ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER

What is ADHD and Occupational Therapy?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a person’s ability to focus, control impulses, and regulate activity levels. It commonly emerges in childhood but can persist into adolescence and adulthood, impacting academic, occupational, and social functioning. For best results, a multidisciplinary therapeutic strategy and early diagnosis are crucial.   

Psychowellness Center, a renowned mental health care provider in West Delhi, adopts a holistic and evidence-based treatment model for ADHD. The center’s experienced professionals provide comprehensive support, including the integration of Occupational Therapy (OT), to address the unique challenges faced by individuals with ADHD.

Occupational Therapy plays a crucial role in enhancing daily functioning, attention span, organizational skills, and emotional self-regulation. At Psychowellness Center, the approach goes beyond symptom control, focusing on building independence, confidence, and meaningful participation in daily life. With tailored interventions and empathetic care, individuals with ADHD can thrive across all domains of life.

Signs and Symptoms

ADHD is typically categorized into three types based on symptom presentation: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined.

Inattentive Symptoms

  • Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play

  • Frequent careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities

  • frequently don’t seem to hear when someone speaks to them directly.

  • Trouble organizing tasks and activities

  • Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli

  • Avoidance of tasks requiring sustained mental effort

  • Frequently loses items necessary for tasks

Hyperactive-Impulsive Symptoms

  • Fidgets or squirms in the seat

  • Difficulty staying seated in appropriate situations

  • Runs or climbs excessively in inappropriate settings

  • Talks excessively

  • Blurts out answers before questions are completed

  • Has difficulty waiting for their turn

  • Interrupts or intrudes on others’ conversations or games

Types of ADHD

  • ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: Primarily inattentive symptoms without hyperactivity

  • ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: Predominantly hyperactive and impulsive symptoms

  • ADHD, Combined Presentation: A combination of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms

Causes of ADHD

Biological Factors

  • Structural and functional differences in brain regions like the prefrontal cortex

  • Neurotransmitter imbalances (particularly dopamine and norepinephrine)

Genetic Factors

  • Strong familial and genetic component; ADHD tends to run in families

Environmental Factors

  • Prenatal exposure to alcohol, tobacco, or lead

  • Premature birth or low birth weight

  • Early childhood adversity or exposure to environmental toxins

Assessment and Diagnosis

Clinical Interview and History Taking

  • Comprehensive review of behavioral history across home, school, and social settings

  • Input from parents, caregivers, and teachers

Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-5-TR)

  • The symptoms must appear in several contexts and last for at least six months.
  • Standardized criteria for hyperactivity-impulsivity and/or inattention are used to make the diagnosis.

Psychological Assessments and Tools

  • Conners’ Rating Scales (Parent and Teacher forms)

  • Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scales

  • ADHD Rating Scale-IV

  • Continuous Performance Test (CPT)

Medical Tests

  • Rule out other neurological, developmental, or sensory disorders

Hearing and vision screenings, if necessary

Treatment of ADHD

ADHD is manageable with a combination of therapy, medication, behavior strategies, and lifestyle modifications. Occupational Therapy, in particular, provides practical support in daily life activities and self-regulation.

  1. Medication
     A psychiatrist’s prescription to treat the main symptoms:
  • Stimulants: Methylphenidate, Amphetamine derivatives

  • Non-stimulants: Atomoxetine, Guanfacine, Clonidine

  1. Psychotherapy
     Supports emotional coping, behavioral regulation, and relationship challenges.

 

  1. Occupational Therapy (OT)

How OT Helps:
 Occupational Therapy targets functional skills and executive functioning deficits associated with ADHD.

Goals of OT:

  • Improve attention and impulse control

  • Enhance organization and time management skills

  • Support sensory regulation and motor coordination

  • Promote adaptive behavior in home and school settings

  • Develop self-care and social skills for independence
  1. Psychoeducation
     Educates children and caregivers about ADHD, treatment options, and strategies to support daily functioning and emotional well-being.

OT Strategies and Interventions

Sensory Integration Therapy

      • Helps individuals regulate their sensory input (e.g., through swings, weighted blankets, movement breaks)

    • Executive Function Training

      • Focuses on planning, prioritizing, and task initiation

      • Use of visual schedules, planners, and timers

    • Environmental Modifications

      • Structured routines

      • Clutter-free, distraction-minimized settings

    • Behavioral Interventions

      • Positive reinforcement strategies

      • Visual behavior charts and token systems

    • Parent and Teacher Training

      • Guidance in setting realistic expectations and consistent routines

      • Collaboration to maintain consistent support across settings

    • Skill-Building Activities

Online Counselling

Free Self-Assessment

info@psychowellnesscenter.com
+91 98106 36188
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