ADHD

ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder is a condition that first becomes apparent in childhood, although sometimes it may remain undiagnosed till late adolescence or adulthood. In children the symptoms are very characteristic and diagnosis can be reached easily. With progressive age, though, the symptoms show slight variations that can be attributed to changed lifestyle. For example, while children with ADHD and adults with ADHD have the same complaints of inability to pay attention for prolonged periods of time, focus on work, be distracted easily, but instead of abrupt, rude and hyperactive behavior, adults complain of restlessness, insomnia, anxiety and irritability spontaneously. In children this problem comes to the forefront more easily when a child’s grades drop or his performance in comparison to the rest of their class, or when his aggressive or out of control behavior cannot be attributed to ‘being spoilt’ anymore.

While diagnosis of ADHD may seem simple enough based on the characteristic symptoms, it takes knowledge and experience to correctly classify and diagnose ADHD and ADD. The approach to treatment depends solely on getting the right diagnosis. Dr. Koller ensures that ADHD is not being mistaken for another condition with masquerading symptoms, or to identity ADHD that is being wrongly treated as another condition. The initial evaluation takes into account clinical features, a complete comprehensive history, and neuropsychological testing which will help us give every patient the correct diagnosis, to both establish or rule out ADHD and ADD.

Treatment for patients of ADHD includes drugs that help stabilize the patient as well as improve their focus and concentration. But it’s not just medication that is needed. Dr. Koller offers Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, that helps patients analyze and gain control over their shifts at their own pace and in their ways, and ADHD specific therapy.

Facts about ADHD:

• ADHD is a biological disorder. It has one of highest genetic powers of transmission when compared to other psychiatric illnesses (i.e. schizophrenia or bipolar disorder). The genetic power of ADHD transmission is as high as human height transmission.
• A key symptom of ADHD is attention problems, not hyperactivity; some patients are not hyperactive. Other frequent complaints include lack of motivation and feelings of boredom.
• ADHD undermines performance in educational and professional areas and is often destructive to the social life and relationships of those afflicted. Studies show that people with untreated ADHD score 20 points lower of their actual IQ performance.
• 5-7% of the population suffer from ADHD which doesn’t end with childhood and persists throughout adult life. Still, ADHD is a hot topic of public debate about its very existence. ADHD is a rarely diagnosed and consequently undertreated disorder which as a bottleneck chokes personal potential if allowed to remain untreated.