ADHD Treatment

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurocognitive disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, or a combination of both. To be diagnosed one has to have symptoms before the age of 12, but typically we see that many patients can compensate for their symptoms in many ways until they reach a barrier at some point in time in their lives. It was once thought that people outgrow this disease, but we see this is not the case.  It can lead to issues with school, work, and even relationships. We know that certain neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine are involved, but what that means is not entirely clear.

An ADHD Diagnosis per the Diagnostic Structural Manual, edition V: 

Inattentive symptoms:

• Be easily distracted, miss details, forget things, and frequently switch from one activity to another
• Have difficulty maintaining focus on one task
• Become bored with a task after only a few minutes, unless doing something they find enjoyable
• Have difficulty focusing attention on organizing or completing a task
• Have trouble completing or turning in homework assignments, often losing things (e.g., pencils, toys, assignments) needed to complete tasks or activities
• Appear not to be listening when spoken to
• Daydream, become easily confused, and move slowly
• Have difficulty processing information as quickly and accurately as others
• Struggle to follow instructions
• Have trouble understanding details; overlooks details

Hyperactive ADHD symptoms:

• Fidget or squirm a great deal;
• Talk nonstop;
• Dash around, touching or playing with anything and everything in sight;
• Have trouble sitting still during dinner, school, and while doing homework;
• Be constantly in motion;
• Have difficulty performing quiet tasks or activities;
• Be impatient;
• Blurt out inappropriate comments, show their emotions without restraint, and act without regard for consequences;
• Have difficulty waiting for things they want or waiting their turn in games;
• Often interrupt conversations or others' activities

Many patients have symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity. ADHD is often co-morbid with other mental health conditions including mood and anxiety disorders, learning disabilities, substance use disorders, and issues with sleep,  ADHD medications often include stimulant medications such as Ritalin or Adderall, which have now been around for over a century; in patients for whom stimulants are not appropriate, there are other pharmacologic options available. Either way, we do recommend ADHD treatment like behavioral interventions, changes, and strategies to manage symptoms that can often help people cope in dramatic ways. Patients will often say that behavioral therapy was the “key” to something that was missing in their lives, that things are often clearer for them, and that they feel happier and more productive once this gets diagnosed and treated.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a common mental disorder that affects both children and adults. The disorder is characterized by attention difficulty, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. ADHD affects approximately 11 percent of American children.

Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD include:

• Short attention span and trouble paying attention, particularly with subjects or tasks that a child is not interested in
• Verbal, physical, and/or emotional hyperactivity
• Impulsive behaviors and recklessness
• Fidgeting or feelings of restlessness
• Lack of organization and trouble prioritizing tasks
• Poor time management skills
• Difficulty sleeping

Children with ADHD can be successful in school when they receive the accommodations like behavior therapy, which they need in the classroom and support from family, physicians, and clinicians outside of the classroom to reduce symptoms.

It cannot be cured, but you can treat ADHD, and it can be managed. Early diagnosis is key, along with a comprehensive treatment and education plan.

It can lead to issues with school, work, or even relationships. When ADHD is left unaddressed, these challenges persist and can impact multiple areas of life. Early diagnosis is key, along with a comprehensive treatment and education plan.

There is evidence that, in women, hormonal changes can cause ADHD symptoms to worsen. Aging leads to more severe symptoms like cognitive changes for both men and women who have ADHD.

ADHD symptoms are most commonly triggered by stress, overstimulation, poor sleep, technology, and certain foods and additives. By recognizing your unique ADHD triggers, you can make healthy lifestyle changes to better manage your condition with fewer symptoms.

While ADHD is not a form of autism, it does share many similar symptoms. In addition, having one of these conditions increases the risk of having the other.

ADHD is not considered a learning disability per se, but it can be determined to be a disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), in which case a student is eligible to receive special education services.