About one in seven American children are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Some individuals are not diagnosed until adulthood, while others are never diagnosed. Known to disrupt interpersonal and family relationships and to affect performance at school and work, ADHD can be dealt with successfully when diagnosed and treated by a professional.
Here’s more on its symptoms and treatment options.
What Are The Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder of somewhat puzzling etiology. Some researchers speculate that differences in brain structure and a prevalence or lack of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, cause symptoms. Physicians and psychologists also believe that there is a strong hereditary component to ADHD.
Whatever the causality, ADHD can be disruptive to the person who has it and to the people around them at home, school, or work. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available today to manage the symptoms of ADHD, which include:
- Inattention and distractibility
- Poor focus and limited ability to complete homework, chores, and other tasks
- Constant talking
- Interrupting during conversation
- Outbursts of talking or other activity
- Inability to get organized or meet deadlines
- Fidgeting
- Inability to stay still
What Are The Treatments of ADHD?
Healthcare providers recommend a multi-pronged approach to the treatment of ADHD. As with any chronic condition, the aim is not cure, but rather symptom management, so kids (or adults) and their families can enjoy normal day to day activities, better communication, and overall happiness and wellness.
Behavior and cognitive therapies work to provide attention, focus, and task management. Additionally, positive reinforcement, or a reward system, encourages the desired behaviors both at home and school.
Parents and teachers alike should provide as much structure as possible regarding activities, meals, and bedtime. Schools can provide academic accommodations (an individualized education program, or IEP) to give extended test times, separate locations for task completion or exams, and more.
Additionally, many healthcare providers prescribe stimulant medications–either short-acting or long-acting–to control the impulsivity common in people with ADHD. Common medications include Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin, and others. Some prescribers opt for the shorter-acting forms of these drugs to limit side effects and to leverage their therapeutic effects for the school day or when focus is most needed.
Communication among parents, healthcare providers, and educators helps individuals with ADHD succeed in controlling symptoms and in being productive, happy, and social. Providers adjust treatment plans according to the input from patients and the significant others in their lives.
ADHD Symptom Treatment in Bradenton, FL
At Intercoastal Medical Group, you can find the expert and compassionate help you need for ADHD and other neurodevelopmental disorders. We are a multispecialty group with 10 locations to serve you and your family.
To arrange a consultation with one of our highly qualified providers, please choose the location most convenient for you, and give us a call. Or, request an appointment by completing our online form.
