ADHD

What is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) causes ongoing difficulties with attention, behavior, and impulsivity.

Neurodevelopmental disorders are conditions that interfere with the normal development of the nervous system, affecting brain function. ADHD symptoms usually appear during childhood, causing problems with learning and socialization.

Though the symptoms can change as you get older, ADHD is a lifelong condition that affects your personal and professional relationships.

ADHD can cause other mental health conditions like depression and anxiety when left undiagnosed and untreated.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

The symptoms of ADHD fall into three categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The type and severity of symptoms differ from one person to the next.

Inattention

With inattention, you have a hard time focusing or staying on task. You might also struggle with organization and find yourself always running late.

Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity is the inability to sit still. You can find yourself fidgeting or tapping your feet. Hyperactivity also causes you to feel restless.

Impulsivity

Impulsivity causes you to make decisions without thinking things through. You might also struggle with self-control.

People with ADHD often have a dominant symptom and are classified as predominantly inattentive or predominantly hyperactive and/or impulsive.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

The Sunset Neurological & Psychiatry Group team completes a thorough exam when you come in with concerns about ADHD. There’s no single test to diagnose ADHD.

Your provider reviews your symptoms, medical and mental health histories, and family history during your exam. They’ll probably have you complete an ADHD symptom checklist.

If the patient is a teenager, the team might request that you have one of your child’s teachers complete an ADHD checklist too.

How is ADHD treated?

ADHD treatment focuses on improving your symptoms and quality of life and can include medication, behavioral therapy, and psychotherapy.

Medication

The board-certified psychiatrists at Sunset Neurological & Psychiatry Group work with you to find the right medication and dose that will control your ADHD symptoms.

ADHD medications increase a couple of chemicals in the brain — dopamine and norepinephrine — to ease your symptoms, improving your attention and behavior.

Behavioral therapy

The board-certified psychiatrists provide behavioral therapy, helping you create strategies that improve how your ADHD affects your daily life. This can include creating a system that allows you to stay organized and on task.

Psychotherapy

The team also provides psychotherapy to treat co-occurring mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.

ADHD is a lifelong condition that can’t be cured but can be managed with ongoing care. Call Sunset Neurological & Psychiatry Group today or book an appointment online for compassionate psychiatric care.