Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD care that is compassionate and based on evidence is available in-person at our psychiatric clinics or through telehealth in Texas, Iowa, Washington, Arizona, and Pennsylvania, and other states.
Overview
What Is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that disrupt daily functioning and development. ADHD, one of the most common mental health diseases in the United States, affects an estimated 6 million children and more than 8 million adults.
ADHD is not simply being easily distracted or restless. It is a condition that involves abnormalities in the way the brain functions in regulating attention, impulse control and executive function. Symptoms are not the product of laziness, lack of drive or bad parenting, but instead represent a complicated brain-based disorder with significant biological basis, and respond well to adequate therapy.
The good news is that ADHD is very curable. My Psychiatry Care offers personalized ADHD evaluation and treatment with our experienced psychiatric providers via telehealth in Texas, Iowa, Washington, Arizona, and Pennsylvania or in-office visits.
Symptoms
Below are some of the common signs and symptoms of ADHD.
The signs and symptoms of ADHD are different for each person and can be mild or severe. For a clinical diagnosis, symptoms must be observed in two or more settings, have been present for at least six months, and have caused significant impairment in social, academic or occupational functioning.
Difficulty Sustaining Attention
Difficulty maintaining attention on tasks or activities, particularly on repetitive or closely related tasks or mental effort required for long periods of time.
Impulsivity
Speaking without considering, interrupting others, making spontaneous choices, or being unable to take turns.
Poor time management and Disorganization
Persistent trouble organizing tasks, time, deadlines and the materials or obligations.
Emotional Dysregulation
A lack of tolerance for frustration, mood swings, irritability, or inability to control strong feelings when reacting to routine stressors.
Hyperfocus
Inclination to focus on very stimulating and highly engaging activities for extended periods of time, sometimes at the expense of other activities.
Hyperactivity
Excessive fidgeting, restlessness, inability to stay seated or a persistent need to be “on the go.”
Forgetfulness
Loss of things and forgetting appointments, even when intending to do so.
Difficulty Following Through
Getting excited about projects but not finishing them, especially when interest or novelty wanes.
Types
Types of ADHD We Treat
No two people with ADHD are alike. According to the DSM-5, there are three major presentations of ADHD that represent different symptom patterns: The DSM-5 recognizes three major presentations of ADHD that represent different patterns of symptoms: Our psychiatrists have a broad range of experience in diagnosing and treating all presentations throughout childhood, adolescence and adulthood.
ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
Main features are problems with maintaining attention, organizing and executing; little or no hyperactivity. As a presentation, it is often not diagnosed, especially in females and adults, because the signs are not so prominent.
ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
Mainly hyperactive impulsive with fewer problems with attention span. Often seen in children, when physical restlessness and impulsiveness are more evident.
ADHD, Combined Presentation
It is the most frequently seen clinical clinical presentation. Experiences marked symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity that in combination impact functioning in multiple areas of life.
Adult ADHD
ADHD does not disappear with age. Many adults were never diagnosed as children, particularly those with inattentive presentations. Adult ADHD often presents as chronic disorganization, difficulty sustaining focus at work, relationship challenges, and a long history of underachievement relative to ability.
ADHD in Women and Girls
Many women and girls with ADHD don't seek the help they need because they don't exhibit the hyperactive outward behavior; they're more likely to experience internalized distress and inattention. Additionally, the severity of the ADHD symptoms can vary throughout the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy and in menopause.
ADHD with Co-occurring Conditions
Many people with the condition of ADHD also have anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, sleep disorder, OCD or substance use disorder. All conditions treated at once give the best long-term results.
Causes & Risk Factors
What Causes ADHD?
There is no single cause of ADHD. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a combination of genetics and environmental variables, none of which are indicative of personal failure or poor parenting.
Genetics
ADHD is among the most heritable of the psychiatric diseases. Having a parent or sibling with the illness considerably raises the risk of having it.
Brain Structure
Research shows that people with ADHD have persistent variations in how certain parts of the brain involved in executive function, attention, and impulse control develop and work, including the prefrontal cortex and dopaminergic pathways.
Prenatal Exposure to
Exposure to nicotine, alcohol or certain substances during pregnancy is related with an increased risk of the child having ADHD.
Low Birth Weight or Preterm Delivery
Compared to full-term children, those born preterm or with low birth weight are at increased risk for ADHD.
Environmental Aspects
Early exposure to environmental contaminants like lead has also been associated with higher likelihood of ADHD-like symptoms and diagnosis.
Co-occurring Neurodevelopmental Disorders
The illness is often associated with other neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia and developmental coordination problem, suggesting common neural mechanisms.
Living Conditions
Chronic stress, trauma and unfavorable childhood events do not cause ADHD, but can make symptoms worse and make diagnosis more difficult.
Treatment
ADHD Treatment at My Psychiatry Care
ADHD is a very treatable disorder. Most people have a huge increase in attention, organization, emotional regulation and quality of life with a personalized treatment plan. Our ADHD online psychiatrists develop individualized treatment regimens that may consist of:
Psychiatric Assessment and Diagnosis
A full assessment of your symptoms, developmental history, current level of functioning and goals, which is the foundation for an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and an effective treatment plan.
Supervision of Medication
The most studied and effective therapies for ADHD are stimulant drugs, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate. For patients who want or require an alternative, there are other non-stimulant choices like as atomoxetine, guanfacine and bupropion. We pay close attention to how you respond and change medicines to best fit your lifestyle and needs.
Therapeutic Recommendations
We pair patients with trained therapists for evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for ADHD, executive function coaching, and behavioral tactics to augment medication management and develop enduring abilities.
Continued Follow-up and Support
Ongoing review of your progress and concerns , and modifications to your treatment plan as your life circumstances and requirements change. Managing ADHD successfully is a partnership, not a single evaluation.
Getting Help
When to Get Help for ADHD
You don’t have to wait until things are out of control to ask for help. Talk to a psychiatrist online if:
Consider reaching out if:
- Most of your life you have fought with concentration, focus or organization
- ADHD symptoms that interfere with employment, education, or relationships
- You have a previous diagnosis but are not receiving consistent or effective care
- You think you may have ADHD but have never been assessed
- You are utilizing substances or alcohol to cope with poor mood or restlessness.
- You have anxiety or melancholy that could be due to untreated ADHD
My Psychiatry Care offers telehealth anxiety care across multiple states, along with in-person services at select clinic locations. We provide care for patients of all ages and accept most major insurance plans.
Psychiatric Mental Health & Family Nurse Practitioner
Meet Faith Agho, PMHNP-BC
- ANCC board certified
- Licensed in 5 states
My name is Faith Agho. I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 16 years of experience in the healthcare industry. I am passionate about mental health and committed to providing individualized care that recognizes each person’s unique story and needs. My approach is centered on creating a safe, welcoming, and judgment-free environment where you can feel comfortable being honest about what you’re experiencing. At Faith Bridge Behavioral, I believe that seeking help is a sign of strength.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
We offers telehealth ADHD evaluation and treatment in Texas, Iowa, Washington, Arizona, and Pennsylvania. Appointments are available online from the comfort of your home, with no commute required.
Focusing is hard for everyone sometimes, especially when they are tired or stressed. Clinical ADHD is a pattern of persistent inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that has been present since childhood, happens in many places, and makes daily functioning significantly harder, not just occasionally distracting.
Yes. Many people in their 20s, 30s, and older never get diagnosed with ADHD. This is especially true for those who had problems paying attention as kids and weren’t given the right help. A full psychiatric evaluation can find ADHD in people of any age, and treatment can make a big difference in how well they function no matter when it starts.
Ready to Get Support?
Our compassionate psychiatric team is here to help. Book a new patient appointment today.
