ADHD

ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, affects more than 11 million people in the United States. Long thought to be the domain of children, two-thirds of children with ADHD are impacted by the disorder into adulthood. The health care professionals at Austin Medical Group in Austin, Texas, are well versed in managing ADHD in both children and adults. If ADHD is affecting your life, or the life of your child, call to schedule an appointment or use the online booking tool.

ADHD Q & A

What is ADHD?

The American Psychological Association defines ADHD as a “lifelong, persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development across time and settings.”

The fact is that ADHD is one of the commonly diagnosed mental disorders in children, as well as one of the most commonly misdiagnosed mental disorders.

There are many reasons for the confusion, which has developed largely because medical researchers have been unable to pinpoint the cause for the disorder, though they’ve been able to establish some of the more common symptoms.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

To help doctors better identify ADHD, the American Psychological Association came up with a list of symptoms under both attention deficit and hyperactivity. A diagnosis requires meeting five or six of the criteria under each heading and displaying these symptoms for longer than six months.

While the lists are too long to detail here, the following samples give you an idea of the behaviors under each:

Attention deficit

These behaviors are some of the hallmarks of the inattentive type:

  • No attention to detail
  • Problems staying focused
  • Doesn’t listen
  • Is easily distracted
  • Organizational problems
  • Forgetfulness

Hyperactivity

This list represents classic signs of hyperactivity:

  • Fidgeting
  • Excessive talking
  • Inability to sit still
  • Interrupting
  • Blurting out answers

How is ADHD treated?

Since the cause of ADHD hasn’t been identified, there’s no cure. That said, there are much the doctors at Austin Medical Group can do to help you or a loved one manage the symptoms, including:

  • Stimulant medications to normalize brain activity
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Coping strategies
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Group therapy

Most people with ADHD benefit from a combination approach that addresses the physical side, as well as the behavioral side. ADHD affects each person differently, and no two cases are alike. For these reasons, your doctor tailors a treatment plan to fit your situation, making tweaks along the way to ensure success.

If ADHD severely impacts you or a loved one, call Austin Medical Group for expert management and practical solutions. Or, use the convenient online scheduler to book an appointment.