Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD treatment offered in Orange, CA, Long Beach, CA, and Phoenix, AZ.
ADHD is a complex mental health disorder that typically begins during childhood and can continue causing symptoms throughout adulthood. At Children Psych in Orange, California, Long Beach, California, and Phoenix, Arizona, we provide remote and onsite ADHD evaluation and evidence-based testing for children and adults. To learn more about ADHD, call Children Psych or schedule an appointment online today.
ADHD Q&A
What is ADHD?
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a common neurodevelopmental condition affecting children and adults. Individuals with ADHD often have difficulty concentrating, controlling impulses, and starting new tasks. While most individuals associate ADHD with children, its symptoms can last well into adulthood.
Are there different types of ADHD?
- There are three types of ADHD:
- Predominantly inattentive
- Predominantly inattentive ADHD can make organization, attention to detail, and following instructions difficult.
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive
- Individuals with predominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD often struggle to sit still for long periods of time and may speak (or interrupt others) at inappropriate times.
- Combined presentation
- If an individual experiences equal signs of predominantly inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, they have combined presentation ADHD.
- What are the signs of ADHD?
- The symptoms of ADHD vary depending on the type you have, your age, and other important factors. However, the most common signs of ADHD include:
- Trouble staying organized
- Low executive functioning skills
- Daydreaming
- Fidgeting
- Difficulty sitting still
- Interrupting others
- Talking too much
- Forgetfulness
- Difficulty focusing and staying on task
- Task avoidance
- Missing deadlines for school or work
- Trouble taking turns
- Determining the type of ADHD that you or your child has is important for creating the appropriate treatment plan.
What causes ADHD?
- Medical experts don’t know the exact cause of ADHD, but certain risk factors can increase your chances of developing the disorder, including:
- Genetics
- Low birth weight
- Environmental exposures
- Brain injury
- Premature birth
- Smoking or consuming alcohol during pregnancy may also increase your child’s risk of developing ADHD in the womb.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
- The team at Children Psych performs evidence-based ADHD testing at the Orange County office and via telehealth. While there is no laboratory test for ADHD, this comprehensive evaluation includes a signs and symptoms checklist, medical history review, and gathering information from parents, friends, and teachers (for a childhood diagnosis).
- A complete physical exam through your primary care provider may also be necessary to rule out other conditions. This exam typically includes a vision and hearing test.
What are the treatments of ADHD?
- A combination of medication and behavioral therapy is typically the best approach for treating ADHD. Depending on your unique symptoms, the team at Children Psych may recommend stimulants to enhance focus and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing unhelpful behaviors through measurable goal-setting.
- Other lifestyle modifications that the team may recommend include:
- Establishing a routine
- Dietary changes
- Exercise
- Supplements
- Sleep schedule modifications
- To learn more about ADHD, call Children Psych or schedule an appointment online today.