Despite it affecting a significant number of people in the world, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often very misunderstood. This behavioral disorder makes it challenging to focus and to stay on top of your daily life. For this reason, those who are suffering from ADHD must take the necessary steps to manage their condition.

To help you understand ADHD more, read on for five things you need to know about ADHD treatment in Dubai.

1. What is ADHD?
ADHD is one of the most prevalent mental disorders afflicting both children and many adults worldwide. This nuanced neurological condition has three subtypes — inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and combined.

Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD include a short attention span, hyperactivity (physical, verbal, or emotional), impulsivity, fidgeting or restlessness, disorganization, frequent mood swings, forgetfulness, inability to control anger or frustration, frequent procrastination, and distractibility.

In many cases, ADHD is first identified in school-aged children and is more common among boys than girls.

Keep in mind that while ADHD symptoms are common in young children in general, those who have ADHD will exhibit symptoms that are noticeably more prominent than expected for their age. Additionally, these symptoms may cause difficulty and challenges at home, at school, or with friends.

That being said, ADHD is also common in adults; however, many adults with ADHD do not recognize that they have the disorder. While symptoms may be slightly different in adults, the fact is that if you recognize yourself or your loved one in any of these ADHD symptoms, you must take steps to help.

2. How do you diagnose ADHD?
While scientists have not yet identified the specific causes of ADHD, some evidence demonstrates that genetics significantly contribute to it.

Researchers speculate that a gene used to create dopamine (a chemical that manages the brain's ability to sustain regular and consistent attention) is probably to blame for ADHD. This means that ADHD is not a result of bad parenting or too much time on the computer.

However, as a result of this, diagnosing ADHD can be a challenging process, as there is no one test that can conclusively reveal whether a person has ADHD. Therefore, before a professional diagnosis can happen, there are usually symptom tests and interviews, a thorough medical history, and evaluations for conditions commonly diagnosed alongside ADHD – such as anxiety, mood disorder, and OCD. You can also include EEG brain mapping as a diagnostic tool for ADHD.

While many adults still do not explore an ADHD diagnosis, studies show that the prevalence of ADHD among adults is growing faster than among children.

3. Can ADHD go away?
ADHD is chronic, which means that while symptoms may evolve over the years, they seldom completely disappear as individuals get older. For this reason, individuals must take steps to manage their ADHD as early as possible so that they have a variety of strategies to turn to when ADHD symptoms become problematic.

Unfortunately, without these coping mechanisms, ADHD symptoms can lead to job loss, relationship conflict, and substance abuse.

That being said, there still isn't enough research on how ADHD symptoms change and evolve with age, as the majority of current research has been centered on children aged 6 to 12.

Many individuals aren't diagnosed with ADHD until their teenage or adult years. This is particularly true if they have inattentive symptoms, as these are less obvious than the impulsive/hyperactive symptoms. However, even though individuals may have managed their symptoms in childhood, coping with ADHD will become more complex as they get older.

After all, as a teenager and adult, you’ll have increased requirements to maintain your attention, stay on top of your tasks, and manage yourself.

4. How does diet affect ADHD?
Diet affects all aspects of an individual's mental and physical well-being. To boost health and wellness, you and your loved ones must be nourishing your bodies with fresh ingredients while also limiting the amount of sugar, artificial colors, and processed food you consume.

For those who have ADHD, diet can help regulate it, as research demonstrates that a diet with sufficient levels of certain food groups can optimize brain function. For this reason, a nutrition plan with food for ADHD treatment should be filled with protein, vitamins, and healthy fats.

When you eat foods that are high in protein content, they help generate neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters enable brain cells to communicate with each other – something that you want to be working exceptionally well. Additionally, foods rich in protein help handle blood sugar surges which, in turn, helps to control ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and impulsivity.

To ensure you and your loved ones eat a protein-rich diet, prioritize consuming lean meat, poultry, fish, beans, soy, nuts, and other dairy products.

Additionally, consuming enough vitamins and minerals is also essential as these improve one’s attention span and alertness. To get the most variety possible, strive to include vegetables, fruits, and whole grains in every meal.

Healthy fats, such as those found in foods like avocado, seeds, nuts, and oils, can also significantly help in managing ADHD symptoms. These healthy fats maintain basic cell functioning, improve overall immunity, and enhance heart health while also ensuring that the brain can function at maximum capacity.

You don't want to be consuming foods with artificial colors and preservatives as these often trigger hyperactivity and an inability to focus. Similarly, any foods that contain potential allergens can also have adverse effects on the brain functions of individuals with ADHD.

5. What other ADHD treatment options are there?
There is no denying that ADHD is a nuanced, complicated disorder that is likely affected by multiple factors, including genetics, environment, and diet. Therefore, in addition to maintaining a well-balanced diet and developing strategies for managing symptoms, many individuals also significantly benefit from electroencephalographic (EEG) biofeedback.

EEG biofeedback is a form of neurotherapy that monitors brain waves to help you understand your brain patterns. Once neuro-experts have measured your brain patterns, you can start developing approaches for producing long-term changes. This type of neurotherapy is a promising treatment for ADHD.

Do you or a loved one suffer from ADHD? Or, are you undiagnosed but see yourself reflected in the symptoms? If so, have you tried neurotherapy? Is it something you would be interested in? Why or why not?

Let us know your thoughts and any additional remarks in the comments below!

AUTHOR BIO

Dr. Upasana Gala is the founder and CEO of Evolve Brain Training, an award-winning neurofeedback-centered institute that focuses on using non-invasive brain training techniques to maximize the brain's true potential. Earning a doctorate in Neuroscience from the revered Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Gala has spent over a decade trying to unravel the way neurochemical and neurophysiological changes in the brain affect the way we interact with the world. Her goal is to share her knowledge, encourage others to tap into and expand their brain's capabilities, and dispel any myths surrounding our most complex organ.