News.Life

<ul class="mol-bullets-with-font">
 <li class="class">
  <strong>
   EXPLORE FURTHER: Specialists caution certain AirPods might set off a frightening neurological condition
  </strong>
 </li>
</ul>
<p class="mol-para-with-font">
 Research now suggests that a widely used blood pressure medication, taken by millions of people in Britain, might significantly alleviate one of the most disabling symptoms of ADHD.
</p>
<p class="mol-para-with-font">
 The medications currently accessible for this condition come with notable side effects such as headaches, disrupted sleep patterns, and loss of appetite. Approximately one-fourth of patients do not respond positively to any ADHD drugs.
</p>
<p class="mol-para-with-font">
 However, amlodipine, when taken every day, might be equally effective in reducing hyperactivity with minimal notable side effects, according to scientists' beliefs.
</p>
<p class="mol-para-with-font">
 The research conducted on zebrafish — creatures that have 70 percent of their genetic material in common with humans — revealed that amlodipine has the capability to counteract neurons in the brain that emit excessive electrical impulses, leading to overexcitement.
</p>
<p class="mol-para-with-font">
 Specialists who deemed the results as 'encouraging' mentioned that this medication might provide a novel, less risky therapy choice for individuals suffering from ADHD.
</p>
<p class="mol-para-with-font">
 Dr. Matthew Parker, who co-authored the study and is a senior lecturer in neuroscience at the University of Surrey, stated: "Repositioning amlodipine, a widely recognized hypertension drug, presents a hopeful and rapid route to tackle ADHD symptoms."
</p>
<p class="mol-para-with-font">
 'Our research indicates that, due to its existing approval and safety profile, amlodipine could be rapidly redeployed as a treatment option for ADHD, potentially providing relief to patients sooner than developing new medications.'
</p>
<p class="mol-para-with-font">
 Amlodipine, which costs 4p per tablet, is given to patients with high blood pressure to prevent heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.
</p>
<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1zrD8V" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1zrD8V.jpg"/>
<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1zrVqS" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1zrVqS.jpg"/>
<p class="mol-para-with-font">
 It lowers blood pressure by relaxing and widening blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood around the body.
</p>
<p class="mol-para-with-font">
 People with ADHD can suffer debilitating symptoms including difficulty paying attention, restlessness and poorer impulse control.
</p>
<p class="mol-para-with-font">
 The group of investigators from
 <span>
  The UK, Iceland, and Germany
 </span>
 <span>
  stated regarding their recent discoveries: '
 </span>
 <span>
  A notable primary impact was observed.
 </span>
 <span>
  with amlodipine
 </span>
 <span>
  resulting in a decrease of impulsive behaviors in the fish.
 </span>
</p>
<p class="mol-para-with-font">
 <span>
  Writing in the journal
  Neuropsychopharmacology
  They also mentioned that this occurred due to amlodipine reducing neuronal activity.
 </span>
</p>
<p class="mol-para-with-font">
 Researchers subsequently studied the impact of amlodipine on British individuals who had already been diagnosed with ADHD.
</p>
<p class="mol-para-with-font">
 Utilizing information from the UK Biobank health study, researchers found that more than 50 individuals above the age of 50 who were using amlodipine also mentioned taking drugs commonly prescribed for ADHD.
</p>
<p class="mol-para-with-font">
 These patients reported
 <span>
  Fewer mood fluctuations and reduced risk-taking behavior compared to individuals taking other blood pressure medications such as ramipril, which is marketed under the brand name Tritace, the researchers noted.
 </span>
</p>
<p class="mol-para-with-font">
 NHS
 Statistics indicate that over 230,000 individuals in England are currently undertaking this.
 ADHD
 medications to address their lack of focus and overactivity.
</p>
<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1zrOV2" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1zrOV2.jpg"/>
<p class="mol-para-with-font">
 Last year saw prescription rates increase by twenty percent, indicating the largest yearly jump since contemporary records started in 2015.
</p>
<p class="mol-para-with-font">
 Data suggests it has largely been fuelled by a rise in women in their 20s and 30s, although rates are still increasing in kids.
</p>
<p class="mol-para-with-font">
 Experts have warned rogue private clinics are over-diagnosing the condition and have questioned the widespread prescribing of powerful stimulant drugs to treat it.
</p>
<p class="mol-para-with-font">
 Common side effects of such drugs — of which the most well-known is Ritalin — include agitation and aggression, drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhoea and nausea and vomiting.
</p>
<p class="mol-para-with-font">
 The booming market is thought to have been fuelled by celebrities such as model
 Katie Price
 and Love Island star
 Olivia Attwood
 talking about their ADHD ordeal and waits of up to ten years for an assessment on the NHS.
</p>
<p class="mol-para-with-font">
 Social media sites are also full of users telling how medication helped to calm them down, control their fidgeting and boost their concentration.
</p>
<p class="mol-para-with-font">
 But experts have also argued that ADHD was only officially listed in the UK as a disorder that affects adults in 2008.
</p>
<p class="mol-para-with-font">
 Before then, it was just recognised as a childhood problem that kids grew out of.
</p>
<p class="mol-para-with-font">
 As a result, rather than being over diagnosed, some experts claim many adults now being told they have ADHD have gone years having their symptoms dismissed.
</p>
<div class="art-ins mol-factbox health">
 <h3 class="mol-factbox-title">
  What is ADHD?
 </h3>
 <div class="ins cleared mol-factbox-body">
  <p class="mol-para-with-font">
   <span>
    Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural condition defined by inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
   </span>
  </p>
  <p class="mol-para-with-font">
   It affects around five per cent of children in the US. Some 3.6 per cent of boys and 0.85 per cent of girls suffer in the UK.
  </p>
  <p class="mol-para-with-font">
   Symptoms typically appear at an early age and become more noticeable as a child grows. These can also include:
  </p>
  <ul class="mol-bullets-with-font">
   <li class="class">
    Constant fidgeting
   </li>
   <li class="class">
    Poor concentration
   </li>
   <li class="class">
    Excessive movement or talking
   </li>
   <li class="class">
    Acting without thinking
   </li>
   <li class="class">
    Inability to deal with stress
   </li>
   <li class="class">
    Little or no sense of danger
   </li>
   <li class="class">
    Careless mistakes
   </li>
   <li class="class">
    Mood swings
   </li>
   <li class="class">
    Forgetfulness
   </li>
   <li class="class">
    Difficulty organising tasks
   </li>
   <li class="class">
    Continually starting new tasks before finishing old ones
   </li>
   <li class="class">
    Inability to listen or carry out instructions
   </li>
  </ul>
  <p class="mol-para-with-font">
   Most cases are diagnosed between six and 12 years old. Adults can also suffer, but there is less research into this.
  </p>
  <p class="mol-para-with-font">
   ADHD's exact cause is unclear but is thought to involve genetic mutations that affect a person's brain function and structure.
  </p>
  <p class="mol-para-with-font">
   Premature babies and those with epilepsy or brain damage are more at risk.
  </p>
  <p class="mol-para-with-font">
   ADHD is also linked to anxiety, depression, insomnia, Tourette's and epilepsy.
  </p>
  <p class="mol-para-with-font">
   There is no cure.
  </p>
  <p class="mol-para-with-font">
   A combination of medication and therapy is usually recommended to relieve symptoms and make day-to-day life easier.
  </p>
  <p class="mol-para-with-font">
   <span>
    Source:
   </span>
   <span>
    NHS Choices
   </span>
  </p>
 </div>
</div>
Read more

Study Suggests Common Drug Could Ease ADHD Symptoms for Millions

Unknown adhd, adult adhd/add, health, healthcare and medicine, medicine and healthcare

EXPLORE FURTHER: Specialists caution certain AirPods might set off a frightening neurological condition Research now suggests that a widely used blood pressure medication, taken by mill…

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/video/AA1pHHeu" data-reference="video"/>
<div class="content-list-component text">
 <p>
  There has been a
  surge
  In recent years, there have been more diagnoses of adult ADHD, so it’s understandable if you're beginning to think that everybody you know might now have this condition.
 </p>
 <p>
  Dr. Ryan Sultan
  Dr. Sarah Johnson from New York-Presbyterian Hospital highlighted several factors contributing to this rise. Initially, she noted an increased acknowledgment and understanding of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) signs, which may not align with the conventional image of a hyperactive kid struggling to remain seated during class. It’s become clear that ADHD can manifest in various ways.
  women and girls
  Moreover, it’s not something everyone grows out of as they get older. Many adults also grapple with these symptoms; greater awareness has led to some finally receiving help for issues they’ve dealt with throughout their lives.
 </p>
 <p>
  Moreover, Sultan mentioned that "the rapid pace and multiple tasks characteristic of modern life, along with the relentless stream of information and technological distractions," may "worsen pre-existing ADHD symptoms or make them more noticeable in ways they might not have been previously."
 </p>
 <p>
  Whether people are only now experiencing symptoms of ADHD because of the way we operate in the world today or just now realizing that some of their past struggles could be attributed to ADHD, it’s true that more people are seeking an official diagnosis — and treatment.
 </p>
 <p>
  Andrew Kahn
  A psychologist and associate director at Understood.org mentioned that he conducted an extensive amount of ADHD assessments for adults throughout the pandemic. He thinks that conversations about the subject on social media prompted numerous individuals to consider, "Could this apply to me? Is this what I'm experiencing?"
 </p>
 <p>
  It's crucial not to presume that a large number of diagnoses implies they are inaccurate.
 </p>
 <p>
  "While the rising number of ADHD diagnoses may spark worries about overidentification, it's crucial to acknowledge that numerous individuals currently receiving a diagnosis genuinely require assistance. The pressures of contemporary living can propel those with near-threshold or slight symptoms into experiencing notable functional difficulties," Sultan stated.
 </p>
 <p>
  It's guaranteed that within your professional or personal circles, you're acquainted with at least one individual who has ADHD, even if they haven’t explicitly shared their condition with you. We discussed with Sultan, Khan, and various advocates what comments to refrain from making towards those diagnosed with ADHD and common misunderstandings surrounding this diagnosis.
 </p>
 <h2>
  <strong>
   1. 'ADHD is an issue that only children experience.'
  </strong>
 </h2>
 <p>
  Sultan mentioned historically, ADHD was frequently viewed as a condition exclusive to children that they would eventually 'outgrow.' "However," he added, "we currently know it can continue affecting individuals through adulthood." This persistence presents difficulties for those affected in educational settings, professional environments, and personal life. In fact, some partners have discovered that unaddressed ADHD significantly contributed to conflicts within their marriages.
 </p>
 <h2>
  <strong>
   2. 'You're far too intelligent to be dealing with ADHD.'
  </strong>
 </h2>
 <p>
  Indeed, only some individuals with ADHD face academic challenges; however, these difficulties stem from issues related to executive function rather than intellect. As Sultan explained, executive functions encompass tasks such as planning, prioritizing, managing time, and controlling emotions within one’s cognitive processes.
 </p>
 <p>
  Despite putting in significant effort (often immense amounts of it), individuals with ADHD can overcome their executive function difficulties and achieve top grades in school along with acceptance into prestigious universities. However, this does not imply that the journey was effortless.
 </p>
 <p>
  This statement dismisses the lifelong challenges that an individual with ADHD must overcome to attain any successes.
  Jesse J. Anderson
  , creator of the
  Extra Focus newsletter
  As an ADHD advocate, they shared with , "ADHD doesn't stop you from tackling major challenges in life. However, it often makes these endeavors significantly harder, with many of the underlying difficulties being concealed from view."
 </p>
 <p>
  It bears mentioning again that there is no relationship between ADHD and intelligence.
 </p>
 <p>
  People with ADHD possess comparable intelligence levels as those without," Kahn stated. "No evidence suggests this condition is linked to a lower IQ.
 </p>
 <h2>
  <strong>
   3. ‘It’s an excuse to be lazy.’
  </strong>
 </h2>
 <p>
  Dealing with ADHD might make completing tasks challenging, yet this does not always indicate a deficiency in capability or drive.
 </p>
 <p>
  "Saying that someone with ADHD is lazy is both harmful and incorrect," Sultan stated.
 </p>
 <p>
  Kahn explained that what seems like laziness could instead indicate an individual’s attempt to manage difficult circumstances. In this scenario, withdrawal may mistakenly be seen as idleness when it might really represent a sense of immobilization. According to Kahn, such immobilization involves feeling trapped, potentially leading others to perceive noncompliance or insufficient exertion where none exists.
 </p>
 <p>
  Labeling the challenges associated with ADHD as a moral shortcoming, implying it's a deliberate decision, "is what these terms do," according to Anderson. "They suggest it’s a matter of personal choice."
  <em>
   desperately
  </em>
  eager to do the right thing, but facing an obstacle that makes it seem almost impossible to take action."
 </p>
 <h2>
  <strong>
   4. 'How come you can’t simply concentrate?'
  </strong>
 </h2>
 <p>
  For individuals with ADHD, struggling to concentrate does not indicate a absence of wish to pay attention.
 </p>
 <p>
  This remark suggests that concentration merely depends on one’s determination, ignoring the neurological difficulties faced by people with ADHD," Sultan explained. "It can cause feelings of being criticized, annoyed, and not understood, making them believe that their hardships result from insufficient exertion.
 </p>
 <h2>
  <strong>
   5. 'In my opinion, you appear to be doing well.'
  </strong>
 </h2>
 <p>
  Considering that the typical image associated with ADHD is often a very active young boy, many individuals—such as adults and girls—do not conform to this archetype.
 </p>
 <p>
  "Symptoms of ADHD can be hidden. A lot of individuals dealing with ADHD might hide their signs or handle them effectively sometimes, yet this does not imply they do not face challenges," Sultan stated.
 </p>
 <h2>
  <strong>
   6. 'It's really not such a huge issue.'
  </strong>
 </h2>
 <p>
  "Suggesting that ADHD isn't really serious" may come across as hurtful and offensive.
  Dani Donovan
  , author of
  The Anti-Planner: How to Accomplish Things Even When You're Not Feeling Motivated,
  told .
 </p>
 <p>
  Living with ADHD can lead to significant stress for both children and adults. Anderson shared his perspective, stating, "Imagine always feeling unprepared during an ongoing exam without ever having studied; each day feels like a defeat, leaving you puzzled about the reasons behind this struggle. Others may not realize that your difficulties stem from trying to meet expectations when your mind operates differently than those around you."
 </p>
</div>
<div>
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1pHO6w" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1pHO6w.jpg"/>
</div>
<div class="content-list-component text">
 <h2>
  <strong>
   7. ‘You’re overreacting.’
  </strong>
 </h2>
 <p>
  Nobody enjoys hearing this when they're feeling upset. Furthermore, Sultan noted that "difficulty managing emotions is a frequent symptom of ADHD."
 </p>
 <p>
  “He mentioned that ignoring someone’s emotional reaction can leave them feeling dismissed and overlooked,” further stating that this could “heighten their frustration and lead them to believe that their feelings aren’t important.”
 </p>
 <h2>
  <strong>
   8. 'It doesn't appear like you struggle with concentrating when playing video games, watching TV, or using your phone.'
  </strong>
 </h2>
 <p>
  Considering that ADHD stands for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, one might think it indicates a lack of attention. However, the situation is actually more complex than that.
 </p>
 <p>
  People with ADHD don't lack focus; instead, they possess more attention than usual," Anderson explained. "The challenge lies in controlling this excess attention, making it hard to direct properly at times. Occasionally, we may experience extreme concentration called hyperfocusing, where our attention becomes intensely focused on something specific, causing us to overlook external factors such as someone shouting our name, the changing time, or realizing that we've gone without food or water for extended periods.
 </p>
 <h2>
  <strong>
   9. ‘You’re
   <em>
    trying
   </em>
   to be difficult.’
  </strong>
 </h2>
 <p>
  Individuals with ADHD aren't acting this way to irritate you—they just process information differently. As Donovan pointed out, those with ADHD aren't deliberately attempting to annoy or disrupt you. Showing some tolerance and empathy, along with avoiding personal offense, can significantly improve your engagements with individuals who have ADHD (as well as everyone else).
 </p>
 <h2>
  <strong>
   10. 'No, you're meant to do it.'
   <em>
    this
   </em>
   way.’
  </strong>
 </h2>
 <p>
  While ADHD presents various difficulties, it frequently offers the benefit of approaching problems from unconventional angles. Individuals with ADHD sometimes call this unorthodox way of thinking their secret weapon.
 </p>
 <p>
  Even though there might be an approach that many people think makes common sense, it usually doesn’t align well with how the ADHD mind functions," Anderson explained. "Instead of criticizing the technique, focus on the outcome. Due to their different way of thinking, individuals with ADHD excel at discovering unconventional (and frequently superior) methods for tackling issues.
 </p>
 <h2>
  <strong>
   11. 'Each person has a bit of ADHD.'
  </strong>
 </h2>
 <p>
  While it's accurate that each of us exhibits behaviors that could potentially indicate ADHD — such as “
  tossing
  ” or an
  unexpected laundry habit
  —the level of intensity and length varies for individuals with an ADHD diagnosis.
 </p>
 <p>
  We each encounter these human experiences to different extents," Kahn stated. "The point at which they persist for extended periods and hinder our ability to perform tasks we believe we ought to manage becomes significant.
 </p>
 <h2>
  <strong>
   12. 'Have you considered utilizing a task list or planner?'
  </strong>
 </h2>
 <p>
  Managing organization can pose difficulties for many individuals, yet those with ADHD face an even more pronounced struggle.
 </p>
 <p>
  "Suggesting that it's an easy solution doesn't take into account the challenges related to executive function that numerous individuals with ADHD encounter," Sultan stated.
 </p>
 <p>
  Anderson remembered that something similar had occurred with him earlier.
 </p>
 <p>
  When I initially discussed ADHD with my doctor, he gestured for me to come closer to his desk, giving off an impression that he had groundbreaking insights regarding ADHD that could transform my experience," he recounted. "However, all he did was display the Outlook calendar on his computer screen, seemingly suggesting that utilizing a digital planner was something revolutionary and expected to solve my ADHD issues.
 </p>
 <p>
  I assure you that someone with ADHD has likely attempted nearly all the productivity hacks you might imagine," he went on. "We understand 'what' needs to be done; however, the challenge lies in our ability to actually execute those actions due to ADHD.
 </p>
</div>
<div class="related-entries related-entries--thumbs related-entries--recirc yr-related-entries">
 <h3 class="related-entries__head">
  Related...
 </h3>
 <ul class="related-entries__list">
  <li class="related-entries__list__item yr-related-entry">
   'Almost Nobody Believed Her': The Shortcomings in Supporting Girls with ADHD
  </li>
  <li class="related-entries__list__item yr-related-entry">
   7 Subtle Indicators of ADHD in Females
  </li>
  <li class="related-entries__list__item yr-related-entry">
   10 Overlooked Indicators of Adult ADHD That You Might Miss as Symptoms
  </li>
 </ul>
</div>

12 Things Not To Say To Someone Who Has ADHD

Unknown adhd, adult adhd/add, children and families, healthcare and medicine, medical conditions and diseases

There has been a surge In recent years, there have been more diagnoses of adult ADHD, so it’s understandable if you're beginning to think that everybody you know might now have this condition…