A Dummy’s Guide to ADHD in Pakistan

ADHD is known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and is classified as a mental health disorder that can usually cause abnormal levels of hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. More commonly, people with ADHD usually have a tough time concentrating on a single task or staying idle for too long. Pakistan is home to several mental illnesses, like any other nation, however, it seems to fall behind on awareness.

Both adults and children can be diagnosed with ADHD. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has recognized it as a mental illness, it’s time that Pakistan does the same.

ADHD Symptoms

It is rather difficult to narrow down all the symptoms of ADHD, we have listed down some of the most common ones:

• Trouble concentrating or focusing,
• Being forgetful about tasks,
• Getting easily distracted,
• Difficulty sitting still or idle,
• Interrupting people while they speak.

However, ADHD differs from person to person- you don’t need to experience all the symptoms. It all depends on the type of ADHD you have; the wiser thing would be to consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis rather than self-diagnosing- the need for efficient doctors in Pakistan is imminent.

Types of ADHD

To be able to make diagnoses more consistent, APA divided ADHD into three categories or types.

Predominantly inattentive

People who suffer from this have trouble focusing, finishing tasks, and following instructions. Moreover, experts believe that this type of ADHD is the most difficult to figure out which often leads to late diagnosis.

Since children with predominantly inattentive ADHD tend to keep to themselves and don’t necessarily adopt any disruptive behavior.

Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type

People with this show rather hyperactive and impulsive behavior. This means regular fidgeting, interrupting people while they’re talking, and not being able to wait their turn. It is also said that even inattention is not exactly a symptom of this type of ADHD, some people do find it hard to focus on tasks regardless.

Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive type

This type is probably the most common form of ADHD, people who are diagnosed with this display both inattentive and hyperactive symptoms. These include an inability to pay attention, a tendency toward impulsiveness, and abnormal levels of activity and energy.

Each type requires a different form of treatment, as symptoms and behaviors change- the need for a new and different treatment also rises. One common misconception with almost every other mental illness in Pakistan is that it will subside on its own.

That’s probably the worst solution, disorders like ADHD can be extremely traumatic for your children and even adults! The need to realize that these disorders require formal medical attention and proper treatments has never been more important. The dogma around mental illnesses in brown families and across Pakistan needs to end now, so your child can live the life he/she deserves!

Treatments for ADHD

There are various types of treatments for ADHD that range from behavioral therapy to medication.

Types of therapy include psychotherapy or talk therapy. With talk therapy, you or your child will discuss how ADHD affects your life and ways to help you manage it.

Medication is another option that proves as helpful when you’re living with ADHD. ADHD medications are designed to affect the brain chemicals in a way that enables you to better control your impulses and actions.

Which treatment to choose from and which would better suit you is something only your doctor can suggest, if you ever feel like you or your child are going through something similar- it is probably best to talk to your doctor.

Mental Disorder Not Disability

While ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, it’s not considered a learning disability. It may make learning processes somewhat difficult to internalize, however, it does not completely restrict you from learning.

Learning processes for children or adults diagnosed with ADHD are mapped out in a unique way, designed just for them. Your mental disorders are not your weakness, do not let them get the best of you!

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