Friday, January 10, 2014

Some Options For ADHD Treatment NYC Residents Should Know Of

By Marissa Velazquez


If looking for ADHD treatment NYC residents have a number of options to choose from. Understanding the basics of this condition will help greatly in proper selection of the treatment modalities. ADHD or attention deficit hyperactive disorder is developmental disorder that is mainly characterised by inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Some symptoms may predominate over others. The prevalence is highest among adults.

Therapy is largely two pronged; pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. It is important that both of these types of therapy are administered regularly so as to increase the chances of an improvement. Various players need to cooperate with each other for the therapies to succeed. Such players include parents, teachers, therapist and friends. Support groups comprising people struggling with similar problems are equally helpful and are highly recommended.

The types of drugs that can be used are broadly classified into stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants are more commonly used especially for patients who exhibit predominantly hyperactive symptoms. Stimulants have been shown to have some unwanted side effects and they should therefore be administered very cautiously. Commonly encountered side effects include sleep disturbances, sleep abnormalities, anxiety and reduced appetite. An example of this drug is a mixture of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine.

The available non-stimulants used in managing this condition include atomoxetine and clonidine. The drug guanfacine hydrochloride has been used in the treatment of raised blood pressure for a long time but was recently shown to have a positive effect on ADHD symptoms as well. These drugs all exhibit some side effects and should be monitored also. Antidepressants may be administered simultaneously to control the associated side effects.

The proportion of adults affected ranges between 2 and 5%. Half of the cases involve persons that had the condition in childhood. There is some variation in the pattern of presentation of symptoms between children and adults. In adults, for example, there is more of restlessness than hyperactivity. Adults have poor social skills and struggle to enter into meaningful relationships.

The cause of this disease has remained a mystery for a long time. A number of factors have been identified as predisposing to the condition. Genetic factors take the largest share that approaches about 76%. Next are the environmental factors whose effect may be experienced as early as the time of conception. Alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking are some of the greatest risk factors under this category. Others include chemicals such as organophosphates, lead and dialkyl sulphate.

Psychological therapy is a very important form of management. One of the most effective forms of this therapy is what is referred to as behavioural modification. The aim is to enhance positive attitudes and to improve on the self-esteem. The therapy calls for a close working relationship between the parents and the therapists. Special education is often given alongside the therapy.

An important fact on ADHD treatment NYC patients should know is that they should be in constant consultation with a qualified specialist. Such specialists will assess the situation and give the most appropriate plan. When properly managed, most patients will recover.




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