What do I need to know about ADHD?
ADHD is a neurological disorder that typically appears in childhood but may not be diagnosed until adulthood. About 41% of all children diagnosed with ADHD continue to struggle with the disorder into their adult years.
ADHD often causes people to have trouble with goal-directed behaviors, planning activities, multitasking, and self-control. ADHD is more than a simple failure to pay attention. It is a complex neurological problem involving the regulation of thoughts, emotions, and behavior.
Before diagnosis, parents of children with ADHD often thought their child was purposefully disobedient or manipulative. After diagnosis, parents are better able to manage their children when they understand that problem behavior is a function of brain overload.
What symptoms develop in patients with ADHD?
The symptoms of ADHD fall into two primary categories: inattentiveness and hyperactivity and impulsivity. Each person may have different manifestations of their ADHD. Some have symptoms that are primarily inattentive without the hyperactive component; others have hyperactivity and impulsivity without typical inattentive symptoms. Yet others have symptoms from both categories.
These are examples of behavioral and emotional issues a person with ADHD may display:
Inattention:
- Fails to pay attention to detail (making careless mistakes)
- Extraordinary difficulty paying attention (at school, work, and/or during play)
- Difficulty listening
- Difficulty organizing tasks
- Reluctant to engage in tasks that require mental effort
- Losing things needed for important tasks
- Forgetting to do chores, pay bills, and similar tasks
- Becoming easily distracted
Hyperactivity and impulsivity:
- Frequently fidgets or squirms while seated
- Difficulty or inability to remain seated
- Runs or climbs when it’s inappropriate
- Difficulty playing or spending leisure time quietly
- Is always on the go and filled with energy
- Frequently talks excessively
- Often interrupts conversations and activities
- Has difficulty waiting for their turn
To be diagnosed with ADHD, your symptoms must be frequent or severe enough to negatively affect your ability to learn at school, succeed at work, form friendships, and socialize.
What should I expect during the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD?
Diagnosing ADHD is a complex task that requires the skills of a specialist. Some symptoms of ADHD overlap with those of other disorders. Properly diagnosing ADHD involves careful consideration of symptoms within the context of a patient’s life. Ruling out other possible causes of ADHD like behavior (i.e., depression, anxiety, and trauma) is necessary for successful treatment. Once a diagnosis is clear, Dr. Levy conducts a functional analysis of the client’s behavior, allowing her to address areas of need in order of importance and bases their treatment accordingly.
If you have symptoms of ADHD, or you think your child may have it, call Dr. Levy or schedule an appointment online.
