ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
GENERAL INFORMATION
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological disorder that occurs in both adults and children and originates in the early stages of life. It is characterized by a persistent pattern of impulsivity, attention deficit and hyperactivity that influences functionality.
This disorder is more common in boys than girls.
There are three subtypes:
- Inattentive Subtype: The attention deficit predominates and has an impact on academics. It is most common among women.
- Impulsive Subtype: It is characterized more by hyperactivity and impulsivity.
- Combined subtype: It is the most frequent of all and is characterized by its high impact on overall performance.
Difficulties arise in attention, executive function (ability of the brain to start an activity, organize and carry out tasks) and working memory. The core symptoms of ADHD are independent of each other. Not all people with the disorder present with the same symptoms or with the same intensity.
To be able to make an appropriate diagnosis it is important that symptoms must arise before the age of seven and remain for a minimum of six months. Symptoms must affect two or more areas of life and have a significant impact on performance.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the origin of ADHD?
Due to the complexity of ADHD, a single cause cannot be identified. However, it has been observed that the causes are mainly due to both genetic and environmental factors.
What is the prognosis?
An early diagnosis and adequate treatment makes for a favorable prognosis. A good treatment plan, applied from an early age onward, can help a child suffering with the disorder to avoid deficits in competencies in the learning processes, which can interfere with the child's maturation.
Is it inherited?
ADHD has an important genetic component. However, non-genetic and environmental biological factors also play an important role in its development and, above all, in the way it manifests itself. Although its presence in a family member is a risk factor for offspring, not all children with ADHD have a family history.
OUR TREATMENT MODEL
CADE offers a multidisciplinary treatment according to the characteristics and needs of the patient that is based on the patient´s diagnosis and an individual intervention plan.
A psychological or psychiatric disorder generally has a genetic or biological origin detonated by difficult and early or current traumatic experiences that lead the individual to become ill. Therefore, the clinical intervention in these disorders necessitates the multidisciplinary work of psychiatry, psychology, medicine, nutrition and complementary therapies. The treatment can be outpatient, inpatient or semi-inpatient based.