Update
Blog
Written by Dr. Ioannis Delipalas, Consultant Psychiatrist at The Valens Clinic, Dubai.
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. However, some people don’t get diagnosed with ADHD until they are adults. ADHD involves:
- Having trouble paying attention (inattention)
- Having trouble controlling impulsive behaviors (impulsivity)
- Being overly active (hyperactivity)
There are three types of ADHD:
- Mainly inattentive
- Mainly hyperactive
- Combined
ADHD in Childhood
ADHD typically shows up first in childhood, sometimes as early as age 3. It’s not unusual for children to be energetic, act impulsively, and have trouble focusing from time to time. But for children with ADHD, these behaviors are persistent and can be disruptive to both the child and those around them. The most common symptoms of childhood ADHD are hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. These symptoms can manifest in different ways—for example, not all children with ADHD appear hyperactive. ADHD may also look different in various settings, such as at home versus at school.
Children with ADHD in Dubai may:
- Have trouble paying attention to details, following directions, or staying focused on tasks
- Be easily distracted by their own thoughts or by things happening around them
- Seem fidgety or restless or struggle to engage in quiet activities
- Act impulsively—for example, by interrupting others often
- Hyperfocus on activities that are interesting or meaningful to them (often to the point of being unable to shift focus to something else)
These symptoms can affect a child’s relationships with their families and with other children. They can also affect a child’s performance in school and their overall well-being.
Navigating ADHD in the Teenage Years
As children with ADHD in Dubai enter adolescence, their symptoms can change. Pressure at school, relationships with peers, increasing responsibilities, and hormonal changes can all influence ADHD in new ways. Challenges with paying attention, impulsivity, and executive functioning in teenagers can result in:
- Poor time management and organizational skills
- Difficulty prioritizing tasks and completing assignments on time
- Trouble managing emotions and dealing with frustration
- Risky or impulsive behaviors (such as substance use or unprotected sex)
Like in childhood, ADHD can affect teenagers’ social relationships, self-esteem, and performance in school. Teenagers with ADHD may also experience mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
ADHD in Adults
Some adults in Dubai who have ADHD don’t know they have it. These adults may feel it is impossible to get organized, stick to a job, or remember to keep appointments. Daily tasks such as getting up in the morning, preparing to leave the house for work, arriving at work on time, and being productive on the job can be especially challenging for adults with undiagnosed ADHD in Dubai. These adults may have a history of problems with school, work, and relationships. Adults with ADHD in Dubai may seem restless and may try to do several things at the same time—most of them unsuccessfully. They sometimes prefer quick fixes rather than taking the steps needed to gain greater rewards. Unaddressed or undiagnosed ADHD may lead to clinical depression, anxiety disorder, and feelings of constant failure or substance abuse. Therefore, it is important to address any suspected ADHD symptoms with a psychiatrist at The Valens Clinic, who will be able to diagnose any possible underlying factors that may contribute to the ADHD manifestation. An ADHD screening can help determine the need for an ADHD assessment, which will lead to a clinical diagnosis.
Contact The Valens Clinic in Dubai
If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of ADHD, it is crucial to seek professional help. At The Valens Clinic in Dubai, our team of specialists is dedicated to providing comprehensive ADHD diagnosis and treatment. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards managing ADHD effectively.
About The Valens Clinic
The Valens Clinic in Dubai offers expert care in diagnosing and treating ADHD in children, teenagers, and adults. Our experienced psychiatrists and therapists use the latest techniques and therapies to help individuals manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.