WHAT IS ADHD? 

ADHD is a medical disorder that makes it difficult for a person to sit still and pay attention. It often begins during childhood and continues into adolescence and adulthood. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 6.1 million children were dealing with ADHD as of 2016. Additionally, CDC notes that there was a 43% increase in the number of children with ADHD in the United States between 2003 and 2016. 

There is no known cause of ADHD.  However, ADHD risk factors include genetics, drug use, exposure to lead and/or other environmental toxins, and premature birth weight. The cause of ADHD sometimes impacts the condition’s severity, as well as its symptoms.

There are three symptoms commonly associated with ADHD: inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity (acting without thinking). People dealing with ADHD are more prone than others to become easily distracted when performing everyday activities. They may also fidget when seated, have trouble waiting their turn, and have a tendency to talk nonstop. Fortunately, with proper diagnosis, an individual can learn techniques and develop strategies to cope with ADHD symptoms. 

ADHD DIAGNOSIS

There is no specific test to determine if a patient is coping with ADHD.  Instead, a medical exam is used to rule out medical conditions that may contribute to a patient’s symptoms. A patient’s medical history is also gathered and reviewed, and interviews are sometimes performed to gain insight into a patient’s symptoms. Once a patient is diagnosed with ADHD, a treatment plan is developed. 

There is also no treatment to cure ADHD.  Instead, ADHD treatment is used to help a patient cope with symptoms and is tailored to each patient’s needs. 

To date, several treatment options have been shown to help patients manage ADHD symptoms. Common ADHD treatments include:

• Medication: Stimulants are sometimes used to treat ADHD. They help increase the production of neurotransmitters in the brain. Stimulants used to treat ADHD include amphetamines and methylphenidates, and they are available in short- and long-acting options. 
• Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy involves discussing ADHD symptoms with a mental health counselor. It helps an ADHD patient work through his or her ADHD symptoms and discover ways to manage these symptoms. 
• Behavioral Therapy: Behavioral therapy helps ADHD patients learn behavior-changing techniques so they can deal with challenging situations.

Natural ADHD treatment is also available, and like any ADHD treatment, the use of natural remedies must be tailored to a patient’s health. 

Prestige Mental Health provides medications, psychotherapy, and other attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatments. At Prestige Mental Health, we understand the challenges commonly associated with treatment for ADHD in children and adults, and work with patients of all ages to determine the best treatment plan for their ADHD symptoms.