Health

Many adults live with ADHD. You are one of them?

Published

2 years ago

June 10, 2022

mcrgy

Many adults live with ADHD. You are one of them?

Many adults live with ADHD. You are one of them? What you should know about this little-understood disorder.

In English | Neil Swanson says that his wife, to whom he has been married for 52 years, always wanted to understand why a man like him, who seemed so intelligent, had such a hard time keeping track of time and getting organized.

Swanson, 79, says that when the couple, from Warrenton, Virginia, were raising their twin sons, his wife “wasn’t sure she felt comfortable leaving them with me. She thought that she would forget that they were there. That she would distract me or focus too much on something else.”

He was always changing jobs: minister, counselor, building contractor, and building consultant. Having no stability, the family was in debt and he blamed himself. “I thought my inability to function might be due to my own lack of self-discipline,” he explains.

How to get help

To find support and more information about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, visit the National ADHD Resource Center, a program for Children and Adults with ADHD, a nonprofit organization.

Finally, about 17 years ago, Swanson received a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. “It was quite a revelation,” he says.

What is ADHD?

In the 1960s, children who seemed unable to control their behavior were said to have “hyperkinetic impulse disorder,” a diagnosis that in 1968 received official recognition from the American Psychiatric Association. In the 1980s, it was renamed ADHD, and it is now one of the most commonly diagnosed childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. Symptoms can include attention difficulties, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Some people may have one or more symptoms, and ADHD is sometimes characterized by a more specific diagnosis of three subtypes: predominantly impulsive and hyperactive, predominantly inattentive and distractible (which used to be described as ADD, but no longer), or combined type.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 6.1 million children have been diagnosed with ADHD, a percentage of diagnoses that has increased since 1997, the first year the now-annual national survey was conducted. Experts don’t know if the numbers are rising because more kids have ADHD or because doctors are more likely to spot it. There is no clear cause, but it tends to run in families. Risk factors for the disorder also include low birth weight, brain damage, exposure to environmental toxins (such as lead), and maternal use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy.

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About 70% of people who receive this diagnosis in childhood continue to have symptoms in adulthood, but the disorder does not appear spontaneously for the first time in adulthood, according to Mary Rooney, head of the Child and Adolescent Psychosocial Interventions Research Program. Research Center for Psychosocial Interventions for Children and Adolescents) at the National Institute of Mental Health, in Bethesda, Maryland. “In adulthood, ADHD just doesn’t show up without hints of having had a hard time in childhood,” she explains.

Gender differences

About 13% of boys are diagnosed with ADHD, compared to 5.6% of girls, according to the National Survey of Children’s Health from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). It’s a gender difference comparable to other neurodevelopmental disorders, explains Stephen Hinshaw, professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, and professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of California, San Francisco. “Language, social skills, and self-control also evolve more slowly in boys than in girls,” he observes.

And they often have other symptoms, too, Rooney says. “Boys tend to exhibit more of the disorder’s hyperactive-impulsive symptoms than girls, who often exhibit primarily inattentive symptoms.”

That’s why women of all ages are often under-diagnosed, warns Hinshaw, one of the leading researchers on ADHD in girls. He explains that “it’s not as noticeable because girls are less likely than boys with ADHD to be rebellious, antagonistic and short-tempered.”

ADHD in adulthood

It is not known for sure how many adults have ADHD. Estimates vary from about 1 to more than 4%. Hinshaw explains that many may not know they have the disorder because they were never diagnosed in childhood, especially older adults who grew up before the disorder was known. “Many were not diagnosed – they were considered to have a learning disability or were just [advised] to have excessive anxiety.”

Many adults with ADHD lead happy and productive lives, including some great thinkers and famous people; Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill, John Lennon, and Henry Winkler, to name a few. However, sometimes the disorder can interfere with daily life.

Although the hyperactivity symptoms of ADHD usually decrease with age, the symptoms of inattention often continue or worsen over time. Impulsivity also often continues into adulthood and sometimes manifests as risky behavior, Rooney warns. For example, the rate of car accidents among adults diagnosed with ADHD is 1.45 times higher than among those without, according to an August 2020 study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.

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Plus, of course, the consequences of core ADHD symptoms are intensified in adulthood, Hinshaw says. With the increasing need to demonstrate self-control at work and in personal relationships, ADHD symptoms can lead to work and interpersonal problems, as well as sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression.

That’s why it’s so important to recognize ADHD in adults and help them find treatment when needed, says Jyoti Bhagia, a consultant in the department of psychiatry at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. “The disorder is treatable, and treatment helps people build self-esteem, form better relationships, and be more effective at work.”

Diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in adults

To get the right help for the disorder, you must first get the correct diagnosis, Rooney says. Do not leave it in the hands of your primary care doctor. Look for specialists like psychologists and psychiatrists, who are better equipped to explore the diagnosis in adults. They’ll ask you retrospectively about your childhood symptoms and problems and do a full evaluation to rule out psychiatric disorders or other neurological disorders that have similar symptoms, such as mild cognitive impairment, anxiety, or depression.

The most common treatment is medication, Bhagia says. Stimulants like Adderall, Concerta, and Dexedrine can relieve symptoms and improve your ability to focus, she explains. However, they can also have cardiac repercussions, such as increased blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety, so patients need extreme vigilance.

Antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) and bupropion (Wellbutrin) are also commonly prescribed for ADHD.

If you can’t or don’t want to take medication, cognitive behavioral therapy with a specialized therapist or guidance from an occupational therapist can help you learn strategies to handle problems like organizing, planning, and forgetting.

Once adults receive an ADHD diagnosis, they often feel a sense of relief. Swanson says that in his case it was like that and that he now feels calm when delegating tasks that are difficult for him and concentrating on his virtues. He, too, finally found a new “enjoyable and rewarding role” as a counselor to people and members of the clergy with ADHD. He helps other people with this disorder discover their strengths and adapt their work situation to better use those strengths so they can “contribute their talents to the world.”

“I really enjoy helping others,” he says.

Health

Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Texas

Published

1 year ago

April 4, 2023

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Drug and alcohol addictions can have a significant impact on a person’s life, causing physical, emotional, and mental health problems. Fortunately, Texas has a number of rehabilitation centers that can help people struggling with addiction recover and rebuild their lives. This article discusses what it takes to recover from drug and alcohol rehab in Texas and highlights some of the best drug rehab centers in the state.

What is Drug and Alcohol Rehab?

Drug and alcohol rehabilitation is a treatment program that helps individuals struggling with drug addiction overcome their dependence on drugs or alcohol. Rehabilitation centers typically offer a variety of services, including drug rehabilitation, individual and group therapy, and medication-assisted therapy (MAT). The goals of rehabilitation are to help individuals sober up, develop coping skills to sustain long-term recovery, and improve overall health and well-being.

Types of drug and alcohol rehabilitation

There are several types of drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs:

Inpatient Rehabilitation – Also called inpatient rehabilitation, inpatient rehabilitation is a type of treatment in which individuals stay in a rehabilitation center for an extended period of time (usually 30 to 90 days). Inpatient rehabilitation provides a structured and supportive environment that allows individuals to focus on their recovery without interruptions.
Outpatient Rehabilitation – Outpatient rehabilitation allows an individual to receive treatment in their home. Outpatient programs usually involve attending therapy sessions and conferences several times a week. Outpatient rehabilitation is ideal for people with mild to moderate poisoning or who are unable to work or attend school.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) – PHP is a rehabilitation service that provides intensive care while an individual lives at home. A PHP program typically consists of attending therapy sessions and conferences for a few hours each day, five days a week.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) – An IOP is a rehabilitation service that provides intensive care while allowing an individual to live at home. An IOP plan usually involves attending therapy sessions and conferences several times a week for several hours each day.

Best Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers in Texas

La Hacienda Treatment Center – La Hacienda Treatment Center is a residential rehabilitation center located in Hunter, Texas. The center offers a variety of services including drug rehabilitation, individual and group therapy, and MAT. La Hacienda has a highly trained team of addiction specialists who provide individualized treatment for each patient.
The Right Step – The Right Step is a statewide network of outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation centers. The center offers a range of services including drug rehabilitation, individual and group therapy, and aftercare support. The Right Step has a comprehensive approach to drug addiction treatment that covers physical, emotional and spiritual recovery.
Burning Tree – Burning Tree is a residential rehabilitation center located in Kaufman, Texas. This center specializes in helping individuals with chronic relapsing problems achieve long-term recovery. Burning Tree offers a highly structured and supportive environment, including individual therapy, group therapy, and 12-step sessions.
Summer Sky Healing Center – Summer Sky Healing Center is a residential rehabilitation center located in Stephenville, Texas. The center offers a variety of services including drug rehabilitation, individual and group therapy, and aftercare support. Summer Sky has a highly trained team of addiction specialists who provide individualized treatment for each patient.
Cenikor Foundation – The Cenikor Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides a range of services including inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, drug rehabilitation and aftercare support. Located in Texas and Louisiana, these centers provide evidence-based treatment that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of addiction.

Conclusion

In conclusion, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers in Texas offer a variety of services to help individuals struggling with addiction overcome dependence and achieve long-term recovery. At Texas’ premier rehabilitation centers, individuals can receive personalized treatment and support to rebuild their lives.

Health

The Unexpected Impact of Breast Cancer: Dealing with the Psychological Aftermath

Published

1 year ago

February 9, 2023

mcrgy

When diagnosed with breast cancer, patients experience a wide range of psychological challenges. During this time, it is important for health care providers to be sensitive and compassionate to the patient’s needs.

Psychologists can help breast cancer survivors overcome the emotional and mental impact of their diagnosis. In addition, they can use their knowledge of mind-body interactions to improve physical recovery.

Depression

Depression is a common comorbidity among breast cancer patients, which may result in a decreased quality of life and affect treatment outcomes. It is important to provide proper assessment and treatment for depression at the time of BC diagnosis, during the treatment journey, and monitoring after treatment completion.

Licensed psychologists and other mental health professionals can help women cope with the physical, emotional, and medical changes associated with breast cancer and medical treatments that can be distressing. They can also help women learn to control stress, anxiety, and depression so they are less likely to experience symptoms of these disorders in the future.

Depression is a serious mental illness that can affect a person’s ability to work, sleep, think and feel. It can also cause hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there) and delusions (false beliefs that are not shared by others).

Anxiety

Despite advances in early detection and treatment, breast cancer remains a stressful experience. This stress can cause a number of psychological issues including depression and anxiety.

Anxiety is a common problem that many people experience at some point in their lives. It can be chronic and cause trouble with work, relationships, and daily activities.

Risk factors for anxiety include personality traits, a history of mental health problems, and other medical conditions. These can include heart, lung, or thyroid diseases that can trigger feelings of anxiety.

Life events that can raise your anxiety include trauma, loss, and a severe illness or health condition. Substance abuse can also make you more prone to anxiety.

Anxiety disorders can be treated with medication and psychotherapy. These treatments can help you learn to recognize and change thoughts that are making you anxious. They can also teach you ways to cope with stressful situations. The goal of these treatments is to restore calm so you can feel more in control of your life.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

After a traumatic event, it’s normal to experience stress symptoms for a while. These may include anxiety, irritability and trouble sleeping. However, for some people these symptoms continue longer than a few months and can develop into PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).

Women are more likely to have PTSD after experiencing trauma like military combat or sexual assault than men. This is because women often have a more intense reaction to certain types of trauma than men.

PTSD is caused by a traumatic event and can happen to anyone, at any age. But it can also be caused by things you do or say after the traumatic event, for example when you think about what happened or if you find it hard to relax.

PTSD is a long-lasting mental health condition that can be treated with talking therapy and medication. Medication such as venlafaxine and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help reduce some of the core symptoms, including nightmares and irritability.

Grief

Grief is a common emotional response to loss. It is often experienced after the death of someone, but grief can also be experienced when a person loses their relationship, job, pet, health, way of life or treasured possessions.

People may have a hard time dealing with their feelings, and they often feel confused or overwhelmed. These feelings may last for weeks, months or even years.

Researchers have developed a model of grief that is based on 5 stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. While many people do move through these stages, it is important to remember that everyone’s experiences of grief are different.

Some women who have been diagnosed with cancer feel sad, upset or angry about their condition. It is a natural reaction to the changes that the disease has caused in their lives, and it can be very difficult to manage.

Health

Breastfeeding and Milk Production: Understanding the Relationship and Increasing Supply

Published

1 year ago

January 27, 2023

mcrgy

Breastfeeding is an incredible experience that offers numerous benefits for both the mother and the baby. Not only does it provide optimal nutrition for infants, but it also promotes bonding and offers health benefits for mothers. However, one of the mothers’ most common concerns is whether they produce enough milk for their babies. This article will explore the relationship between breastfeeding and milk production and provide tips on increasing your milk supply.

Understanding the Relationship between Breastfeeding and Milk Production

Breast milk is produced in response to demand. Therefore, the more a baby feeds, the more milk the mother produces. This is because the baby’s suckling stimulates the release of prolactin, a hormone that signals the body to produce more milk. Additionally, the more milk removed from the breast, the more the body produces. This means that frequent and effective feedings are crucial for maintaining milk production.

Factors That Affect Milk Production

While demand is the primary factor influencing milk production, other factors can also affect it. These include:

Poor Latch

A poor latch can make it difficult for the baby to extract milk effectively from the breast, which can lead to decreased milk production. It can also cause nipple pain and discomfort for the mother. To ensure a proper latch, make sure your baby’s mouth is wide open, their lips are flanged outwards, and their chin is pressed into the breast.

Infrequent Feedings

Infrequent feedings signal the body that less milk is needed, decreasing milk production. In the early weeks, newborns may need to feed as often as 8-12 times per day, and as they grow, the frequency may decrease to 6-8 times per day.

Supplementation with Formula

Supplementing with formula can reduce the demand for breast milk, which can result in decreased milk production. If supplementation is necessary, it’s important to work with a healthcare professional to develop a plan that supports both breastfeeding and the baby’s nutritional needs.

Dehydration

Dehydration can affect milk production, as breast milk is mostly made up of water. To ensure adequate hydration, drink water and other fluids throughout the day, and try to limit your caffeine and alcohol intake.

Stress

Stress can interfere with the release of hormones that are involved in milk production. Therefore, taking care of yourself and managing stress through self-care, relaxation techniques, and seeking support when needed is important.

Tips for Increasing Milk Production

Breastfeed on Demand

Breastfeeding on demand, or whenever your baby shows signs of hunger, can help increase milk production. Trust your baby’s cues and feed them whenever they need to.

Switch Sides during Feedings

Switching sides during feedings can help ensure that both breasts are being stimulated and producing milk. It can also help prevent sore nipples and clogged milk ducts. Aim to switch sides every 10-15 minutes during each feeding.

Massage Your Breasts

Gently massaging your breasts before and during feedings can help stimulate milk production. For example, use your fingers to massage in a circular motion toward the nipple. You can also use a warm compress or shower before feedings to help increase blood flow to the breasts.

Seek Support

Breastfeeding can be challenging, especially in the early weeks. Seek support from a lactation consultant, a breastfeeding support group, or a trusted friend or family member with breastfeeding experience. They can offer tips and encouragement to help you through any challenges.

Don’t Stress

Stress can negatively affect milk production, so stay calm and relaxed while breastfeeding. Take deep breaths and focus on your baby’s cues and the bond you

are forming through breastfeeding. Remember that breastfeeding is a learning experience for you and your baby, and establishing a good milk supply takes time and practice.

Consider Galactagogues

Galactagogues are substances that are believed to help increase milk production. Some examples include fenugreek, blessed thistle, and fennel. However, it’s important to seek help from a healthcare professional before taking supplements or herbal remedies, as they may not be safe or effective for everyone.

Pumping

Pumping can help increase milk production by providing additional stimulation to the breasts. It can also help you build up a supply of breast milk for times when you’re unable to breastfeed directly. Aim to pump after feedings, and gradually increase the length of your pumping sessions over time.

Take Care of Yourself

Taking care of yourself is crucial for maintaining a good milk supply. Ensure you eat a well-balanced diet, get enough rest, and stay hydrated. In addition, consider taking a prenatal vitamin or a supplement that contains iron and other nutrients that support milk production.

Final Thoughts

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural process providing numerous benefits for mothers and babies. While concerns about milk supply are common, it’s important to remember that milk production is a dynamic process influenced by many factors. Following these tips and seeking support can increase your milk supply and help you enjoy a positive and fulfilling breastfeeding experience.