Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Source: IE

Context: A UK-based study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry highlights a stark disparity in life expectancy among adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

About Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):

• What is ADHD?

• A neurodevelopmental disorder affecting focus, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Commonly diagnosed in childhood but often persists into adulthood. Impacts 3-4% of adults worldwide.

• A neurodevelopmental disorder affecting focus, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

• Commonly diagnosed in childhood but often persists into adulthood.

• Impacts 3-4% of adults worldwide.

• Causes:

• Genetics: Family history significantly increases the risk. Brain Structure: Alterations in the brain regions responsible for attention and behaviour regulation. Prenatal Factors: Exposure to tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Environmental Factors: Lead exposure and low birth weight.

• Genetics: Family history significantly increases the risk.

• Brain Structure: Alterations in the brain regions responsible for attention and behaviour regulation.

• Prenatal Factors: Exposure to tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy.

• Environmental Factors: Lead exposure and low birth weight.

• Symptoms:

• Inattention: Difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, frequent mistakes, or being easily distracted. Hyperactivity: Restlessness, excessive movement, or inability to stay still in quiet situations. Impulsivity: Interrupting conversations, acting without thinking, and engaging in risky behaviours.

• Inattention: Difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, frequent mistakes, or being easily distracted.

• Hyperactivity: Restlessness, excessive movement, or inability to stay still in quiet situations.

• Impulsivity: Interrupting conversations, acting without thinking, and engaging in risky behaviours.

• Treatment:

• Medication: Stimulants (e.g., methylphenidate, amphetamines) and non-stimulants (e.g., atomoxetine). Behavioural Therapy: Focuses on developing coping mechanisms and organizational skills. Lifestyle Changes: Balanced diet and regular exercise. Adequate sleep to improve focus and mood. Counselling: Helps manage impulsivity, risky behaviours, and emotional difficulties.

• Medication: Stimulants (e.g., methylphenidate, amphetamines) and non-stimulants (e.g., atomoxetine).

• Behavioural Therapy: Focuses on developing coping mechanisms and organizational skills.

• Lifestyle Changes: Balanced diet and regular exercise. Adequate sleep to improve focus and mood.

• Balanced diet and regular exercise.

• Adequate sleep to improve focus and mood.

• Counselling: Helps manage impulsivity, risky behaviours, and emotional difficulties.

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