ADHD & Sleep
The links between ADHD and sleep issues are still unclear, as is the cause of ADHD in general. Both the symptoms of ADHD and some of its medications can affect sleeping patterns. Also, “sleep deprivation…can worsen ADHD symptoms.” Nearly 50% of kids with ADHD suffer from some sort of sleep problem and nearly 75% of adults with ADHD reported suffering from insomnia.
Common Sleep Problems Associated with ADHD:
- Anxiety or resistance about bedtime (in children)
- Difficulty falling asleep at night
- Difficulty waking up in the morning
- Sleep-disordered breathing and sleep apnea
- Interrupted sleep (waking up during the night)
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
- Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD)
- Delayed sleep-phase disorder
- Higher rates of nightmares
- More likely than average to experience parasomnias like sleepwalking
Treatments for these ADHD-related sleep issues include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication management. Contact Dr. Bharagava’s office to see if these treatments may help you or your child’s ADHD symptoms.
Source: “ADHD and Sleep” by Tuck.com
Gabby Lundy, Exult Healthcare
What Treatments Do Psychiatrists Use?
Treatment Types:
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Psychotherapy
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Medications
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Psychosocial Interventions
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TMS
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Other Physical Treatments (Less Common):
- ETC, DBS, & VNS
Psychotherapy is often the first step with patients. From there, a psych eval will be done and it will be determined if the patient would benefit from a medication plan.
Class of Medications:
- Antidepressants – used to treat depression, panic disorder, PTSD, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder and eating disorders
- Antipsychotic medications – used to treat psychotic symptoms (delusions and hallucinations), schizophrenia, bipolar disorder
- Sedatives and anxiolytics – used to treat anxiety and insomnia
- Hypnotics – used to induce and maintain sleep
- Mood stabilizers – used to treat bipolar disorder
- Stimulants – used to treat ADHD
These medications can “help correct imbalances in brain chemistry that are thought to be involved in some mental disorders.” Psychiatrists are one of the few mental health providers that can prescribe medication and are usually a necessary piece of long-term medication management for mental health issues.
Source: “What is Psychiatry?” American Psychiatric Association
Gabby Lundy, Exult Healthcare
Who Can Help Treat My Depression?
Mental health treatment can be found from a variety of professionals, especially for depression. Knowing your own symptoms and needs can help you determine what type of care provider is needed to best treat your depression. You may even see more than one of these professionals at a time to get the best care possible. Let’s break down some differences between these mental health care professionals.
Primary Care Doctors
Your general doctor may be the first person you see to access care. They can:
- Recommend a behavioral health provider such as a therapist, counselor, psychiatrist, etc.
- Prescribe and monitor medication
- Monitor your progress and follow up over time
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists have medical degrees (MD) and specific training in mental health conditions. They can:
- Assess your symptoms to make an informed diagnosis
- Assess the need for medication
- Prescribe and monitor medication
- Provide psychotherapy
Licensed Counselors, Therapist, and Social Workers
All three of these providers have a master’s degree (MS), a doctorate (Ph.D.), or another type of graduate-level certification. They have completed an internship and one (or more) years of supervised practice. They can:
- Assess your symptoms to make an informed diagnosis
- Provide talk therapy (also known as counseling)
- Offer specialized counseling, such as family or marriage therapy
Psychologists
Psychologists have a master’s degree (MS) or a doctorate (Ph.D./PsyD) in psychology. They are not medical doctors nor can they prescribe medication (in most cases). However, they can:
- Assess your symptoms to make an informed diagnosis
- Provide talk therapy (also known as counseling)
- Conduct psychological testing
- Refer you to a psychiatrist for medication
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
Psychiatric nurses are register nurses (RN) that also have graduate-level education in mental health. They can:
- Assess psychiatric conditions
- Prescribe and monitor medication
- Follow up with medication management and coordination of care
If you feel like medication may be part of your mental health treatment, Dr. Bhargava, a board-certified psychiatrist, may be able to help. Visit our Depression Treatment page for more information.
If you are more interested in talk therapy, Exult Healthcare has licensed therapists and counselors that have a variety of specialties. They also offer transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment if therapy and medications are not working for you.
Source: https://www.aetna.com/individuals-families/mental-emotional-health/depression-care-providers.html
Gabby Lundy, Exult Healthcare