ADHD

What Is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a brain disorder that affects your ability to remain focused and hold your attention, sit still, as well as control your behavior. It occurs in children, teens and can continue into adulthood if it is left unaddressed.

ADHD is among the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders in children and, statistically, boys are more likely to develop it than girls. It’s usually spotted during the early formative school years, as it becomes more important to remain focused in classes.

ADHD can’t be prevented or cured per se, however, early intervention with good treatment and education can help a child or adult with ADHD manage their symptoms more effectively and live a healthier, more productive life.

ADHD Symptoms For Children

Inattentive. A child with ADHD:

• easily distracted
• Doesn’t follow directions or finish tasks
• Doesn’t listen
• Doesn’t pay attention
• Makes careless mistakes
• Forgets about daily activities
• Avoids tasks that require sitting still

Hyperactive-impulsive. A child with ADHD:

• Often squirms,fidgets, or bounces when sitting. Always tries to move, run, or climb on things
• Doesn’t stay seated
• Talks excessively
• Difficulty waiting for their turn
• Blurts out answers
• Interrupts others

Symptoms in Adults

Symptoms of ADHD may change as you age. They include:

• Often being late or forgetting dates + times
• Anxiety
• Low self-esteem
• Problems at work
• Impulsiveness
• Substance misuse or addiction
• Organizational struggles
• Procrastination
• Often bored
• Trouble concentrating when reading
• Depression
• Relationship problems

ADHD Treatment

Most of the prominent ADHD symptoms can be managed with medication and therapy. Especially in children, close coordination among therapists, doctors, teachers, and parents is very important in remaining dedicated to a therapy plan.

Medication.

Stimulant medications are the most commonly prescribed for treating ADHD. They can help control hyperactive and impulsive behavior and prolong the attention span of patients. Speak to your doctor if prescription medication is the best solution to help manage your ADHD.

Therapy

Behavior modification helps ‘overwrite’ bad behaviors, and replaces them with healthier, more constructive ones. This practice encourages you to make simple, clear rules that are to be followed, along with easy-to-understand consequences. Be sure to watch for and reward good behavior, as this will reinforce positive behaviors.

It can be very helpful to consult a professional for routine psychotherapy sessions. This can help someone with ADHD learn to handle their emotions and frustration in better ways. Counseling can help family members gain a better understanding of their child and how ADHD influences their choices and behavior.

ADHD Management Services Offered in New York

If you have questions about the ADHD management services offered at MiDoctor, call our office to speak with a member of our team or schedule a consultation online today!