ADHD
- Without proper treatment, ADHD can negatively affect a child’s self-confidence and daily functioning.
- Patients suffer academically, face teasing in school and at work or even suffer from social rejection.
- Patients feel frustrated because they are unable to realise their full potential.
- As patients grow older, they are at a higher risk for substance abuse, accidents, injuries and mental health disorders like depression.
What causes ADHD?
- Genes play a major role. ADHD is mainly passed on through gene variations that affect brain development.
- Patients suffering from ADHD have a differently functioning frontal lobe. This part of the brain is responsible for planning, attention span and self-control.
- Environmental factors like increased exposure to tobacco, lead and alcohol during pregnancy can increase the risk of ADHD.
- Low birth weight and preterm birth are also linked to a higher likelihood of developing ADHD among children.
What are the signs and symptoms of ADHD?
Poor Span of Attention
- The symptom of inattention affects a child’s ability to stay focused, organised and complete tasks at one go.
- The child avoids activities that require a long span of attention, consequently making blunders and avoiding routine responsibilities.
- Patients are easily distracted by surrounding events, even their own thoughts when completing a task.
- Patients struggle to follow instructions, complete their homework or household chores while losing track midway.
Symptoms of Impulsivity
- Hyperactivity and impulsivity affect a patient’s ability to sit still, remain calm in any situation and control their actions.
- Patients often start fidgeting, start running, walking or climbing suddenly.
- Patients exhibit restlessness and are constantly active which includes interrupting conversations, speaking out of turn, grabbing keys suddenly and finding it hard to wait patiently.
- Patients suffer from poor performance at school or at work. They even suffer from poor conversation skills and social relationships.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
Healthcare providers diagnose ADHD using criteria from the DSM-5-TR by evaluating specific symptoms. The 3 main steps of diagnosis are:
- Mental health professionals identify clusters of attention and activity-related behaviour.
- Mental health professionals rule out alternative causes such as anxiety or depression.
- Mental health practitioners also check for any co-occurring conditions.
Here are other factors that are considered before a patient is diagnosed with ADHD:
- A child must show at least 5 symptoms from either the inattention group of symptoms or the hyperactivity group of symptoms.
- Symptoms must be evident before the age of 12. Patients are often observed in different environments, such as at home and at work.
- Patients must not be suffering from any other mental or physical health condition that has similar symptoms.
- Since there is no laboratory test to confirm ADHD, mental health professionals often conduct a thorough assessment of psychological symptoms. The aim is to understand triggers that cause discomfort and their behavioural patterns.
How is ADHD treated?
Treatment Options
1. Parental Training
- Parents are counselled to create a structured and positive support at home. Establishing a consistent daily routine and encouraging the child to organise his belongings every day is a good starting point.
- Reducing distractions during homework, reducing exposure to screens and providing a clean working space will help a child perform better in school.
- For patients suffering from ADHD, parents can break larger tasks into smaller ones to keep the child productively preoccupied.
- Reiterating what they say to make them feel heard builds the emotional resilience of the patient. Parents can limit choices to prevent them from feeling overwhelmed. This way. parents to calm them down faster.
- Clear communication of ideas and giving them small rewards consistently is another effective strategy.
2. Behavioural Therapy
- Therapists who administer behaviour management interventions focus on improving a child’s behaviour through structured guidance.
- Peer-based interventions help children develop better social interaction skills. Therapists communicate with educators and parents on a regular basis to monitor their progress and behaviour in the field of academics.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps patients organise their negative and distracting thoughts to develop better self-control and problem-solving skills. Organisational skill intervention teaches time management, planning tasks and ensuring proper completion of tasks.=
Social skills training improves communication, cooperation with elders and peers and teaches patients conflict resolution. The aim is to ensure sustainable behavioural improvement.
Cognitive Training Interventions
By administering cognitive training interventions, therapists try to improve attention, memory and executive functioning of an ADHD patient. The aim is to train patients to hold and manipulate information over short periods.
Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback is a specialised technique in which real-time brain activity is monitored to help children control their impulses and maintain their attention span. These programs are computer-based which involve repeated practice to improve the functioning of the brain.
Medication
Medication for ADHD generally includes stimulants and non-stimulants. Once the patients start consuming stimulant medication, 70-80% patients show reduced symptoms. Non-stimulant medication, on the other hand, works gradually but has long-lasting effects and the disorder remains subdued for long.
Each patient responds to medication differently. However, possible side effects also include reduced appetite, weight loss and changes in sleep patterns.
How to Support Loved Ones Suffering from ADHD?
- Being patient is the key. Living with patients who are suffering from ADHD can be emotionally and physically challenging. Therefore, staying emotionally strong is a must.
- Make sure they know that they are heard at all times. They must feel emotionally secure and happy at all times to remain in the right frame of mind.
- Blind imposition of rules will not help as this will disturb them. Loud noises and unusual strictness often irritate young patients leading to aggression and rapid mood changes.
Calida Treatment and Recovery
Here are 5 essential features that make Calida Rehab Centre the best treatment place for patients in need of physical and psychological rehabilitation:
Customised Treatment Plan
Customised treatment plans are offered at Calida Rehab Centre. With experienced medical and mental health professionals on board, patients receive the best treatment plans. ADHD can have multiple adverse side effects on a child’s life. Therefore, symptoms, circumstances, and problems are considered individually before a treatment plan is framed.
24/7 Trained Medical Staff
The round-the-clock availability of trained medical staff makes it easier for a patient’s family to opt for a residential treatment plan. Since these patients are young, space is provided for the family to stay. Outpatient programs are also available, with online consultation provided to patients in certain cases.
Trained Medical and Mental Health Professionals
Calida Rehab Centre has empanelled the best medical and mental health professionals to take care of patients. The best team of doctors is available to diagnose the problem, frame a treatment plan, and prescribe medication (if any) according to the symptoms and age of the patient.
Relapse Prevention Programs
Certain patients have mood disorders and anger issues, which make them depressed. ADHD treatment offered at Calida Rehab Centre addresses these additional psychological problems as well. Once the treatment is over, patients are called for counselling sessions once or twice a month wherein therapists interview the patient to check for any recurrence of symptoms.
Latest Technological Tools
For patients in need of physical therapy and other treatments to ensure proper mobility, the latest technological equipment is used. Patients are under CCTV surveillance at all times. Open spaces are also available for entertainment purposes. Balanced and nutritious meals are provided to all. Dedicated living spaces are also provided to caregivers of the patients.
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Treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our treatment programs, admission process, and what to expect during your recovery journey
What is Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It affects a child’s attention span, self-control and level of confidence. Patients find it difficult to stay organised and control their impulses. Symptoms are exhibited before a child turns 12. If left unchecked, patients suffer from impaired relationships and poor daily functioning.
How is ADHD diagnosed in children?
ADHD can only be diagnosed through a detailed assessment using the DSM-5 criteria. Healthcare providers evaluate symptoms of inattentiveness and hyperactivity that show up before the age of 12. There are no blood tests or imaging tests that diagnose ADHD.
How is ADHD treated or managed?
ADHD can be treated by administering psycho therapies regularly, initiating supportive strategies at home and by prescribing medication. Parent training, supportive intervention in schools and social skills training further help a patient to lead a normal life. A healthy lifestyle and structured routine also help.
Why Choose Calida Rehab for ADHD Treatment?
Calida Rehab Centre offers comprehensive yet customised treatment plans to patients. They provide patients with relevant medication, behavioural therapy and proper family support. A holistic approach is adopted towards the treatment of patients which improves their academic performance and equips them with appropriate social skills in a child-friendly environment.
Experts Who Will Guide Your Recovery
Dr. Prashant Dasud
Designation: M.D. (Psychiatry)
Experience: 14+
Illnesses:
Depression & Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia & Psychotic Disorders, OCD, Drug & Alcohol Addiction, Sleep Disorders
Geriatric Mental Health Issues
Dr. Santosh Pawar
Designation: M.D. (Radiodiagnosis)
Experience: 12+
Illnesses:
CT / MRI, Dementia & Memory Disorder, Neuro-radiological Evaluation, pine & Nerve Imaging,Head Injury & Neurological, Diagnostic Support for Mental Health
Dr. Neha Shetty
Designation: M.D. (Psychiatry)
Experience: 11+
Illnesses:
Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia & Psychosis, OCD, Drug Addiction,Mental Health Issues
