ADHD

 What is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent mental health condition that affects children, adolescents, and adults. ADHD disrupts your ability to concentrate, make decisions, and control your impulses.

Children and adolescents most often get referred by their school counselors, teachers, or pediatrician for diagnosis and treatment of ADHD, although many adults also struggle with ADHD symptoms. When ADHD is diagnosed in adults, the condition was usually present for years, but undiagnosed and untreated.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

ADHD symptoms are slightly different in adults than in children. For example, most adults with ADHD don’t display the hyperactivity that’s common in younger patients. However, as an adult, you may struggle with attentiveness, decisiveness, and impulse control.

Childhood ADHD symptoms include:

  • Inability to sit still

  • Fidgets and squirms

  • Interrupting others

  • Overly talkative

  • Running, climbing, and playing at inappropriate times

  • Can’t follow instructions

  • Struggle to complete tasks or homework

  • Temper tantrums

  • Appear not to listen

  • Frequently lose or misplace items

  • Can’t wait their turn in line

Some common symptoms of ADHD in older teenagers and adults include:

  • Impulsiveness and reckless behaviors

  • Poor organization

  • Frequently misplacing items like your keys or wallet

  • Poor time management

  • Inability to focus on a task

  • Frequent careless mistakes

  • Trouble finishing tasks

  • Low tolerance for frustration

  • Mood swings and irritability

  • Poor stress management

If you or your child live with these symptoms and they interfere with your performance at work or school, or disrupt life at home, call to schedule a consultation.

How is ADHD treated?

Your provider begins with a thorough evaluation of your medical and psychiatric history to develop a detailed understanding of your condition. After your assessment is complete, your provider creates a treatment program to help you or your child reduce your symptoms and learn to control your behaviors.

Your provider may prescribe medication to reduce and regulate your symptoms. They may also recommend therapy to learn and practice strategies to control your impulses, manage your time, or improve your organization. You or your child may also benefit from lifestyle modifications such as increased physical activity and a diet that excludes sugary and processed foods.