ADHD Treatment
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms can significantly impact a person’s ability to function at home, school, or work. Latest studies shows that 40%-50% of ADHD is due to sleep disordered breathing.

ADHD Diagnosis
Diagnosing ADHD involves a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional. This typically includes a detailed interview, a review of the individual’s history,and possibly a rating scale completed by parents or teachers. If the patient is suffering from sleep disordered breathing difficulties,a CBCT scan ( cone beam computed tomography) is required to rule out if there is any airway obstructions.
ADHD Treatment Goals
The goal of ADHD treatment is to improve the individual’s quality of life by reducing symptoms and enhancing their ability to function. Effective treatment can lead to improved focus, reduced impulsivity, stronger relationships, and increased self-esteem.
Treatment Options
Treatment plan
If the child/adult is diagnosed with ADHD,make sure you rule out airway problems and disturbed sleep breathing .If the obstruction is diagnosed,in children we expand upper arch( maxila ) with RME and in adult patients we expand with MSE ( maxillary skeletal expander) to facilitate nasal breathing.
Therapy
Therapy plays a vital role in managing ADHD symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)is particularly effective in teaching individuals strategies to cope with challenges, improve problem-solving skills, and develop better self-management techniques. Parent training programs and social skills training can also be beneficial, especially for children with ADHD.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle modifications can significantly impact ADHD symptoms. Prioritizing good sleep hygiene and adequate sleep can help improve focus and energy levels. Creating a supportive environment at home and school is crucial for individuals with ADHD

Finding the Right Treatment
Developing an individualized treatment plan is key to managing ADHD effectively. Building a strong partnership with your healthcare provider is essential for open communication, shared decision-making, and monitoring treatment progress.
Life-Changing Experiences
I visited Dr. Jojo Joseph’s clinic for my son on a friend’s recommendation. Despite having undergone adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy earlier, he continued to face mouth-breathing, sleep difficulties, breathing problems and other related health challenges.
Through the clinic’s assessment, we learned that these issues were affecting his sleep, academic performance, focus, and including symptoms often associated with ADHD. He also had snoring, grinding, morning headaches and skin problems.
Dr. Jojo recommended further evaluation and a specialized treatment plan to address the root causes.
After starting the treatment, we noticed remarkable improvements. My son began breathing through his nose, enjoyed better sleep, and his focus and energy levels significantly improved. His academic performance also showed great progress, and the behavioral challenges we had been concerned about reduced significantly.
We are deeply grateful to Dr. Jojo Joseph, Sumi Jojo, and the entire team at Vallamattam Dental Sleep Medicine. I highly recommend this clinic to parents whose children face similar challenges.
Thomas Daniel
FAQ
How can dental sleep medicine help with ADHD treatment ?
Since insufficient sleep can make ADHD symptoms worse, dental sleep medicine can help cure ADHD by enhancing the quality of sleep. People who have sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, Upper Airway resistance syndrome,which is frequently associated with ADHD, may benefit from oral appliances like MSE,RME and mandibular advancement appliances
Can sleep disordered breathing affect ADHD symptoms?
Yes, poor sleep quality brought on by untreated sleep disordered breathing can exacerbate symptoms of ADHD like impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. These symptoms might be alleviated by treating sleep disordered breathing.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
ADHD is typically diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation, questionnaires, and behavior assessments. ADHD treatment may also look for signs of sleep disorders that could be affecting ADHD symptoms.
Can an oral appliance help with ADHD treatment ?
By releasing the airway blockage, oral appliances can help people with ADHD and sleep disordered breathing have better sleep. Hyper activity, Inattention and irritability ,difficulty in focusing, poor academic performance are few symptoms of ADHD that may be improved with quality sleep.