Diagnosis: ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
What to know about this topic
ADHD: Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorderis a chronic neurological condition characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. ADHD may begin in childhood and persist into adulthood.
Main Causes of ADHD
- Heredity - if there are people in the family with ADHD, the child may also develop this disorder.
- Features of brain function - ADHD can occur due to disturbances in the functioning of substances responsible for attention and self-control.
- Severe stress or a difficult childhood - constant stress, trauma, or a strict upbringing may influence the onset of symptoms.
Main symptoms of ADHD
- Symptoms can occur individually or in combination:
- Inattentiveness: difficulty concentrating on tasks, frequent careless mistakes.
- Hyperactivity: constant mobility, inability to sit still.
- Impulsivity: tendency to make decisions without first thinking, interrupting others during conversations.
Diagnostics of ADHD
It is important that the diagnosis is carried out by a qualified specialist, since the symptoms of ADHD are similar to the symptoms of other mental disorders (depression, behavioral disorders, bipolar disorder, etc.).
The gold standard for identifying ADHD in patients is testing using the international clinical psychodiagnostic technique CAARS.
CAARS (Conners' Adult The ADHD Rating Scalesis a standardized test that helps assess symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults. The most important thing is that it helps to create an effective correction or therapy program. The test allows the doctor to clarify the duration and severity of the disorder, as well as determine its effect on the functioning of the patient’s body.
To make an accurate diagnosis, doctors of the first private office of psychiatry and psychotherapy, Dr. Zhyvago offers packages that include tests to identify not only ADHD, but also disorders with similar symptoms. Based on the diagnostic results, doctors provide recommendations for further steps of correction or treatment in both adults and children.
SPECIAL OFFER
“Thorough diagnosis” (test + consultation with a psychiatrist) - 6700 UAH instead of ~~7300 UAH~~.
How to treat ADHD?
Unfortunately, ADHD cannot be cured completely, but its symptoms can be significantly alleviated with the help of the right therapy:
Drug therapy: the use of drugs to improve concentration and reduce hyperactivity.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy: the development of self-control and the ability to manage emotions.
Behavioral interventions: establishing clear rules to encourage desired behavior.
Our specialists
Kristina Zhivago
Ph.D. Sciences (PhD MD), psychiatrist, adolescent psychiatrist, psychotherapist.
Member of the ADHD research association Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance.
Associate Professor of the Department of Medical Psychology, MAUP.
Work experience over 12 years. Conducts more than 1,300 consultations annually.
Uses treatment protocols studied in Canada and undergoes supervision in the USA and Great Britain. Author of about 40 scientific articles.
Alexandra Radzevilova
Psychologist, candidate of psychological sciences, specializing in medical psychology.
Specializes in the diagnosis of complex comorbid conditions.
Expert in the differential diagnosis of ADHD in adults and children, personality disorders (including using the MMPI), psychotic disorders.
Experience in psychodiagnostics in the psychiatric field - 12 years.
Expert opinion
“Treatment of ADHD requires an integrated approach. Regular check-ups are important for everyone who has this disorder, regardless of age. Most people with ADHD live a full life if they follow the recommendations of qualified doctors” - Kristina Zhivago, candidate of medical sciences, psychiatrist of the highest category.