ADHD

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in childhood even if it’s not diagnosed until adulthood. The underlying cause of ADHD occurs during brain development, with changes in brain growth and neurotransmitters affecting the areas that regulate attention, activity, and impulsivity.

ADHD is typically diagnosed between the ages of four and seven, but for at least one-third of children, the challenges persist throughout their adult years.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

All children (and adults) sometimes have a bad day and exhibit ADHD-like behaviors. But ADHD symptoms are noticeably more severe and frequent, leading to problems at home, in school, and on the job.

You or your child may have one of three types of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. Your symptoms depend on the type:

Inattentive ADHD

If you have inattentive ADHD, you may:

• Overlook important details
• Make reckless mistakes
• Get easily distracted
• Forget to start or finish tasks
• Struggle to get and stay organized
• Daydream instead of paying attention
• Have a hard time following directions

People with inattentive ADHD tend to lose important items like homework and keys.

Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD

If you have hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, you may:

• Struggle to control impulses
• Stay constantly active
• Talk frequently or interrupt
• Feel restless or impatient
• Find it hard to wait your turn
• Fidget or move around when you should sit still (in a work meeting or a classroom)

ADHD also affects your ability to control your emotions, often resulting in outbursts that seem out of proportion to the situation.

Combined ADHD

If you or your child have combined ADHD, you have some symptoms from both types.

How is ADHD treated?

Treatment for moderate-to-severe ADHD usually includes medications that balance brain chemicals, improve attention, and calm hyperactive behaviors. Stimulant medications produce the best results, but there are also non-stimulant options.

Psychotherapy is also an important part of ADHD treatment. Therapy targets each person’s life challenges and teaches the skills needed to overcome them.

For example, you or your child may need help learning to organize your day, control emotional outbursts, or improve social skills. Your Calm Psychiatry, PC, provider can also help with other ADHD-related issues, such as insomnia.

If you or your child have ADHD symptoms, don’t wait to schedule an appointment. Call Calm Psychiatry, PC, or use online booking to request a telehealth appointment today.