Information on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, most commonly known as ADHD, is the most common mental disorder affecting children, however, ADHD affects many adults as well. The three main symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This includes high activity levels, difficulty remaining still for a long period of time, as wel as limited attention spans. ADHD is diagnosed as one of the three types: inattentive type, hyperactive/impulsive type or combined type. Read below for a more in depth description of the symptoms, 

Inattentive Type:

• Does not pay close attention to details and makes careless mistakes
• Has trouble staying focused
• Does not seem to listen when spoken to
• Difficulty with following through with instructions
• Has problems organizing tasks and work
• Avoids activities that involved sustained mental effort
• Very forgetful and often loses things
• Seems to be very easily distracted
• Forgets daily tasks such as chores and errands

Hyperactive/Impulsive Type: 

• Not being able to stay seated and squirms in their seat
• Fidgets with hands and/or feet
• Running and climbing in places that are inappropriate
• Unable to complete leisurely activities quietly
• Always active as if they are run on a motor
• Talking too much
• Blurting out an answer before a question has been finished
• Having difficulty waiting in line and is impatient
• Interrupts and intrudes on others without permission

Unfortunately, there are no lab tests that can effectively diagnose ADHD, however, a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist can properly assess the patient by gathering information from parents, friends, and teachers to properly diagnose the patient. Though the causes of ADHD have yet to be identified, there are risk factors that may contribute to the ddevelopment of ADHD which include premature births, brain injury and the mother smoking, using alcohol, or having extreme stress during pregnancy. 

Treatment for ADHD include behavioral therapy and medication. Studies have shown that a conjunction of both behavioral and medications works best more most cases, particularly those with moderate to severe levels of ADHD. The two main classes of medications for the treatment of ADHD are stimulants and nonstimulants. The national organization, Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity-Disorder (CHADD) reports that medication helps them gain more control and organization in their lives. However, medications can be taking in conjunction with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS. Used as an off label treatment, TMS can is an alternative treatment to reduce the symptoms of ADHD and is a noninvasive and safe procedure. If this is something that interests you, visit our info tab or give us a call today!