How to Deal With and Treat ADHD
ADHD is a condition that affects 2%-5% of children and 3%-4% of adults in the UK.
But what happens when it goes untreated?
Untreated ADHD In Children
If children with ADHD don’t undergo treatment, then they won’t be able to pay attention in class, not learn what they’re taught, and fall behind in school which can affect their future. Not only that, but they will also face problems at home, such as not playing nicely, trouble making friends outside of school and they may hurt themselves as they’ll be more impulsive. The longer their ADHD goes untreated, the more severe these symptoms will start to get. During their early teenage years, this could end up manifesting into dangerous behaviours such as drinking, smoking, and even doing drugs.
Untreated ADHD In Adults
If adults with ADHD don’t undergo treatment, then they can experience low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety as well as difficulty in relationships, job instability, and much more. Symptoms include being easily distracted, misplacing things on a regular basis, losing your temper quickly, finding it difficult to follow instructions, becoming irritable and more as well. Once again, if it goes untreated for longer, then you’re likely to experience severe symptoms. Adults with untreated ADHD will also have negative parent-children interactions, experience drug and alcohol misuse, and increase their mortality rate as a result. However, not everyone goes through all these symptoms.
Effective Treatments For ADHD
Medicinal treatments for ADHD include the following:
- methylphenidate
- lisdexamfetamine
- dexamfetamine
- atomoxetine
- guanfacine
Although not a cure, they’ll help you concentrate better, be less impulsive, feel calmer, and learn new skills which can be beneficial to your condition. Methylphenidate, for example, helps with areas that typically control your attention and behaviour. Guanfacine, on the other hand, improves your attention span and reduces blood pressure. There are, however, common side effects that come with taking these medicines. Dexamfetamine, for instance, may cause a decreased appetite, mood swings, agitation, aggression, and other side effects. By working with doctors, you can find appropriate medicine.
Getting Help For ADHD
Not only can you get medicine for your ADHD, but you can also get help for it in the form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of talking therapy that teaches you coping skills for dealing with different problems. Cognitive refers to the way we think while behavioural refers to the things we do. As someone with ADHD, it is imperative that you find solutions to your thoughts and actions as they can impact you negatively if you leave them untreated for a long time. CBT is available from all types of therapists that are near you.
Medication Management For ADHD
Finally, it is important to note that you’ll need medication management solutions as a person with ADHD since you may forget to take it. That’s why YOURmeds exists in the first place! YOURmeds is dedicated to simplifying the medication management system by implementing mobile technology that brings the family together. With one YOURmeds Switch pack, you can be notified on your mobile device when you need to take your medication. This also applies to five supporters who can be added to a plan where they’re also notified when you take your medication or not. Medication management has never been easier!
Manage Your Meds With YOURmeds Switch!
We make it easier to support your loved ones with their medications. The YOURmeds Switch will help them remember when to take the right medications at the right time – and let you know if there are any problems.