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Many of us have heard about or met someone with ADHD, but understanding what the diagnosis actually means can be unclear. Lavendla helps you with the answers!
It is a disability and diagnosis that affects many aspects of life and leads to difficulties in areas such as study, work and relationships. The most common characteristics of ADHD are difficulty concentrating, impulsivity and hyperactivity. The cause of the diagnosis is not entirely clear, but some factors have been identified as having an impact.
One factor is heredity; often people have a parent with similar problems, but this is not necessarily the case. It has also been observed that many people with ADHD have poorer working memory, which can make it more difficult to organize things, you can miss details and forget things. There are also emotional problems and restlessness and impulsiveness.
According to Health Direct, around 1 in every 20 Australians has ADHD. While ADHD is more common in boys — it’s under diagnosed in girls and adults.
More than 3 in 4 children diagnosed with ADHD still have symptoms as an adult.
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There may also be biological causes, such as effects on dopamine and noradrenaline, and medication can sometimes help. It is important to note that ADHD is not related to intelligence. If you have a higher level of intelligence, you may have found strategies that make life easier, but you may still have ADHD.
ADHD comes in different degrees of severity: mild, moderate and severe, depending on how many problems you experience in everyday life in different areas. There are also three types of ADHD: one with only inattention problems (previously called ADD), a combined one where you have both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity problems, and a third where you only have hyperactivity/impulsivity problems. If you or someone you know experiences any of these problems, it could be ADHD.
ADHD often occurs together with other conditions such as anxiety and depression. Depression can also cause difficulties with concentration, so a thorough assessment is important. Anxiety issues are also common in ADHD, as the stress of having difficulty with organization and planning can cause symptoms. Our psychologists can help you with both assessment and treatment for other symptoms.
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Sleep problems are another indicator to be aware of. This is particularly relevant if you have children who you suspect are suffering from ADHD. It is not uncommon in neuropsychiatric disorders and can affect both school and social life. For adults, sleep problems can worsen work performance and can lead to additional stress and anxiety. Routines are important here, but treatment for sleep problems is also available.
For children, the symptoms of ADHD can in some cases be obvious, while others can go almost unnoticed, often because there are different levels of severity of ADHD. Many children show an intensity of contact and may have difficulty organizing things and keeping things in order. They may forget things and need many reminders. Relationships can also be problematic and bullying is not uncommon. Others may find you annoying because of your hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Many people experience problems with self-confidence and self-image, as the difficulties can often also show up in school work.
For many people, ADHD can become more apparent as they get older, and both demands and responsibilities increase. Especially those with milder symptoms may have done quite well in life and lived with undetected or undiagnosed symptoms for a long time. If you have had supportive parents, they may have compensated for the symptoms, which may become apparent when you leave home. Or they may have found strategies and solutions to their problems that have worked to some extent. Despite this, it may have been a major effort to cope with school and in adulthood they may have stress-related problems at work. Exhaustion is not uncommon in adults with ADHD.
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Choose a 45, 60, or 90-minute session, or a package, providing flexibility and control over the duration and intensity.
CBT is an evidence-based approach that can be adapted specifically for ADHD and is effective in managing symptoms such as inattention, planning and organization. In the treatment you will receive:
CBT can also treat related conditions such as stress, depression, anxiety and sleep problems. You can also get help with your self-esteem and confidence, which are often affected by ADHD.
As people with ADHD often struggle with impulsivity, the risk of addiction is higher. This can range from alcohol and drugs to unhealthy habits such as overconsumption. If you experience any form of addiction, it is important to seek professional help immediately.
If any of this sounds familiar, it may be time to take the plunge and talk to a professional. With us, you will find licensed psychologists and therapists who have extensive experience with ADHD and related conditions. Taking the step to seek help can be difficult, but at Lavendla we always work to make the difficult easier.
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and is a neuropsychiatric diagnosis. It is characterized by difficulty concentrating, impulsivity and hyperactivity.
No, ADHD and hyperactivity are not exactly the same. While hyperactivity is one of the symptoms that can occur, you can be diagnosed without being hyperactive.
The diagnosis is usually made through an evaluation by a psychologist and a doctor who specializes in psychiatry. This evaluation may include interviews, behavioural observations and sometimes neuropsychological tests.
Treatment can include medication and psychotherapeutic methods such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). An individualized treatment plan is important.
Yes, ADHD is present at any age. Many adults live with undetected or undiagnosed symptoms. If you suspect that you have ADHD, it is important to seek professional help. Many times the symptoms become more apparent in adulthood as demands increase.
ADHD can make it difficult to focus on work or school, and can also affect relationships. However, with the right support and tools, you can make the difficult easier and live a full life.
An ADHD assessment takes about 10-12 hours and is completed within 4-6 weeks. There are ADHD assessments for adults and ADHD assessments for children.
We offer online sessions at Lavedla for your convenience.
If you think your child may have a neuropsychiatric diagnosis, you can have a neuropsychiatric examination for children carried out by a qualified professional. Or start by talking to the staff at your child’s school to get a better understanding.
No, it is not possible to cure ADHD but it is possible to get help and support to make everyday life work better.
It is possible to have ADHD and have experienced trauma, but it is important that you get a proper assessment and treatment for your trauma symptoms as well.
ADHD is often underdiagnosed in girls and women. There are also factors such as hormones that can affect behaviour and it has been seen that self-esteem can be greatly affected in women.
If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD, you know that it can affect all aspects of life, from work to relationships. But it’s important to remember that help is available. Here we go through the steps involved in treating ADHD.
First and foremost, it is important to get an accurate diagnosis. An evaluation is usually carried out by both a psychiatrist and a psychologist who work together on the assessment.
Drug treatment may include stimulant drugs such as Ritalin, or non-stimulant drugs such as Strattera. Because each individual is unique, finding the right dose and type of medication can take time, and medication does not work for everyone.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach that can help you manage your symptoms and improve your daily life. This may include help with planning, organization and mindfulness.
Lifestyle changes can make a big difference in how you feel and your symptoms.
A good support system can do wonders for your mental health. Family, friends and support groups can give you the extra push you need.
After starting treatment, it is important to have regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider to see if adjustments need to be made.