ADHD Diagnosis in London
Do you have trouble focusing? Is it affecting your daily life?
If you or a loved one have significant problems with staying focused and organised and you are prone to impulsivity, it could be a sign of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). There is a common misconception that ADHD only occurs in children. This is not the case. ADHD is diagnosed in roughly 4% of the adult population, displaying symptoms which are different to those usually present in children, 9% of whom are diagnosed with the disorder. For this reason, ADHD in adults often goes undiagnosed. Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is similar to ADHD but there is no hyperactive or impulsive element.
What is ADHD
ADHD affects your ability to concentrate on tasks which others have no difficulty tackling or are able to generate the self-discipline to complete despite not finding the task enjoyable. Adult ADHD often manifests in a chaotic lifestyle and/or living space, time management issues and trouble holding down a job and keeping on top of household responsibilities. In children, ADHD is often mistaken for simple “naughtiness” and children are punished instead of having their condition diagnosed and treated. ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood, but some people are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood. Side effects of ADHD symptoms include relationship problems, poor self-esteem, anxiety and depression.
How do I know if I have ADHD?
There is no substitute for a proper medical diagnosis, but if you or a loved one experiences any of the following, they might be signs of AHHD. Only a qualified medical professional can conduct a proper ADHD test, however.
ADHD symptoms in adults include:
- Problems with starting and finishing tasks
- Short term memory issues
- Issues with self-control
- Bad time management and organisational skills
- Fast and overexcited speech.
ADHD symptoms in children include:
- “Naughty” and attention-seeking behaviour
- Difficulty learning new things, particularly at school
- Saying exactly what they are thinking, even if it is inappropriate
- An inability to sit still
- Excessive energy.
How can I treat ADHD?
Commonly prescribed ADHD medications for both adults and children are amphetamines such as Adderall and methylphenidates such as Ritalin. It is widely accepted that talking therapies complement the use of these medications well. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy are all therapies which have been shown to work particularly well. These therapies have one thing in common which makes them ideal for treating AHHD – they are based on learning particular coping skills in a structured, disciplined way. Maintaining some kind of structure in your life is crucial to tackling ADHD and integrating properly into social situations.
[ultimate_spacer height=”30″]
