MHM Magazine

Issue 4 | 2022 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | 13 MHM Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition which can have profound impacts on an individual’s emotional, social, and academic functioning. The cluster of symptoms, which we now call ADHD have been described in medical literature since as early as 1775, and affects approximately 5.9% of children and adolescents, and 2.5% of adults. Appropriate treatment of ADHD has been shown to reduce the risk of many potential adverse outcomes in individuals with ADHD, including accidental injuries, educational underachievement, substance use disorder, depression, teenage pregnancy, and suicide. Treatment options may include conservative interventions such as psychotherapy, play therapy, occupational therapy, coaching, and parenting skills training, as well as psychopharmacological treatment. Decisions regarding treatment is most often guided by the severity of the ADHD symptoms and the degree of functional impairment, as well as a parent (or adult patient’s) views on the use of psychiatric medication. Psychiatric medication, particularly in the case of ADHD, is often clouded by significant stigma and misperceptions. In practice, health professionals frequently hear concerns about potential harmful or unpleasant side- effects. Recently, the World Federation of ADHD International Consensus Statement reported findings from global randomised-control clinical trials which have found several medications to be safe and effective in the treatment of ADHD and have been shown to increase overall quality of life for individuals living with ADHD. In addition, side-effects of medication are reported to typically be mild in nature and can be managed by addressing the type of medication being prescribed or the dosage. Medication for ADHD (both stimulant and non-stimulant type medications) have been shown to be more effective than non-medical treatment, however non-medical interventions are frequently useful in conjunction with medication. As a healthcare professional, it’s essential to be aware of the possible side-effects of any medications and to be able to provide patients with an accurate indication of the risks and benefits of psychopharmacological treatment of ADHD. Commonly reported side-effects include headache, reduced appetite, nervousness, dry mouth, nausea, heart palpitations and insomnia. Literature indicates that many of the side-effects are transient, although some may persist and should be carefully monitored and addressed in instances where the disadvantages of treatment outweigh the benefits. While the potentiality for these side-effects exists, it’s prudent to weigh these against the impact of non-treatment of ADHD. Individuals with untreated ADHD are known to experience an overall lower quality of life. The impact of the core symptoms of ADHD tends to permeate all areas of By Tawni Voges, MA Psychology Operations Manager at The Goldilocks and the Bear Foundation Cape Town www.gb4adhd.co.za ADHD: TO TREAT OR NOT TO TREAT SLEEP AND APPETITE PROBLEMS VS SELF-ESTEEM ISSUES