ADHD, defined as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder and one of the most common developmental disorders affecting children today. ADHD is not isolated to children; many adults carry the weight of diagnosed and undiagnosed ADHD as well.  Children diagnosed with ADHD experience a number of symptoms including: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Children with ADHD often struggle academically and are more likely to have a formal learning disorder or co-occurring mental health disorder (e.g., anxiety or depression).  Some children with ADHD have related behavior problems and can become contrarian and defiant.  

 

Like many other mental health issues, ADHD can cause other challenges in life, including physical and mental health problems, relationship problems, substance abuse and alcohol problems, school problems and work and financial problems.

 

ADHD is divided into three different types:

 

ADHD, Predominately Inattentive Type

Concentration and attention problems for specific tasks

Frequently switching from one activity to another

Easily distracted and missing details

Becoming bored easily (except when doing something enjoyable)

Trouble following directions

Losing things and being forgetful

Difficulty learning new material and staying organized

Daydreaming

Moving slowly or processing information slowly

Difficulty with attention to detail and learning new material

 

ADHD, Predominately Hyperactive-Impulsive Type

Interrupting, blurting out or persistent talking

Fidgeting, squirming or restlessness

Acting out of turn or reacting (verbally or physically) without thinking of consequences

Having difficulty engaging in slow or quiet activities

Experiencing enjoyment or pleasure by being overstimulated or overly excited

Being Impatient

 

ADHD, Combined Type

Disturbances in inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity to varying degrees.

 

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Proper diagnosis and treatment is essential for lasting and meaningful change.  Specific state of the art objective and standardized testing measures are needed to identify the correct diagnosis and to identify or rule out other conditions (a learning disorder, auditory processing disorder, anxiety, depression, etc.).  We acknowledge that many parents are reluctant to begin medication as a first line of treatment and prefer instead to engage in therapy initially, and at times therapy without medication may be the best treatment approach. Medication is warranted in some cases, and research studies have shown the effectiveness of such treatment for ADHD.

 

The doctors and clinicians at Walston Health Services successfully assess and treat individuals with ADHD.  We take a personalized approach to caring for ADHD and will determine what treatment plan works best for the patient's unique needs.