ADHD

ADHD is a disorder caused by dysfunction in areas of the brain responsible for solving problems, planning, regulating attention, and controlling impulses. Those critical brain areas develop differently in children with ADHD compared to their peers who aren’t diagnosed with the condition.

ADHD is usually diagnosed in children, but their symptoms can persist well into adulthood. Additionally, some patients aren’t diagnosed with ADHD until their late teens or adulthood.

What symptoms develop due to ADHD?

ADHD causes an ongoing pattern of behaviors that are severe enough to affect a child’s ability to succeed at school, home, and in the community. These behaviors are grouped into three primary problems: inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Children with inattention problems have behaviors such as:

• Struggle to pay attention
• Don’t pay attention to details
• Make careless mistakes
• Can’t stay focused or they’re easily distracted
• Can’t organize tasks or manage their time
• Often lose things they need for tasks
• Don’t follow instructions
• Avoid tasks that require sustained effort

Children with hyperactivity and impulsivity exhibit behaviors such as:

• Constantly move around
• Display very high energy
• Fidget while sitting
• Can’t stay seated when required
• Run or climb when it’s not appropriate
• Talk excessively
• Often interrupt
• Can’t wait for their turn

Children with ADHD also have problems with their working memory. As a result, they have a hard time storing information, which is why they struggle to learn and follow instructions.

How is ADHD treated?

After performing a psychological evaluation and listening to insight from parents, Dr. Chowdhury determines whether your child has ADHD, then develops a customized treatment plan.

Many children benefit from taking medication that helps them control their hyperactive and impulsive behaviors, and improve their ability to concentrate. ADHD is primarily treated with stimulant medications that boost the levels of brain chemicals needed for attention and thinking.

Participating in psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, also improves ADHD. With therapy, children can learn how to organize their tasks, work through emotions, and monitor their own behavior. During therapy, children can also develop better social skills and parents have the chance to learn ways to structure daily tasks and routines.

To get the help your child needs, call Carolina Psychiatry, PC, or schedule an appointment online.