What is ADHD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder that typically emerges in childhood and can persist into adulthood. It affects a person’s ability to regulate attention, impulses, and behavior, often leading to difficulties in school, work, and relationships. ADHD is categorized into three types: predominantly inattentive presentation, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation, and combined presentation, where individuals exhibit symptoms from both categories.

What are the signs of ADHD?
The symptoms of ADHD can vary from person to person and often depend on the type of ADHD. However, they generally fall under two main categories: inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.

• Inattention Symptoms:

  • Difficulty staying focused on tasks or activities
  • Easily distracted by external stimuli or unrelated thoughts
  • Trouble following through with tasks or instructions
  • Forgetfulness in daily activities (e.g., missing appointments)
  • Frequently losing items like keys, wallets, or school materials
  • Avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort, like homework or detailed work
  • Difficulty organizing tasks and activities

• Hyperactivity-Impulsivity Symptoms:

  • Inability to sit still, fidgeting, or tapping hands or feet
  • Excessive talking or interrupting conversations
  • Difficulty waiting for one’s turn
  • Acting without thinking or making impulsive decisions
  • Interrupting others’ activities or games
  • Restlessness, often described as feeling “driven by a motor”
  • Difficulty engaging in quiet activities, like reading

ADHD symptoms must be present for at least six months and interfere with social, academic, or work-related functioning to be considered for a diagnosis. The severity and range of these symptoms may differ, particularly between children and adults.

How is ADHD diagnosed?
Diagnosing ADHD requires a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional. At Angels Mental Health, we follow a multi-step process to ensure an accurate diagnosis:

1. Clinical Interview:
   A thorough interview with the individual, and often family members or caregivers, to understand the history of symptoms, their severity, and how they impact daily life. We also assess for other possible causes of the symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, or learning disorders.

2. Behavioral Assessments:
   We may use standardized ADHD rating scales and questionnaires to evaluate the frequency and intensity of symptoms. These assessments are designed for different age groups and help us gather objective data on attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

3. Medical History Review:
   A complete medical and family history is reviewed to rule out other health issues that might mimic ADHD symptoms, such as thyroid problems or neurological disorders.

4. Observational Reports:
   Input from teachers, family members, or coworkers may be requested to provide additional insight into the individual’s behavior across different settings. This is especially important in children, where symptoms often manifest differently at home and school.

By combining these elements, we can confirm an ADHD diagnosis and differentiate it from other conditions that may present with similar symptoms.

How is ADHD treated?
ADHD treatment is most effective when it is personalized to the individual’s unique needs. At Angels Mental Health, we offer a range of treatment options:

1. Medication Management:

   • Stimulant Medications: These are the most common medications used to treat ADHD and include drugs like Adderall, Ritalin, and Vyvanse. Stimulants work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, helping to improve focus, attention, and impulse control.
   • Non-Stimulant Medications: For those who may not respond well to stimulants, or have certain medical conditions, non-stimulant medications like Strattera or Intuniv may be prescribed. These medications can help manage ADHD symptoms without the stimulating effects.

2. Behavioral Therapy:
   Behavioral therapy helps individuals with ADHD develop strategies for managing symptoms and improving functioning in everyday life. Techniques may include:

   • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It can help individuals with ADHD develop better organizational skills, improve time management, and reduce impulsivity.
   • Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT): For younger children with ADHD, this therapy helps parents learn effective ways to manage their child’s behavior while fostering a positive and supportive environment.
   • Behavior Modification: This involves creating reward systems or routines to reinforce positive behavior and discourage negative behavior. It is particularly effective for children.

3. Psychoeducation and Support:
   Education is a key component of ADHD treatment. We work with both individuals and their families to help them understand the condition and develop practical strategies for managing symptoms. This may include:

   • Time Management Techniques: Learning how to break tasks into smaller, manageable steps and using tools like planners or apps to stay organized.
   • Improving Focus: Teaching methods like mindfulness and relaxation techniques to help improve concentration during challenging tasks.
   • Supportive Counseling: Individuals with ADHD often experience co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression. We offer supportive counseling to help them cope with these challenges and maintain overall mental well-being.

4. School or Workplace Accommodations:
   For students or professionals, ADHD can impact academic or job performance. We work closely with schools and employers to advocate for accommodations such as extra time on tests, modified work environments, or additional resources to ensure success in these settings.

At Angels Mental Health, we believe in a collaborative and holistic approach to ADHD treatment, empowering you or your child to lead a more focused, productive, and fulfilling life. We provide continuous support to track progress, adjust treatments as needed, and ensure long-term success.