ADHD
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At PCP – The Perry Clayman Project, individuals can heal from a combination of challenges that they are facing, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a mental health disorder that significantly impacts a person’s ability to function well. It disrupts their work life, making it difficult to get work done effectively. However, it also creates challenges in relationships, which results in difficulties both at work and at home. In addition, ADHD can lead individuals to see ways to self-medicate through substances and behaviours, resulting in addiction. This combination makes it difficult for individuals to heal.
About 11% of children ages 4-17 years old are diagnosed with ADHD. Of the children who are diagnosed in childhood, about one-third of them maintain their diagnosis into adulthood. In terms of those diagnosed, men tend to be diagnosed at a higher rate than women.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD
Individuals with ADHD struggle with a combination of symptoms that often make it difficult to function. These include patterns of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Each individual will struggle with each pattern in a unique way. Many people struggle mainly with inattention, while others have more impulsive or hyperactive symptoms. However, individuals can also have some of each.
It is common for many people to experience moments of impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity. However, individuals with ADHD have consistent symptoms that are severe and cause disruptions in their ability to function.
Inattention
The symptom of inattention is marked by an individual’s lack of focus. As a result, individuals struggle to stay on task and complete projects. These issues are not due to a person purposefully putting off tasks. Instead, they are a direct result of their challenges with ADHD.
Impulsivity
Individuals with ADHD also tend towards impulsivity. This means that they act before they think or have difficulty with self-control. Impulsivity is also defined as actions that a person takes in order to have instant gratification rather than working for something that will occur farther off in the future. Behaviours that are impulsive include interrupting others or making quick decisions without taking the long-term effects of their choices into account.
Hyperactivity
Restlessness, or hyperactivity, is a trait commonly found in individuals with ADHD. Hyperactive behaviours often include fidgeting, tapping a finger or foot, pacing, or excessive talking. These behaviours are consistent and are found in situations when they are not appropriate, such as a meeting or intense conversation.
Development of ADHD
The cause of ADHD is unknown and is still being researched today. However, certain risk factors make it more likely that an individual will develop ADHD. Similar to many other mental health challenges, it is a combination of genetics and environment that play a role in its development.
Genetics likely play an important role in the development of ADHD. Therefore, individuals with a family history are more likely to struggle. However, the specific genes involved have not yet been identified. Environment is also an important component. It is believed that brain injuries, nutrition, and social environments may all be a part of the puzzle.
Commonly, many individuals with ADHD also develop other challenges. This includes other mental health issues such as anxiety disorders or depression. However, many also reach for substances as a way to dull symptoms, resulting in addiction and substance use disorder (SUD).
Treatment for ADHD
Getting treatment for ADHD can make a significant difference in a person’s life. Every individual’s treatment is unique. However, effective care often includes medication and psychotherapy. Both stimulant and non-stimulant options can help individuals to manage symptoms. Stimulants help the brain by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine, both of which are important in focus and thinking. Non-stimulant options can also have positive results, although they tend to take longer for individuals to see results.
Along with medication, behavioural changes are also helpful in the treatment of ADHD. Psychotherapy, of varying types, helps individuals cope with symptoms and improve their ability to function daily. During psychotherapy, individuals dig into the patterns that exist in their lives. They look at their own behaviours and how they impact themselves, others, and their functionality.
Psychotherapy for ADHD can help decrease symptoms. However, the primary aim is symptom management. It gives individuals the tools to deal with their symptoms when they arise in a healthy and productive manner.
Healing at PCP – The Perry Clayman Project
At PCP – The Perry Clayman Project, we offer treatment that addresses the deep roots of an individual’s challenges. For individuals with ADHD, we offer psychotherapy, medication management, and support that help them to make significant changes in their behaviours. We understand that every person’s experience of ADHD and its treatment is unique. Therefore, we design a programme specific for each individual in order to ensure that they get the assistance and support they need.
In addition, we offer addiction treatment. Our addiction treatment programmes include detox and addiction treatment. Detox helps facilitate the beginning of the healing process, while addiction treatment helps individuals address their challenges with substances or certain behaviours such as gambling. We understand that addiction treatment and mental health treatment cannot be separate, as they often go hand in hand. Therefore, individuals are assisted on their path to healing from both.
It is common for individuals with ADHD and addiction to struggle in their daily lives, which is why at PCP – The Perry Clayman Project, we offer treatment for both. To learn more about our treatment programmes, call us today at 08000 380 480.