Important Aspects On ADHD Treatment NYC Residents Should Know

By Marissa Velazquez


There are a number of options for ADHD treatment NYC residents may want to consider if they want to deal with this condition. We will try and understand a few basics about this condition and then look at the treatment. ADHD is the abbreviation for attention deficit hyperactive disorder. It is characterised by hyperactivity, inattentiveness and impulsivity as suggested by the name. The prevalence is highest in children with just a handful of adults affected.

The treatment plan should ideally include both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy options. There is a need for very close cooperation among all the players involved in the treatment process. These include, among others, parents, friends, teachers and healthcare providers. There are numerous support groups out there that one can get enrolled in. The support groups help in giving the affected person a hope and raising their self-esteem. This helps the other therapies to work even better.

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.

Non-stimulants include atomoxetine and clonidine. Guanfacine hydrochloride is a drug that was initially designed for controlling blood pressure but has also been shown to be effective. Like the stimulants, there is need to monitor closely for the presence of any adverse drug reactions and side effects. Other classes of drugs may be prescribed simultaneously to reduce the incidence of side effects. Antidepressant agents are commonly given for this season.

It has been shown through research that between 2% and 5% of adults are affected. Only half of them have had the condition since childhood. There are subtle differences between the symptoms that are seen in childhood and those that are seen in adolescence and adulthood. For instance, adults tend to be restless rather than hyperactive. They lack social skills making it difficult to start and maintaining meaningful relationships.

The exact cause of this condition is not well known but there are a number of predisposing factors. Genetic factors play a major role representing about 76% of the causes. The effect of the environment is significant right from the time of conception. Consumption of alcohol may lead to what is commonly known as fetal alcohol syndrome of which ADHD is a feature. The same pattern of symptoms is seen in smokers and persons that are exposed to chemicals such as lead, organophosphates 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.

If they wish to get individualized advice on ADHD treatment NYC residents need to see a qualified psychiatrist. These specialists will provide more options on how to handle the condition. The fortunate thing is that most patients will recover with proper management.




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