Our approach to treating ADHD in children and adolescents:

Getting a diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in treatment so that you can identify the symptoms that are most problematic. According to the recommendations made by England’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, we think psychoeducation should always be one of the methods used to treat ADHD symptoms, regardless of how severe they are (NICE). To help you and your kid better understand and manage the symptoms of your child’s specific type of ADHD, your psychiatrist may conduct psychoeducation sessions with you and your child. When determining how best to support you given the particular circumstances surrounding your child, your psychiatrist will also take into account all environmental aspects. Additionally, we advocate combining parenting, environmental, and lifestyle interventions (stress relief techniques, nutrition, and exercise). When the system parameters are insufficient to significantly reduce symptoms, we can additionally prescribe medication. It can be difficult to decide whether to have a child take ADHD medication, so it’s crucial to consider all of your alternatives and maintain open communication with both the parents and the child (depending on their age).

 What is the difference between ADD and ADHD?

The diagnosis is formally known as ADHD. ADD refers to a condition where a person lacks noticeable hyperactivity-related symptoms (Attention Deficit Disorder, inattentive subtype).

However, the terms ADD and ADHD can be used synonymously, and frequently, people will just refer to someone as having ADHD even if they don’t have the hyperactivity component.

Both ADHD and ADD are referred to as ADHD in this article.

 

What is ADD/ADHD?

The widespread illness known as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) impairs a child’s capacity for learning, focus, and impulsivity. The prevalence of ADHD is much higher than you may imagine, with an estimated 7% prevalence worldwide. Despite its great prevalence, ADHD is typically underdiagnosed, leaving many children untreated. Some children with ADHD are highly high-functioning, meaning they may have learned ways to hide their symptoms or they may be able to do exceptionally well in academic contexts.

Children who are high-functioning will nevertheless benefit from a formal diagnosis and assistance so that they may better understand the cause of any issues they may be experiencing.

 

Because untreated ADHD is linked to a high risk of addiction, it’s crucial to offer assistance and treat symptoms to prevent significant difficulties later in life.

Children and teens who have untreated ADHD frequently experience anxiety or sadness.

Compared to their peers and classmates, they could feel different. Unaware of it, their professors may point out their behaviour or refer to them as the class clown.

Since they began working from home with their families as a result of the lockdown brought on by the COVID-19 epidemic, some parents have only recently become aware of their child’s attention problems. While this could be somewhat typical, especially under such stressful circumstances, it might be good to have a private child ADHD examination from a UK clinic if you believe your kid’s behaviour is odd or their academic performance is being harmed.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

The three basic types of ADHD symptoms are hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. Although everyone has a tendency toward these symptoms occasionally, if your child’s behaviour appears out of control or if their relationships or academic performance are suffering, this may point to ADHD.

Hyperactivity

This behaviour will be more severe than what is typical of kid behaviour, and the child will feel they are unable to control their hyperactivity. Examples of this behaviour include fidgeting, being unable to sit still, running about, climbing objects, feeling restless, and continually moving around.

Impulsivity

The inability to wait their turn, talking too much, interrupting others’ conversations, without considering dangers or repercussions, or having no sense of danger.

‍Inattention

The inability to focus, listen to or follow directions, become easily distracted, struggle to finish activities or schooling, procrastinate, make thoughtless mistakes, forget things, or misplace possessions.

Children occasionally will zone out while someone is talking or begin daydreaming due to inattention, which can be difficult to identify. If this happens frequently, it will affect the child’s education and capacity to learn.

Because they have trouble focusing or because they are unable to finish their coursework or examinations on time, children with ADHD sometimes fail academically. They could also quarrel or argue with other kids, their instructors, or their parents.

Children with untreated ADHD may experience frustration and humiliation about their symptoms, which can occasionally result in anxiety, depression, or addiction problems later in life if untreated. ‍

What are the different types of ADHD?

According to the child’s symptoms, ADHD may be divided into three primary subtypes:

ADHD attention deficit (or ADD). The major concerns are trouble sustaining attention and focus.

ADHD with impulsivity. issues with hyperactivity and impulsivity.

‍Combined ADHD. include both of the aforementioned kinds. Compared to the other two categories, it is more frequently severe.

What symptoms or conditions are associated with ADHD?

Along with ADHD, some young individuals may also suffer from other mental health issues. The following are typical conditions that co-occur with ADHD:

Anxiety \Depression

Autism

issues with behaviour, such as oppositional defiant disorder

issues with sleep

Physical health issues (epilepsy, allergies, gastrointestinal problems)

‍While the existence of these additional illnesses might make diagnosing and treating ADHD more difficult, we frequently find that a comprehensive treatment strategy can have a tremendously positive effect. The signs of ADHD are significantly easier to control once other disorders are managed. Our ultimate objective is to provide all children the opportunity to realise their full potential and lead satisfying lives, despite the fact that each kid will have certain limits and talents.

What causes ADHD?

Complex neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD are brought on by a confluence of biological, environmental, and hereditary variables. At 74%, the heritability of ADHD is comparatively high, implying that a person’s genetics have a big impact on whether they get ADHD or not. But it’s not just a simple matter of which genes make people more likely to develop ADHD. Instead, scientists have discovered that many separate genes contain tiny changes that cause the inherited risk, with each gene adding just a little proportion of risk (known as polygenic risk). Due to the enormous number of genes involved, researchers are still unsure of the specific reason why some kids and teenagers have ADHD while others don’t.

Inflammation is one biological component that may possibly be linked to ADHD. Particularly, cortisol, an anti-inflammatory hormone, is present in reduced concentrations in children with ADHD. Cortisol has a role in controlling cognitive function and reward-seeking behaviour in addition to aiding our body in absorbing nutrients. According to neuroimaging research, children with ADHD have different patterns of brain activity than those without the disorder.

Although learning about these underlying systems that contribute to ADHD may be unsettling, the good news is that many medications for ADHD work to control these basic processes (such as cortisol and brain activity). In addition to the necessary medication, receiving a private child ADHD evaluation from a UK clinic frequently results in a significant decrease in stress for both the parents and the kid. Reducing stress lowers inflammation and enhances cognition, both of which can help with ADHD symptoms.

Does ADHD go away?

The good news is that symptoms nearly usually go better with therapy, even though ADHD is a lifelong illness. Some kids’ symptoms could become better over time, requiring less care as they mature or less treatment of their symptoms.

With the appropriate guidance and instruction, some ADHD youngsters can learn how to avoid problematic behaviours. Unfortunately, some kids could see a rise in challenging symptoms, and their demands might become more complex. For kids who also struggle with behavioural issues like oppositional defiant disorder, this is typically the case.

How do you treat a child with ADHD?

‍ Every child’s ADHD symptoms will be caused by a different collection of events and symptoms.

We will create a tailored treatment program just for your child after ADHD and any other relevant problems have been identified. Based on the requirements and particular circumstances of your kid, we will design this with your involvement. To help your kid reach their maximum potential in terms of intellectual and social development, the therapy will use an integrated approach.

Any of the evidence-based strategies listed below may be combined in an ADHD treatment program:

Psychotherapy (psychological therapy or talking therapies)

Cognitive behavioural treatment (CBT)

family counseling (systemic therapy)

Play therapy

Social skills training

Individual counseling

Cognitive treatment using mindfulness

Psychoeducation

Information and assistance to help you and your kid comprehend and manage the symptoms of ADHD

‍Environmental strategies

Parenting methods to help your child in a proactive and positive manner

Learning methods that are suited to your child’s symptoms of ADHD

Techniques for behavioural learning created in collaboration with your child’s school

‍Medication (if required)

Children who take ADHD medication do well, with between 60 and 80 percent of them reporting improved symptoms.

Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Medikinet), Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse), Atomoxetine (Strattera), and Guanfacine are among the ADHD drugs that are often administered (Intuniv)

Techniques for reducing stress

Meditation methods

Body-mind exercises

‍dietary and lifestyle changes

Exercise dietary and nutritional changes

Supplements

Sleep medicine

‍We will always adhere to the most recent recommendations based on current research while making treatment plans. Popular complementary therapies that are low-risk to apply, such as lifestyle changes and stress management strategies, may also be very beneficial for your kid. We always stress the value of developing a treatment plan that is suitable for your kid with the help of a medical practitioner.

Can Omega-3 help ADHD?

Can The fatty acid Omega-3, which is frequently present in foods such oily fish, almonds, and spinach, is a popular dietary supplement. Although the outcomes of studies are inconsistent, recent research suggests that omega-3 supplementation may assist to reduce symptoms of ADHD. According to research, children with ADHD who have low levels of Omega-3 may see some improvement in their symptoms after taking Omega-3 supplements. However, several of the symptoms in kids with relatively high amounts of Omega-3 already deteriorated. We can’t draw any conclusions just now because this research is still in its early phases.

ADHD and addiction in Teenagers

All forms of addictive behaviour in young adults are more likely in young people with ADHD. Several intriguing research has specifically examined the relationship between teenage alcohol and cannabis usage and ADHD, finding some surprising findings.

More significantly, this association may be a lifelong propensity, and early identification, treatment, and education can have a profoundly positive long-term impact.

Dr. Neha Gupta, one of our Child & Adolescent psychiatrists, has written academic studies on this subject and has extensive experience diagnosing and treating teenagers who take drugs and/or have ADHD.

‍

Anxiety

Everybody has anxiety occasionally, especially when faced with pressure or challenging situations. It might be beneficial to seek therapy from a skilled psychiatrist if you feel that your anxiety is becoming difficult to manage or control. A little anxiety can sometimes help you stay focused and avoid unfavorable circumstances.

Our expert staff at the London Psychiatry Clinic has dedicated their professional lives to assisting clients in effectively overcoming the psychological and physical burden of excessive anxiety. We will work together to identify and treat the underlying causes of your anxiety so you can get better sleep, feel more comfortable, and have greater mental clarity.

Our approach to treating anxiety disorders

We have a great deal of expertise in treating anxiety problems with a variety of techniques, including medication and counseling. The coping skills and self-awareness techniques you require will be provided to you by our anxiety therapists through a professional diagnosis and individualized treatment plan. You can manage your symptoms before they get out of control by being aware of the warning signs of an anxiety attack before they happen.

We take an open-minded, evidence-based approach to treating anxiety. We adhere to a comprehensive strategy that makes use of a variety of methods and, where necessary, anti-anxiety drugs. There is no one-size-fits-all method for treating anxiety; all of our treatment regimens are customized to your individual requirements and preferences.

Symp Did you know that the following mental and physical symptoms can be brought on by anxiety?

heart flutters

Sweating

A worry or rumination

Irritability

Restlessness

trouble sleeping

Shaking

Nausea, dizziness

Having trouble breathing

stomach ache

separation from your environment

Numerous detrimental to your health physical, emotional, and mental symptoms can be brought on by anxiety. Because of this, we use a holistic therapy strategy that enhances your general health terms that may indicate an anxiety disorder

Treatment for anxiety-related conditions

A person may suffer one of many different forms of anxiety, as well as symptoms from linked illnesses that are sometimes mistaken for anxiety symptoms. We recognize that identifying the sort of anxiety you experience could seem overwhelming or too challenging. By offering a thorough and comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis, we are here to relieve some of the pressure off of your shoulders.

The Anxiety knowledge base

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal stress reaction and is frequently brought on by things that worry us, such as going on a first date, purchasing a home, or coping with a challenging situation at work. You could feel scared, tense, or uncertain in these kinds of circumstances. When anxiety becomes harmful to your well-being, however, emotions of worry and dread may become overpowering and stick with you constantly for a long time. For some people, this type of anxiety can actually be a constructive influence that motivates them to take necessary action. Your anxiety may become crippling and interfere with your profession, home life, or other aspects of your life rather than being a motivating factor that motivates you to take action.

How do I know which kind of anxiety disorder I have?

If you identify with any of the signs and circumstances listed on this page, you may be experiencing an anxiety disorder. You can find it difficult to categorize yourself in many situations, and that’s good! Based on your particular requirements and preferences, we’ll pair you with the ideal medical professional, who will thoroughly analyze your symptoms, way of life, medical background, and worries before recommending a diagnosis and an anxiety treatment program.

Which form of anxiety treatment should I seek – psychotherapy or psychiatry?

Finding a therapy option that works for you and that you are at ease with is essential if you have an anxiety illness or condition. An effective anxiety treatment plan for your situation may be obtained from a psychotherapist or a psychiatrist. Our psychotherapists are trained to provide Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and talk therapy, which may assist you in locating the underlying reasons for your anxiety and challenging harmful thinking patterns that might be aggravating your symptoms. Antidepressants, which are frequently prescribed in conjunction with anxiety therapy and have numerous positive side effects, are not prescribed by psychotherapists.

A psychiatrist is a trained medical expert who has the skills necessary to identify and treat a variety of mental and emotional diseases and ailments, including anxiety. Given their medical training, psychiatrists are qualified to recommend drugs as necessary. Similar to psychotherapists, psychiatrists can provide CBT and talk therapy. Our group of physicians includes seasoned psychiatrists and psychotherapists, so we can collaborate with you to create a dynamic, all-encompassing treatment plan that involves talk therapy, medication, or both.

What does anxiety look like?

A psychiatrist is a trained medical expert who has the skills necessary to identify and treat a variety of mental and emotional diseases and ailments, including anxiety. Given their medical training, psychiatrists are qualified to recommend drugs as necessary. Similar to psychotherapists, psychiatrists can provide CBT and talk therapy. Our group of physicians includes seasoned psychiatrists and psychotherapists, so we can collaborate with you to create a dynamic, all-encompassing treatment plan that involves talk therapy, medication, or both. We all know what anxiety feels like anxiousness or uncomfortable all over. However, some people with anxiety-related disorders may not feel these symptoms. Dissociation is the feeling of being removed from both yourself and others as if you’re watching your life go by but aren’t truly there. You may also purposefully strive to avoid circumstances that you believe you can’t get out of (such as public transport or lifts).

 

These signs and symptoms might indicate an anxiety illness or ailment. However, we will thoroughly evaluate your requirements, concerns, and lifestyle to determine the best course of therapy for you, regardless of the shape your anxiety takes.

‍Our approach to treating anxiety disorders

We all understand anxiety as a general feeling of uneasiness or worry, however, some people with anxiety-related disorders may not experience these symptoms. Dissociation refers to the feeling of being cut off from both yourself and others as if you’re watching your life go by but aren’t truly there. Alternatively, it refers to the deliberate avoidance of circumstances you feel you can’t escape (such as public transport or lifts).

These signs and symptoms might be brought on by an illness or anxiety problem. But regardless of how your anxiety manifests, we’ll carefully consider your worries, way of life, and needs to determine the best course of action for you.

Symptoms that may indicate an anxiety disorder

Did you know that anxiety can cause the following physical and emotional symptoms?

• Heart palpitations
• Sweating
• Worries and ruminations
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Shaking
• Nausea, dizziness
• Difficulty breathing
• Tummy ache
• Dissociation from the world around you

Anxiety can cause many physical, emotional, and mental symptoms that are damaging to your wellbeing. That’s why we adopt a holistic treatment approach that helps to improve your overall health.

Treatment for anxiety-related conditions

A person may suffer one of many different forms of anxiety, as well as symptoms from linked illnesses that are sometimes mistaken for anxiety symptoms. We recognize that identifying the sort of anxiety you experience could seem overwhelming or too challenging. By offering a thorough and comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis, we are here to relieve some of the pressure off of your shoulders.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

You could have generalized anxiety disorder if you’ve struggled for a while to regulate your anxiety and you worry about a variety of circumstances and problems rather than just one particular occurrence.

Health Anxiety (Hypochondriasis)

You can be suffering from health anxiety if you constantly search for symptoms of sickness or seek confirmation that you’re well and spend a lot of time thinking about your health.

Panic Attacks (Panic Disorder)

You could have a panic disorder if you suddenly experience intense sensations of anxiety, panic, or terror along with a racing heartbeat, dizziness, or shortness of breath.

Social Anxiety (Social Phobia)

You can have social anxiety if you constantly feel stressed and anxious in social settings.

Phobias 

You may have a phobia if you have a serious fear of a certain thing, location, circumstance, emotion, or animal and it significantly interferes with your day-to-day activities.

Stress (Burnout) (Nervous Breakdown) (Adjustment Disorder)

You may be experiencing severe stress if you routinely have high levels of anxiety that leave you exhausted and with other mental or emotional symptoms.

Dissociation (Depersonalisation, Derealisation, or Detachment)

If you suffer from significant anxiety for a prolonged period, you may develop a dissociative disorder. This causes you to feel disconnected from yourself, your loved ones, and the things you care about.

Agoraphobia

You may have agoraphobia if you consistently experience extreme anxiety when confronted with circumstances from which you will find it difficult to flee, such as while using public transportation or entering a mall

Autism

The symptoms of autism spectrum disorder are quite complicated and differ greatly from child to child. We know you want the best for your child, but it can be difficult to sort through all the diagnoses and treatment options.

In order to help you choose the best course of action, we are here to give you clear, useful information.

Our approach to treating autism spectrum disorder in children and adolescents

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects every child differently, and they must all be handled accordingly. We conduct standardized evaluations in accordance with the most recent recommendations, and we guarantee that evaluations are flexible and tailored to the needs of the kid. We investigate a wide range of additional elements that might be causing their problems, including:

• attentional or behavioural disorders
• impediment in learning or cognition
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder, obsessive behaviour, or anxiety
• sleeping problem
• appetite troubles (such as limited food preferences)
• digestive disorders include reflux, diarrhea, or constipation
• issues with the immune system such as allergies, asthma, or autoimmune diseases
• metabolic conditions including diabetes, obesity, or a vitamin D deficiency
• Epilepsy

In order to develop a comprehensive treatment strategy, it is crucial to consider all of these aspects in addition to the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. We frequently discover that treating other underlying causes makes the symptoms of autism spectrum condition better, or at least more bearable.

Our ultimate goal is to give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential and lead satisfying lives, despite the fact that each kid will have particular limitations and talents.

What are the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder?

Autism symptoms might differ from child to child and also rely on the child’s level of cognitive function.

Symptoms are typically perceptible in numerous places:

Verbal communication

Issues with understanding what is being said, taking things too literally, not using social graces, or not answering questions.

Non-verbal communication

Interpreting voice tones, comprehending gestures, avoiding eye contact, not smiling, or knowing body language are all difficult skills to have.

Social perception

Having trouble comprehending social signs, expressions, and jokes; lacking empathy for others; acting inappropriately in certain situations; and having trouble establishing friends.

Repetitive or fixed behaviour

Hand flapping, back and forth rocking, rigid daily schedules, and extremely rigid food choices.

Sensory awareness

Extreme sensitivity to or great dislike of certain odours, tastes, lighting, or textures

Interest

Very narrow interests; minimal interest in pursuits other than these pursuits.

What causes autism spectrum disorder?

Complex neurodevelopmental disorders like autism may be brought on by a combination of biological, environmental, and genetic factors. Autism affects 1% of the world’s population, with more men than women often being affected.

Since autism has a high heritability of 83%, genetics play a crucial role in determining whether a person develops autism or not. It’s not just a matter of certain genes being more likely to cause autism, though. Instead, it has been discovered that some genetic risk, or polygenic risk, is caused by minor changes in a variety of different genes, with each of these genes adding a modest amount of risk. Additionally, a process known as epigenetics can cause these genes to change as a result of exposure to environmental risk factors (such as smoking during pregnancy or low birth weight). Because there are so many genes involved, researchers are still unsure of the precise reasons why some kids have autism while others don’t.

Although learning about these biological causes of autism may be unsettling, there are a number of therapy modalities that can help your child live a happy and meaningful life while also reducing the symptoms of autism.

What are the other symptoms associated with autism?

The percentage of kids with autism who also have another condition is around 70%. Finding and treating any additional illnesses is essential because doing so may help with autism symptoms.

Common issues that typically co-occur with ASD include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• ADHD
• Behaviour problems (oppositional defiant disorder)
• Sleep problems
• Physical health conditions (epilepsy, allergies, gastrointestinal problems)

While the existence of these other illnesses can make diagnosing and treating autism more difficult, we frequently find that a holistic treatment strategy can have a hugely positive impact. The signs of autism are much easier to handle if other disorders are managed.

How do you treat autism spectrum disorder?

An autism therapist will create a customized treatment plan just for your child once autism and any other relevant illnesses have been identified. Based on the requirements and particular circumstances of your child, we will create this with your input. Supporting your child requires an understanding of their condition and an awareness of their specific requirements. Your kid’s autism therapist can assist your child in developing a sense of acceptance and respect for who they are in a nurturing and encouraging environment, enabling them to lead more fulfilled lives.

Any of the evidence-based strategies listed below may be combined in an autism treatment plan:

Psychotherapy (psychological therapy or talking therapies)

Behavioral and cognitive therapy (CBT)

• Family counseling (systemic therapy)
• Psychodynamic counseling
• Play therapy
• Social skill training
• interpersonal counseling
• Cognitive therapy based on mindfulness

Psychoeducation

• Information and assistance to help you and your kid better comprehend and manage the symptoms of autism.

Environmental approaches

• Parenting methods to support your child in a proactive and positive manner
• learning methods that are particular to the symptoms of Autism in your child
• Techniques for behavioral learning created in collaboration with your child’s school

Medication (if required)

Stress reduction approaches

Meditation methods

Body-mind exercises

Diet and lifestyle interventions

• Exercise
• Nutritional and dietary changes
• Supplements
• Sleep therapy

We will always adhere to the most recent recommendations based on current research while making treatment plans. Popular complementary therapies that are low-risk to implement, such as lifestyle changes and stress management techniques, may also be very beneficial for your child. We constantly stress the value of developing a treatment plan that is suitable for your child with the help of a medical practitioner.

 

What are the potential triggers of bipolar disorder?

We also urge you to make a list of possible triggers for your disease, some of which may be:

• Stress at work, home, or school
• Conflict or socially upsetting circumstances
• A break-up or change in your romantic life
• Bereavement
• Lack of sleep
• Recreational drug use
• Prescribed medications that are not appropriate for your condition

Our approach to bipolar disorder treatment

A mix of hereditary variables combining with environmental risk factors is likely what causes bipolar illness. However, researchers are still unable to identify the precise causes. The good news is that many people who have the disease still lead fulfilling lives, but it’s critical to discover the best bipolar disorder treatment strategy and symptom management strategy.

We have a great deal of expertise in treating bipolar disorder with a variety of techniques, including medication and counselling. Because the symptoms of bipolar disease alter over time, it is simple to mistake them for either depression or psychosis. Therefore, treating bipolar disorder requires knowledge and experience. Prior to starting treatment for bipolar illness, it is crucial to have a diagnosis from a psychiatrist. as specific medications can worsen symptoms or trigger an episode, while other medications may only treat some of the symptoms.

 

Our approach to treating child & adolescent conditions:

It can be distressing for parents to witness their child battle with a mental illness. Although we recognize that you only want the best for your child, it can be challenging to locate the appropriate care.

For practically any mental health condition, our team of highly qualified private Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists, Clinical Psychologists, and therapists offer evidence-based and individualized care. In order to help you choose the best course of action, we are here to give you clear, useful information.

‍When needing to speak to a doctor, kids and teenagers may frequently feel scared, ashamed, or bashful. They could occasionally struggle to express their feelings in words. When speaking to a professional, we think that kids need to feel supported, comfortable, and understood.

Regardless of their symptoms or diagnoses, we recognize that every child is unique and should be treated as such.

Our goal is to reassure your child while seeing minute indications of mental health issues that might not be readily apparent to an outsider. When necessary, we will perform a standardized assessment in accordance with the most recent recommendations, but we make sure that these evaluations are adaptable and tailored to the needs of the kid.

We will create a customized treatment plan only for your child if they are diagnosed as having a mental health condition. Your child’s specialist will go over all of your options with you and your child in order to develop a treatment strategy that meets your family’s requirements and preferences. The goals of treatment are always to help your child reach their greatest potential and are always based on evidence. Our objective is to help them feel better and have more confidence, as well as to enhance their relationships, social skills, and academic achievement, beyond just addressing the symptoms of their problem.