A new study describes the existence of a complex built by dopamine and noradrenergic receptors that could be a therapeutic target of potential interest to tackle the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and impulsivity.

When you’re being criticized or rejected, do you have an intense reaction and feel like you can’t control your behavior? Do you experience extreme emotional pain that feels physical? If you live with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it’s understandable to sometimes be more sensitive to criticism. Some people with ADHD are faced with judgment and blame for their behaviors.

In this month’s episode of Coping After COVID: Navigating Psychiatry After a Pandemic, Yamalis Diaz, PhD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, explained just how challenging this year has been for patients with ADHD. Patience is key when discussing how to improve the ongoing situation for students with ADHD. Diaz said it was not easy for a lot of these students to transition to a school schedule that is subject to change on a weekly or even daily basis. [video]

The truth is, says Jessica Myszak, a licensed psychologist with The Help and Healing Center, “the cause of ADHD in an individual, like many other health conditions, cannot be clearly identified.” In other words, “you do not develop ADHD,” explains Amy Marschall, a licensed clinical psychologist. “The neurological differences appear to be something you’re born with.” It’s these neurological differences that predispose you to ADHD and its symptoms.

Many kids and teens diagnosed with ADHD take prescription stimulants, such as Adderall and Ritalin...In addition, 6 in 10 children diagnosed with ADHD have at least one other mental, emotional or behavioral disorder, such as anxiety or depression. As a result, many of them take other kinds of prescription drugs too. Meanwhile, Monster, Red Bull and other energy drinks are commonly marketed to teens as a way to boost stamina, physical performance and alertness. This is troubling because of the high levels of caffeine those drinks contain.

Birgit Amann, MD, discusses the importance of sports for patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity (ADHD) disorder in building self competence and a sense of accomplishment, as well as respect, discipline, and concentration skill building.

KEY POINTS: Young people in the education system with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have the right to receive accommodations. Accommodations that may help students with ADHD include getting extra time to complete assignments and having special seating arrangements. Having the teacher provide study guides or notes, taking breaks from the classroom and using the buddy system can also help.