ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

is a neurodevelopmental condition impacting individuals across various age groups. It is

identified by enduring tendencies towards inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, which can
disrupt daily activities and personal growth.
Lacking Neurotransmitter:
Dopamine
- Dopamine influences specific brain regions, generating sensations of pleasure,
contentment, and drive. Additionally, it plays a part in regulating memory,
mood, sleep, learning, concentration, movement, and various bodily functions.
But research also indicates a potential role of serotonin.
(Serotonin functions as a neurotransmitter, transmitting messages between nerve cells in the
brain and the body. It is integral to various bodily processes, including mood regulation, sleep,
digestion, nausea, wound healing, bone health, blood clotting, and desire.)
Management:
 Behavioral Interventions: incorporates methods like time management, token
systems, and reinforcement, can assist people with ADHD in improving their
coping skills and self-control.
 Counseling or Psychotherapy: Family therapy or individual counseling can help
with emotional support as well as related problems like depression, anxiety, or
poor self-esteem.
 Medication: To treat the symptoms of ADHD, doctors frequently prescribe both
stimulant drugs (such methylphenidate and amphetamine) and non-stimulant
drugs (like atomoxetine and guanfacine). A healthcare provider should prescribe
and oversee the use of medication.
 Exercise and Healthy Lifestyle: A balanced diet and regular exercise can help
reduce the symptoms of ADHD. It has been demonstrated that exercise enhances
mood, attentiveness, and general cognitive performance.
 Support Groups: Getting involved in therapy groups or support groups with
people who are going through similar things helps foster understanding and a
sense of community.
Clinical and Diagnostic Test:
 Clinical Interviews
 Behavioral Observations
 Rating Scales and Checklists
  Psychological Testing
 Medical and Neurological Examination
 Diagnostic Criteria
Pharmacology:
1. Stimulant Medications:
 Methylphenidate: Examples include Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate, and Daytrana (a patch
formulation).
 Amphetamine-Based Medications: Examples include Adderall, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse.
It is thought that stimulant drugs function by raising brain levels of neurotransmitters like
norepinephrine and dopamine, which enhance focus and impulse control. These drugs are
frequently regarded as the initial line of treatment for ADHD.
2. Non-Stimulant Medications:
 Atomoxetine (Strattera): This non-stimulant is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and
is often prescribed when stimulant medications are not well-tolerated or are not
effective.
 Guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay): These are alpha-2 adrenergic agonists and
are sometimes used to address hyperactivity and impulsivity.
When there is a history of substance addiction or in people who cannot handle stimulant
treatments, non-stimulant medications may be preferable.

NCP
Assessment: “I want to go home; I don’t like it in here anymore and everything is stressing me
out. I’m better at home where I feel safe.” Verbalized by the patient.
-restless and emotional – often wakes up in the middle of the night or during naps.

Diagnosis: Disturbed Sleep Pattern related to hyperactivity and difficulty winding down, as
evidenced by difficulty initiating and maintaining sleep.

Planning: The patient will achieve improved sleep quality, raise comfort levels, and report
feeling more rested upon waking.
Implementation:
# Establish Bedtime Routine: Assist the patient in creating and implementing a calming
bedtime routine tailored to their preferences.
# Teach Sleep Hygiene Practices: Educate the patient on the importance of consistent sleep
schedules, comfortable sleep environments, and avoiding stimulants before bedtime.
# Introduce Relaxation Techniques: Teach and encourage the patient to practice relaxation
techniques like deep breathing or guided imagery as part of their nightly routine.
# Promote Consistent Sleep Schedule: Collaborate with the patient to establish and maintain a
regular sleep-wake cycle for improved sleep patterns.
# Monitor Progress: Use a sleep diary to track the patient's sleep patterns. Regularly assess
progress and communicate with the healthcare team.

Evaluation:
# A bedtime routine was made and chosen to fit patients’ needs and specifications.
# Patient verbalized the importance of hygiene in connection to sleep.
# Deep breathing exercises were taught and practiced.
# Allocated specific time of the day for naps and for sleeping.
# Recorded and documented the day’s daily activity.
Thus goal met……