Česky
ADHD(Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity disorder) is a neurodevelopmental disorder and a disease linked to brain development. It affects approximately 6 to 9 percent of the child population, with some of these patients carrying the disorder into adulthood. This is due to unrecognised illness in childhood, when the symptoms may, for example, be mistaken for the normal speech and behaviour of a more lively child. "If the disease is not correctly diagnosed in childhood, the adult patient may have problems concentrating, become bored with uninteresting tasks, procrastinate, have problems with punctuality and time management, and be impulsive. This naturally leads to various work and relationship problems where the person appears unreliable. Hyperactivity in adulthood can manifest itself in risky behaviour, hypersexuality, but also in tendencies to various types of addictions and so on," says Tereza Petrásková, MD, a psychiatrist at the Centre for Mental Rehabilitation in Beroun, who works with adult ADHD patients. She also adds that this disease is conditioned by dysregulation of neurotransmitter systems in the brain and can lead to the development of other psychiatric disorders or be comorbid(occurring together with other psychiatric diseases, editor's note).
Emotional dysregulation, which is low frustration tolerance, impatience and explosiveness, may also be present. "All of these symptoms have an overall negative effect on the functioning of the individual and fundamentally affect his or her self-esteem, where various setbacks and failures can make him or her feel incapable. Of course, the patient's surroundings also perceive this and often reinforce these feelings," adds the head of the psychological team at the Centre for Mental Rehabilitation, Mgr. Veronika Lechovská.
Diagnosis should always be comprehensive, in some cases during hospitalization
Diagnosing ADHD is not always so easy, as its symptoms can be confused with other psychological disorders. These are typically anxiety, depressive episode, addictions or personality disorders. It is therefore very important to take a detailed history, ideally interviewing a family member who can describe the patient's childhood, adolescence and current condition. A psychiatrist or clinical psychologist will also carry out a clinical assessment using specialised questionnaires and tests. Other psychiatric and somatic illnesses must also be ruled out, and brain imaging such as magnetic resonance imaging or electroencephalography may be added.
In some cases, however, it is appropriate to make the diagnosis of ADHD while the patient is in hospital. "An integral part of a successful diagnosis is observation and overall clinical impression of the client. This is one of the reasons why diagnosis during hospitalization can be more comprehensive and accurate. In addition, we can spread the examination over several days, saving the energy of the client, who may have problems maintaining attention and fatigue for long periods of time. Sometimes it is also difficult to complete the examination on an outpatient basis because the client, for example, forgets the appointment, arrives at a different time, elsewhere, etc. During the hospitalization, we also offer clients accompanying education, regimen measures, or we are available to answer various questions that may arise during the examination," explains psychologist Lechovská.
Effective treatment exists, the role of the family is important
Once the patient has been diagnosed with ADHD, effective treatment can begin
and alleviate the symptoms of the illness. Medications called stimulants, atomoxetine in some cases, and antidepressants have proven effectiveness. "Along with medication, psychotherapy and setting up appropriate regimens should go hand in hand. We must also not forget to thoroughly educate both the patient and his family. It is the family's approach to the patient that is absolutely crucial and plays a key role in the treatment. If we want to help our loved ones, let us take their difficulties seriously and not make light of them. We can also help by supporting the person both emotionally and practically. For example, in the area of planning and the various steps that lead to fixing the regime. Last but not least, we must also think of ourselves. Helping anyone can never be effective unless we ourselves have the resources to fall back on. We can use the activities that make us feel good, think about the rules of good living, and thus be an inspiration to the person with ADHD. But there is certainly no shame in deciding to seek help from a psychotherapist or care professional ourselves," says Dr Petrásková.
Living with ADHD has its positives
Her colleague Veronika Lechovská mentions an interesting and lesser-known fact, namely that living with ADHD can have its positives: "The motto that everything bad is good for something applies here too. It turns out that in some situations ADHD can even be an advantage. Typically, this includes using impulsivity to make decisions more efficiently and quickly, the art of multitasking, being unconventional and innovative with ideas, daring to take risks, and also being able to adapt more quickly to new situations or changes." In addition to these benefits, it is also what is known as hyperfocus, where a person becomes passionate about an activity they enjoy and can fully focus and direct intense effort towards it. This state can be associated not only with cultivating various interests, but perhaps also with job performance. So if comprehensive treatment is set up correctly and the client begins to be more in touch with their ADHD, even a weakness can become a strength.
A professional symposium will focus on ADHD
On Friday, March 28, to celebrate the opening of the new inpatient program at the Center for Mental Rehabilitation, a symposium will be held that will focus specifically on the diagnosis, treatment and education of ADHD in adolescent and adult patients. The day-long program will be divided into two lecture blocks and, in addition to the opportunity to listen to Czech experts on attention disorders, will offer a detailed presentation of the upcoming program and a tour of the newly opened Mental Rehabilitation Center.
Among the speakers will be prof. MUDr. Ján Praško PhD, prof. MUDr. Pavel Mohr PhD, Doc. Michal Goetz Ph.D, Mgr. Veronika Lechovská and others. The conference is sponsored by MUDr. Tereza Petrásková Ph.D.
You can register for the conference HERE.
