Embedded Files
Now offering initial ADHD evaluations for $1! (a $150 value!)
Onyx - ADHD Treatment. Simplified!
ADHD Explained
What is ADHD? Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These behaviors often interfere with daily functioning and development (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Symptoms of ADHD can be divided into two major groups:
Inattention: This may manifest as difficulty in sustaining attention in tasks, frequent careless mistakes, difficulty organizing tasks and activities, or frequently losing items necessary for tasks.
Hyperactivity-Impulsivity: This includes symptoms like excessive fidgeting or tapping, difficulty remaining seated, rushing through tasks, or interrupting others during conversation (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Evidence-Based Treatments
There are a variety of evidence-based treatments available for ADHD. The most common ones include behavioral therapy and medications. Stimulant medications, in particular, have been consistently shown to be the most effective treatment for ADHD symptoms in adults (Faraone & Glatt, 2010).
Effectiveness of Stimulants for Adult ADHD
Stimulants are the most widely researched and prescribed treatments for ADHD. For many adults with ADHD, stimulant medications reduce symptoms and improve functioning (Kooij et al., 2010). These medications work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, primarily dopamine and norepinephrine, which play essential roles in thinking and attention.
Studies have found that approximately 70-80% of adults with ADHD had reduced symptoms when taking these medications (Spencer et al., 2005). Moreover, long-term use of these medications in adults has been shown to be safe, provided that they are taken as prescribed and monitored regularly (Biederman et al., 2006).
However, like all medications, stimulants can have side effects. Common ones include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and insomnia. It's crucial for individuals to discuss potential risks and benefits with their healthcare provider (Kooij et al., 2010).
Bias, Stereotypes, and Barriers
People with ADHD often face stigma, with misconceptions about their condition being a result of laziness or lack of willpower. Such stereotypes can lead to feelings of shame or inadequacy in individuals with ADHD. Furthermore, many adults with ADHD remain undiagnosed because ADHD was historically seen as a childhood disorder, thus creating a barrier to appropriate treatment (Asherson et al., 2016).
The Onyx Difference
At Onyx, our approach to ADHD is comprehensive. We understand the unique challenges faced by adults with ADHD and provide a combination of medication management, continuous support, care calls, and a monthly support group to holistically address their needs.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Asherson, P., Buitelaar, J., Faraone, S. V., & Rohde, L. A. (2016). Adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: key conceptual issues. The Lancet Psychiatry, 3(6), 568-578.
Biederman, J., Mick, E., & Faraone, S. V. (2006). Age-dependent decline of symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Impact of remission definition and symptom type. American Journal of Psychiatry, 163(4), 716-723.
Faraone, S. V., & Glatt, S. J. (2010). A comparison of the efficacy of medications for adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder using meta-analysis of effect sizes. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 71(6), 754-763.
Kooij, S. J., Bejerot, S., Blackwell, A., Caci, H., Casas-Brugué, M., Carpentier, P. J., ... & Fitzgerald, M. (2010). European consensus statement on diagnosis and treatment of adult ADHD: The European Network Adult ADHD. BMC psychiatry, 10(1), 67.
Spencer, T., Biederman, J., & Mick, E. (2005). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis, lifespan, comorbidities, and neurobiology. Ambulatory Pediatrics, 5(5), 293-302.
Report abuse