ADHD Treatment in Hong Kong: What are the Best Options?

ADHD Treatment in Hong Kong in 2023: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most distressful disorders of the brain. If the problem is not addressed urgently and correctly, there is a risk of your child lagging in cognitive development and developing low self-esteem. It can even extend to adulthood and have serious impacts on their career and personal life. 

If you live in Hong Kong, ADHD prevalence rates are 2.5% in adults and 6.4% in children and adolescents, but the good news is that you can get help (Faculty of Medicine of The University of Hong Kong). Mental health experts can diagnose you to determine whether the problem is mild, moderate, or severe, and recommend the right treatment. This post outlines the main ADHD treatment options in Hong Kong. 

ADHD is a complex disorder that affects both children and adults, often presenting challenges in attention, hyperactivity, and behavioral control. While medication, particularly stimulants, can provide relief from these symptoms, it is essential to approach treatment holistically, considering not only the individual’s mental health but also their overall well-being. In addition to medication, behavioral interventions play a significant role in managing ADHD. 

Therapy and skills training can equip individuals with the tools needed to navigate daily life and work effectively. Collaborating closely with a healthcare provider or doctor specializing in psychiatry is crucial to finding the most effective treatment approach tailored to the individual’s needs. 

Furthermore, family support and involvement are key factors in the success of ADHD management, as they create a nurturing environment for individuals to thrive and develop essential life skills. By combining medication, behavioral interventions, and comprehensive care, individuals with ADHD can better manage their symptoms, enhancing their overall quality of life.

 

The Three Main Treatment Options for ADHD

If you, your child, or a close friend has ADHD, there are a number of treatment options that you can go for. The earlier you get the treatment, the better: 

Treatment for ADHD Starts at Home 

To make ADHD treatment more effective, everything has to start at home. If you or your child is diagnosed with the disorder, healthy eating and exercises can come in handy to offer some relief. Particularly, you should emphasize the following: 

  • Ample Exercises

Physical activities help to boost the brain’s dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels – all of which directly impact a person’s attention. The lovely thing about exercises is that they do not need medication, and you do not have to worry about side effects. 

  • Getting Enough Sleep

Sleep is another awesome method of countering the symptoms of ADHD. To get ample sleep, consider setting a regular bedtime schedule and removing distractions like background noise. 

  • Good Nutrition

Healthy nutrition can make all the difference when trying to counter ADHD. Consider going for reduced protein levels and increase complex carbs to be able to stay alert for a longer period. Consequently, adopt a regular meal schedule to keep the blood sugar level steady. 

ADHD Medication  

Depending on the severity of ADHD, you might consider using stimulants, such as Ritalin and Adderall (check studies here). Although ADHD treatment with medication can help to improve concentration, they are considered short-term.

ADHD medications play a crucial role in managing the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in both children and adults. Stimulants are the most common class of medications used, as they effectively improve attention and behavior. 

Methylphenidate, available in various forms, including extended-release, can provide relief for several hours, minimizing daily challenges for those with ADHD. While side effects may occur, consulting a healthcare provider can help find the most suitable medication and dosage. 

For children, family support and behavior training are essential components in conjunction with medication to address ADHD-related problems effectively. In adult ADHD, treatments often involve a collaborative approach, involving psychiatry and learning strategies to enhance daily functioning and manage the condition’s impact on their lives. 

By bridging the link between medical support and behavioral interventions, individuals with ADHD can find comprehensive support in navigating the challenges of the day-to-day.

Furthermore, ADHD medications have been associated with some side effects, and you need to appreciate they do not provide a cure for ADHD. It is also crucial to note the following when using medication:

  • People respond to medication differently. 
  • You will get better results from combining medication with other therapies. 
  • You must monitor the medication with a lot of care to get results. 

ADHD Treatment in Hong Kong in 2023 : Professional Treatment for People with ADHD

Although there are a number of ways to get assistance with ADHD at home, it is imperative to ensure you seek professional help. ADHD specialists in Hong Kong have handled similar tasks before, and they also have a solution for you.

Since ADHD at different levels is best handled using a combination of treatments, working with a professional will come in handy. Some experts who can help you include: 

  • Psychologists. 
  • Adolescent psychiatrists. 
  • Cognitive behavioural therapists. 

Behavioural Therapy for ADHD 

Behavioural therapy is one of the most effective methods for addressing ADHD. To get better results, it is advisable to use behavioural therapy together with stimulant medication. It might even help you to cut down medication. How does behavioural therapy work? 

Want to know more about Neurodiversity Awareness and Neurodiversity autism?

Behavioural therapy entails reinforcing the targeted positive behaviour using a system of rewards and praises and discouraging the problematic behaviour using consequences and limits. For example, a teacher might reward a child who has ADHD (more about ADHD Hong Kong here) for making simple steps that can help address the problem. Ultimately, the kid will be able to change behaviour with time because it is associated with something desirable. When using behavioural therapy, it is paramount to do the following: 

  • Set clear goals. 
  • Make rewards and consequences clear. 
  • Use the rewards and consequences consistently. 
  • Review the progress over time.

Special Tips for ADHD Treatment in Kids

To promote positive change in kids with ADHD, it is very important to maintain consistency. Medical professionals in Hong Kong encourage parents of kids with ADHD to learn how to apply behavioural therapy techniques.

For example, children with ADHD are likely to complete their tasks successfully when the said tasks are broken down into small sections and presented in predictable patterns. Here are other recommended tips to help with faster recovery. 

  • Follow a Routine

To help your child change his/her behaviour, you need to set time and place for everything. This will ensure that the child can understand and meet the expectations. For example, you should establish simplified rituals for meals, play, homework, and bed. 

  • Consider Using Timers 

Because you are trying to help your kid improve their behaviour, it is important to allocate ample time for tasks, such as homework. You might want to place reminders in the house, including in your kid’s bedroom to retell the kid when it is time to do a specific task. 

  • Simplify the Schedule of Your Child 

If you allocate many activities to your child, they are likely to feel “wound up” and ultimately fail. Therefore, you should simplify the schedule to make it easy for the kid to follow. You might even consider adding incentives to help your kids stay on course with different activities. 

  • Provide a Quiet and Serene Place for Your Kid 

A quiet and lovely place can also help to increase connection between the kid and the activities under consideration. For example, a porch bedroom or playground can make your kid want to play more or continue with the activities in the area. 

  • Provide a Good Example for Good Organization 

To help your kid get organized, it is paramount to provide good examples. This provides a good role-model for the kid, making it easier for him/her to stay on course and achieve the targeted results. 

ADHD Treatment in Hong Kong in 2023

ADHD Treatment in Hong Kong

A significant number of people in Hong Kong suffer from mental health issues at some point in their lives. Now, the coronavirus pandemic and the troubled global economy have made the crisis worse, meaning that a lot more people need a trustworthy place and experts to turn to for hope and assistance.

This is why you should not shy away from seeking professional assistance. Do not let the condition distract and distort your life, success, and happiness because a medical expert can help you with ADHD treatment. 

ADHD treatment in Hong Kong offers various options to address the symptoms in both children and adults. Medications, particularly stimulants like methylphenidate, are commonly prescribed to enhance attention and behavior. The extended-release formulation ensures longer-lasting effects, benefiting patients throughout the day. 

While side effects may occur, consulting a healthcare provider can help find the most appropriate medication and dosage to minimize any problems. Beyond medication, behavioral support and training play a crucial role in managing ADHD, especially in children. 

Collaborative efforts involving doctors, psychiatrists, and family members help adults and children with ADHD learn effective strategies to cope with the deficit and link medical intervention with practical solutions in their daily lives.