ADHD Testing
Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder is a chronic condition that includes attention difficulty, hyperactivity and impulsivity. ADHD often begins in childhood and can persist into adulthood. Although, many people may be not diagnosed until they are adults after struggling with symptoms for years without realizing it. ADHD can have a significant social impact on affected individuals’ lives, both at home and school, work and in relationships. Similar treatments used for children are also used to treat adults with ADHD. For many, it is a combination of medications, therapy, and lifestyle skills.
Inattentive Symptoms include:
- Difficulty sustaining attention
- Difficulty following through and completing tasks
- Loses objects frequently needed for tasks
- Distracted
- Forgetful
- Struggles with organization and structure
Hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms:
- Fidgeting
- on the go as if driven by a motor
- interrupts or intrudes without thinking
- cannot wait turn
- talks excessively
- blurts out answers
- impulsively makes decisions
Children with ADHD
Students whose ADHD impairs their learning may qualify for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or for a Section 504 plan. Study skills and organizational instruction, changes in the classroom set up, alternative teaching techniques and a modified class curriculum may support a child with ADHD. A child diagnosed with ADHD may be treated with a stimulant or non-stimulant medication, psychotherapy, and also behavioral therapy. Typically, the school, parents, and health care providers work together to develop a plan to help the child at school.
Adults ADHD
Adults diagnosed with ADHD may present both at home and at work having difficulty starting and completing tasks, difficulty focusing and listening, and getting bored easily, chronically late to meetings or commitments, and poor planning and time management skills.
A thorough evaluation includes a review of past and current symptoms, initial psychiatric evaluation, and the use of adult rating scales or checklists. Adults diagnosed with ADHD are treated with medication, psychotherapy, and also behavior management strategies. The behavioral management strategies may focus on implementing more structure and organization, minimize distractions, or completing tasks.
If you think you or a loved one may have ADHD, please request a consultation with me. I will be happy to help!
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FAQs About ADHD
How to know if you have ADHD?
ADHD is a mental disorder that can cause impulsive behavior, hyperactivity, and problems with focus. It could be hard to know if you have ADHD, since these symptoms can be normal parts of childhood. However, if your symptoms are disrupting your life, it may be time to see a mental health professional.
How to deal with ADHD?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as everyone with ADHD will have different needs and preferences. However, some common strategies for dealing with ADHD include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. By working together, we can create a treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
How does ADHD affect the brain?
ADHD is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It affects the brain’s dopamine and norepinephrine levels, which can impact a person’s ability to focus and self-regulate. ADHD can also lead to executive functioning problems, making it difficult to plan and organize. Therefore, seeking help from a psychiatric service is crucial if you are struggling with the condition.
How does ADHD medication work?
ADHD medication can help improve focus, concentration, and impulsivity. It aids in the management of symptoms by affecting the brain’s dopamine and norepinephrine levels. But not everyone responds to medication in the same way, so it’s important to seek professional help from a psychiatric practitioner to help find the best option for you.
