Take the quiz below to see if you might have ADHD!

In this day and age, with so many options to serve as distraction, lack of concentration has become a very common problem. Almost everyone suffers from the same at some point or the other. However that does not necessarily mean that the person is suffering from ADHD. The question o I have ADHD?’ however keeps popping almost every time we face any inability to focus. You might, but to surely answer that question one first have to know the answer to another question, that is hat is ADHD?’

Firstly let’s acknowledge the fact that it is a medical condition. So the best advice is to consult a doctor when faced with doubts. There is no harm to be aware of the symptoms though. It is rather necessary for even any doubt to arise. The following might help determining whether or not you gave ADHD.

This brings us back to the question hat is ADHD?’

ADHD or Attention Deficit and Hyperactive Disorder is a mental health condition mostly suffered from a very young age that however continues to thrive even in the adulthood.

ADHD is a not a modern day problem. However it has risen over the years. There are reportedly more than 10 million cases per year in India. It is an inability to focus or pay attention. The lack of attention is caused and\or accompanied by hyperactivity. It affects a child’s academic performance alongside social acceptance. Also the child often faces other issues like lack of self esteem or anxiety issues.

It may either be caused due to genetics or because of various environmental factors. Treatment helps in betterment but is not completely curable.

Types:

1. Predominantly hyperactive
2. Mostly inattentive with some amount of hyperactivity
3. A balanced combination of hyperactivity and inattentiveness.

However, ADHD is hard to determine in toddlers because the hyperactivity which is one of the symptoms of ADHD is very difficult to distinguish from the general impulsivity or inattentiveness of a typical child. So while diagnosing a child under the age of four one must look for six or more symptoms to confirm the case. In case of adolescents that number cuts down to a minimum of five.

The general symptoms can in categorized in two types namely behavioral and cognitive .

Behavioral: aggression is one common habit among the patients of ADHD alongside impulsivity and irritability. People suffering from ADHD therefore intend to take decisions in life harshly.

Lack of restrain, repeating words and actions are other common behavioral pattern found in the patients.

Cognitive: persistent absent mindedness, Forgetfulness, Short attention span, Difficulty focusing are some of the major symptoms that fall under the cognitive category.

A patient of ADHD also suffers from mood swings in almost a daily basis constantly shifting mood from the extremes of anger to frustration to excitement.

However to answer the question o I have ADHD, more accurately one must go deeper into the specifications of the symptoms rather than basing their confirmation completely on the general ones.

As goes the types of ADHD in three different categories, the symptoms for the individual types also differ from each other to a large extent.

Symptoms for predominantly in active presentation

Failure in giving attention to detailsGeneral attention span is extensively shortPoor listening skills Difficulty in following instructions Struggles with organizing workAvoiding tasks that requires sustained mental effortsForgetful in day to day activities

Symptoms for predominantly hyperactive and impulsive

Constant fidgeting hands or feetStruggle to keep seated for longExtreme restlessnessFacing difficulty in engaging in activities quietlyRandom burst outs for even the pettiest reasonsDifficulty in waiting for anything or anyone

Symptoms for individuals with a combination of hyperactivity and inattentiveness is also a combined mixture of the symptoms of the other two types.

These symptoms however have a chance to change over time as a person grows older. So, one may start with one type of ADHD and land in another type in a different phase of their life.

Other common mental health problems often associated with ADHD are depression or learning disability. So, one who suffers from ADHG might also have symptoms of other health diseases, which can make the situation confusing. The best way to tell is to consult a doctor. There in not just one single test that goes into the process of determining. The psychologists dig deep into all detailed information about the apparent symptoms in their patients. So, when in doubt, consult a doctor without delay. The sooner one finds out the easier it gets to treat.

Take the quiz below and see how well you perform!

Recent studies show that obsessive-compulsive disorder has been encountered in 1 person in every 200 young adults and teens.

OCD brings about unreasonable fears and thoughts (obsessions) that can cause repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These compulsions or obsessions can cause severe discomfort and interfere with daily activities. At the onset stages of this disorder, you might attempt to stop or ignore the fixations.

But they just keep coming back, increasing your anxiety and distress.

Eventually, you’re driven to carry out compulsive acts in a bid to relieve the stress. But despite all effort to get rid of or ignore the bothersome urges/ thoughts, they keep recurring. Hence, the behavior becomes ritualistic- OCD’s vicious cycle.

What Causes Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

According to mental health experts, there is still no known cause for OCD. Nonetheless, research and science point to a few risk factors. They are:

Genetics- If you have first-degree relatives such as siblings or parents who’ve suffered from OCD as young adults, you’re at a higher risk of developing this condition.

Brain Structure- Scientists are studying the frontal cortex of non-OCD and OCD test subjects to narrow down the differences.

Environment- Research indicates that experiencing emotional, physical, or mental abuse at a tender age is also a risk factor for developing obsessive-compulsive disorder. Also, there are certain types of infection like the streptococcal infection that can cause OCD in adolescents/ teens.

HOW OCD ARE YOU?

OCD usually centers on various themes. For example, the fear of germs or losing things. You might find yourself counting or washing hands excessively.

You can quickly determine your obsessive-compulsive disorder by looking at the symptoms that come in your theme.

Here are common symptoms of OCD according to the National Institutes of Mental Health:

1. The need for things to appear perfectly symmetrical.
2. Cleaning either the surrounding or yourself excessively.
3. Having disturbing intrusive thoughts.
4. Engaging in uncontrollable compulsive behaviors.
5. Being unable to control your behaviors and thoughts despite knowing they’re irrational.

Many mental health specialists categorize different cases of OCD depending on symptoms. To know how OCD you are, you can take a screening test. The questions emanate from obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms and require yes/ no answers.

Your responses determine how high up you’re on the OCD scale.

Nonetheless, the six major categories of OCD are:
• Hoarding

• Checking

• Contamination

• Mental contamination

• Ruminations

• Intrusive thoughts

Treating OCD in Teens and Young Adults

There several methods of treating obsessive-compulsive disorder. Mind you, mental health expert treat, and not cure the disease. Treatment allows your symptoms to subside, moving you towards wellness.

There’s no straightforward cure for OCD.

Here’re the treatment options that exist for this anxiety disorder:

I. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

It’s the old standard’ of OCD therapies. CBT utilizes two evidence-based techniques- CT (Cognitive Therapy) and ERP (Exposure Response Prevention therapy). Combining medication with CBT is the most ideal way to treat OCD.

II. Medication

Antidepressants are the first line of defense for teens/ young adults with OCD. Mental health practitioners use medicines such as Fluoxetine (Prozac), clomipramine (Anafranil), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), etc. Most of these drugs are Serotonin Specific Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).

III. Habit Reversal Training

It’s a therapy that consists of the introduction of competing responses, awareness training, positive reinforcement, social support, and relaxation techniques. The idea is that when you’re more aware of when compulsive behaviors kick in, you’re likely to intervene and change. For habit reversal training takes diligent practice, patience, as well as time.

IV. Experimental Treatments

These are last resort experimental treatments for patients who don’t respond well to therapies and/ or medicine. They include emerging procedures haven’t been tested sufficiently. Examples are:

• Clinical trials- You can research tests to examine unproven treatments.

• Deep brain stimulation- A procedure that surgically implants electrodes in your brain.

• Electro-conclusive therapy- mental health experts electrically shock your brain using electrodes attached to your head. This shock initiates a brain seizure that leads to the release of hormones like serotine. The hormones contribute to your wellbeing and happiness.

The Take-Away

OCD has no cure, but it’s absolutely treatable. If you suspect that you’ve obsessive-compulsive disorder, first visit a doctor for confirmation. He/ she will also recommend the best treatment for you.

You have just had a crush on him and you would really wish that he has the same feelings for you but the big worry is if he can really make a good boyfriend. It may be difficult to know if he is a good boyfriend especially if you are new to each other but if you can closely master his personality and his actions then you may be in a safe place to know if he is your right partner.

Many at times we get attracted to a guy due to their looks and probably their presentation and we forget to learn their characters and if they can really be our perfect matches. You should not use your intuitions to know if your boyfriend is really your soulmate. This is not safe at all and you should not try it either. You are attracted to this guy and it would really be hard to see his negative characters if you do not find a better strategy to knowing him better.

Think about his personality, can he really keep his promises? Can he be honest with you even when he has wronged you? Does he respect you? What about your family, does he get along with your parents and friends? These are great question to help you know if he is the right guy for you.

The fact that he tells you how much he adores you or the kind of physical chemistry you are experiencing in the bedroom should not be enough to tell whether he is a perfect guy. It would be great if he has kept his promises over years and you should even be celebrating about it. However, if you are not sure whether he is your right choice then it is time to get to know who he really is and if he wants to be in a serious relationship with you. We have compiled this comprehensive guide to help you choose a perfect partner.

Signs that he is a good boyfriend

1. He is ready for a committed relationship
   You read it right a committed relationship is a great sign that your relationship is working out. Not all people want to be in serious relationships that can lead to a marriage even if they are acting like they are. Sometimes they may want a perfect relationship but unfortunately they are not ready to withstand challenges facing the relationship. Some other guys will act as if they really love you but are just playing games. You should therefore run from such relationship to avoid regrets.

There are many signs to know if a guy is not ready to enter into a serious relationship. If he does not like talking about the future with you or if he won’t keep his promises he is probably not serious with you. A guy who want a lasting relationship will do their best to keep their promises, frequently talk about their future with you and would always want to spend time with you. If your boyfriend is trying to act busy all the time then you are definitely not his priority.

1. He sticks with you during difficult moments
   A good boyfriend will always be proud of you even during your failures. He will keep encouraging and remind you that you are still his best and only partner even if you failed in certain tests. If you feel like you have lost everything and you are so depressed about it he will comfort you and make you fell like a winner.
2. He introduces you to his friends and relatives
   Guys who are serious in their relationships will want to tell their close friends and families about their lovers. A guy will introduce you to his parents to assure you of how much he loves you and that he has a future with you. Your boyfriend will praise you in the presence of his friends and colleagues if he is proud to have you.

You can also introduce him to your family and see how he reacts. If he truly lives you he should be so happy to meet your family and he will comfortably interact with your friends. However, if he is not in a serious relationship with you he will keep giving you excuses about seeing his parents and even if he admits swing your friends he might be feel so awkward about it.

4.He makes you feel safe
You must feel safe when you have your boyfriend with you. You were so scared to walk along the streets from work or when going for shopping all alone especially at night but now that you have your boyfriend with you, he should be able to protect you. A good boyfriend also cares about your well being and should always check on you to make sure that everything is well with you. You need someone who can take care of you when you are in pain and is able to protect you in all dangers. If your boyfriend cannot give you sometime when you are in pain or protect you when you are in danger then you should be careful about your relationship with him.

1. He respects you
   Your boyfriend will respect you regardless of the differences that you could be experiencing in your relationship. He will not expose your weaknesses to his friends even if you are not in good terms with him. Someone who speaks ill about you in the midst of his or your friends definitely does not respect you. If he is the right partner he should praise you instead before his colleagues and friends even if you have wronged him and he his bitter about him. He should also respect your opinion and listen to you whenever you need his attention.

He may not concur with your opinions and ideas but he should be able to respect them whatsoever since that is what you think is right for you. Sometimes ladies can give some boring stories but if your boyfriend respects who you are, will listen to you even if he will tell you that he did not like your story. However he should say it in such a way that he does not hurt your feelings but to make fun of it to make you enjoy the moment together.

1. He supports you
   You need someone who can support you even during your difficult moments. A good boyfriend will give you a shoulder to lean on when you are in pain and when you it matters most. He should support you in all your dreams and also encourage you do what is right and focus on things that can build your future. Life is full of frustrations and even your close friends may not be willing to help you during the difficult moments.

There is thus a great need to find a good boyfriend who will always be ready to be with you whenever you need some help. If your boyfriend doesn’t want to be part of your failures then he does not love you truly. In such a case he is probably making a fun of you and taking advantage of your innocence. As a matter of a fact he does not love you but only wants to use you for his own benefit. Free away from such relationships and find someone who is ready to support you in everything that you do. Chose someone who can be there for you at all times when you need them most.

1. You can make plans together
   A good boyfriend values your impact in their life and will always involve you in his plans. He will tell you want what he is planning to do and involve you in setting out the plans from beginning to the end. Remember this includes his future plans and if he can comfortably share his future with you then he is really committed in having a future with you.

Guys who are not serious with their lovers will not tell them about their future plans nor will they involve them in discussing about their investment goals or rather their future plans. Such guys are simply playing games and doesn’t consider you being part of their future and that is why they do not want to involve you in their plans. If you realise such behaviours then it is important to find a better relationship to avoid embarrassments in the future.

1. He trust you
   Many relationships will not work out simply because people will not want to trust each other. You love each other but you do not really believe that you are dating your partner all alone. You are jealous and this will not only keep you fighting in the house but also kill your relationship. A good guy will trust you and defend you in all situations.

Sometimes a guy will fully be in love with you but he is so jealous seeing you with other guys. This should not be mistaken. He loves you and he is so jealous since he does not want to loose you to other guys. You should also trust him in whatever he thinks he thinks is good for both of you. However you should not trust him blindly simply because he said that you need to believe him. Sometimes men will convince ladies to keep trusting them yet they are still out there cheating their lovers or doing thinks which can hurt you. Make sure before you can fully trust them they are worth it.

1. He gives you space and encourages you pursue your dreams
   A guy who is really in love will not just want to spend all the time with you but also give you time to pursue your goals. Even if they want to stay close to you, they will always tell you to focus on making your dreams comes true. He will also give you suggestions on what you can work on that will contribute to your success.

Your boyfriend will tend to figure out what you are interested in and what you love working on then support you financially or even just give you ideas on how to do it better. Some boyfriends will get angry with you if you tend to be so busy with your work but this is not a good trend. Your partner should be able to understand when you are working to make a bright future for your family. A good boyfriend will also celebrate your success with you and encourage you to work harder when things seams to be difficult.

1. He always keeps in touch with you
   A great boyfriend will always want to maintain a relationship with you. He will keep calling and texting you even if he has nothing serious to talk about. He will keep reminding you of how much he adores you and how much he misses you every time you are away from him. This is a great sign that he wants to be close to you each and every other time and you should be happy that he is a serious guy.

However if he promises that he will call or text you but fails to do so and keeps giving you excuses that he has been busy then he is probably seeing someone else or he is just not serious with you. If he also doesn’t give you dates or he if continuously gives excuses that he cannot make up for your meetings then you should be worried that he does not truly love you.

Life becomes more enjoyable when have finally found a perfect match. For most girls, life would be so boring without having someone that they love and can share their success and even their difficult moments. There is need to find someone who really loves you as you do.

You exactly know what you are looking for in a man and it is advisable to always ensure that the guy you are falling for has all those characters and can make a perfect partner before entering into the relationship. You may not want to make regrets in the future that you loved the wrong person or some guy betrayed you and you thus need to be very careful while choosing your partner. Make use of the above tips to help you get a perfect match whom you can have a lasting relationship with.

There are various unhealthy conditions that are associated with food. One of them happens to be eating disorders. And contrary to common assumptions that this kind of illness happen only to older people, it can actually strike at any stage in life and the most rampant of them all are in the teenage and young adult years. That too, in women as compared to men. Medical experts classify this as a medical issue, thus coming up with various treatments to ease the symptoms and finally get rid of the condition once and for all.

But there’s no way you can seek help if you don’t even know that you’re suffering from the same. So do you think that you have an eating disorder? here are some of the top signs of various eating disorders that you should look out for;

1: Anorexia nervosa

Popularly referred to as anorexia this fatal life-threatening condition is highly characterized by the constant fear of patients to get fat, such that they deprive themselves food. And as a result, the body lacks the essential energy, fats, and minerals leading to a significant loss of body weight.

Individuals with anorexia often work too hard to maintain/gain specific body weight and figure. And their perceptions about the same are somehow distorted since they can go through any means to ensure they achieve their goals. This makes them too weak to participate in any significant life activity as well as interfering with their general health.

When you are suffering from anorexia, then you will find yourself watching your calories intake so closely to the lowest possible limit. Also, if that doesn’t seem to help you achieve the desired results, then you find yourself spending too much in the gym, using diet aids or even forcing yourself to vomit after eating. Other notable symptoms include the desire to continue losing weight even when you’re already underweight, wanting to starve yourself without a care of the possible consequences.

2: Rumination Disorder

You will know if you are suffering from this eating disorder when you find yourself regurgitating food after eating. But this must happen frequently and persistently to qualify as a health issue. And this has absolutely no relationship with other eating disorders such as anorexia as you won’t feel nauseated or gagged. Some individuals find themselves re-chewing the food and trying to swallow again, while others just spit it out and try eating all over again. And the process continues.

This becomes a problem when you find yourself fearing to eat again or to satisfaction because of the condition. And because of that, your body suffers from malnutrition.

3: Bulimia Nervosa

Popularly referred to as Bulimia, this eating disorder is very risky and could lead to diverse effects if not addressed on time. When you suffer from it, you constantly find yourself purging and bingeing without control. Typically, when you start eating, you simply can’t bring yourself to stop. And when you finally stop, you get remorseful or guilt and deprive yourself food. But instead of helping, you only make the matters worse as you overeat again, the next time you start feeding. And the circle continues.

It even gets worse as you try to maintain or control your weight gain. And this happens even when your weight is just normal or slightly overweight. so since it’s almost impossible because of the disorder, you quickly resolve to unhealthy methods that include forceful vomiting, getting rid of calories, over-exercising, etc.

4: Binge eating Disorder

You will realize that you are suffering from a binge eating disorder when you eat excessively and more frequently. But there’s a slight difference between this condition and that of the above-stated ones and that includes lack of exercising or watching your weight. So instead of trying to shed the excessive weight gains, you find yourself hiding from people/social gatherings. All these because of the shame and guilt that comes with considering overweight.

The worst part is, after the dust settles down and all the guilt is gone, you go back to your unhealthy eating habit. This happens at least once a week. And your weight could be just fine, a bit overweight or obese.

There you have it! if you happen to suffer from any of the above disorders, it’s advisable to see a doctor as soon as possible.