What Is ADHD, DJ Cuppy Opens Up On Battle With ADHD
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DJ Cuppy born Florence Otedola has opened up about her battle with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and anxiety.
Cuppy who is also a music producer, businesswoman and philanthropist made this known on her Instagram page.
She said that her academic task is affecting her mental health.
The Gelato singer also shared a photo of her teary face and she captioned it “Late library nights.”
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She also posted a picture of her face with tears rolling down her cheeks captioned, “Late library nights.”
The entertainer wrote:
“Haven’t been online for a few days as I’ve been dealing with my last term at Oxford University.
“My thesis is due soon and I am under so much pressure to deliver at such a high academic standard. Having never done a research paper before, it’s extremely draining in a mental and even emotional way.
“My diagnosed ADHD and Anxiety have gotten the best of me.
“I’m going through a rough time, I know but it shall soon pass, and I will finish this paper and hand it in.
“I have full Godfidence.”
What is ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a brain disorder that affects attention, comportment, and overall control of behaviour. It is a mental condition that affects children and teens and may continue into adulthood.
WebMD an online Health portal says ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed mental disorder in children.
A senior lecturer at the Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Dr Charles Umeh said this disorder is usually undiagnosed. He said, despite this, a lot of people live with it.
According to the expert, Symptoms in children are:
Symptoms in adults are:
Umeh said the disorder is more common among males than females. He added that there is no data regarding it in Nigeria.
Causes
Experts say there is no known cause of the disorder but the possible risk factors are brain damage, exposure to environmental risks such as lead, genes, and brain chemicals in people with ADHD may be out of balance.
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Diagnosis
WebMD said ADHD can be hard to diagnose, especially in children as no one test will spot it.
“Doctors diagnose ADHD in children and teens after discussing symptoms at length with the child, parents, and teachers, and then observing the child’s behaviours.”
He explained further that ADHD can only be diagnosed in children after a series of tests on their neurological and psychological status.
He concluded:
“The tests should be given by a paediatrician or mental health provider with experience in diagnosing and treating ADHD. Your primary care doctor might refer you to a specialist such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychotherapist.”
Treatment
Dr Umeh told HealthWise that the disorder can be treated with a combination of behaviour therapy and medication.
WebMD research suggested that many children manage symptoms through a multimodal approach.
It said: “This involves multiple methods of treatment that work together.
Many symptoms of ADHD can be managed with medication and therapy. Close cooperation among therapists, doctors, teachers, and parents is very important.”
Umeh said:
“As they grow older, the severity tends to grow; from adolescent to adulthood. Outgrowing it does not mean they are not going to have some of the symptoms but they are no more severe.”
Incurable
Experts say ADHD can’t be prevented or cured. However, early detection plus having a good treatment and education plan can help a child or adult with ADHD manage their symptoms.
Source: PUNCH HealthWise
