What is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral health disorder affecting your ability to focus and sit still. Of course, symptoms are more complicated than that and vary widely from person to person. If you have ADHD, a professional assessment of your thought processes and behaviors can lead to an accurate diagnosis. 

 

At DMV Psychiatric Wellness, we offer telehealth appointments and in-person appointments to evaluate your mental wellness and start building an individualized, client-centered care plan. It’s up to you to decide which appointment format works best with your lifestyle.

 

What are the signs and symptoms of ADHD?

ADHD signs and symptoms can be primarily hyperactive, primarily inattentive, or a pretty even combination of both types. Our providers will classify your ADHD after detailed assessments at DMV Psychiatric Wellness. 

  

While symptoms vary from person to person, and can even change over time as you grow older, typical signs and symptoms of ADHD are:

 

• Trouble concentrating on tasks

• Being easily distracted

• Frequently interrupting others

• Excessive talking

• Trouble sitting still

• Trouble waiting for your turn

• Losing items frequently

• Being disorganized

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While experts still aren’t sure what causes ADHD, they’ve found that individuals with ADHD have less gray matter in their brain scans. Gray matter is the part of the brain responsible for self-control, speech, and decision-making, among other roles. 

 

What’s the best way to manage ADHD?

Successful management of ADHD requires a client-centered approach that acknowledges your personal needs and preferences. At DMV Psychiatric Wellness, we collaborate with you as you navigate your treatment. It might involve:

 

Medication management

There are a few medications that help with ADHD, including stimulants and nonstimulants. They help you focus on tasks by altering your brain chemistry. Medication management involves prescribing you medication, monitoring you as you take it, and adjusting the medication if necessary. 

 

Lifestyle medicine

Lifestyle medicine refers to the recommended lifestyle changes we encourage you to make. This might include accessing assistive educational resources, getting more sleep, improving your diet, or adding exercise to your routine. 

 

Tailored Sessions

Personalized sessions are a key part of mental health care. It helps you change your thought patterns and behaviors by developing relevant coping skills. Tailored sessions will help your mental health condition and increase medication effectiveness. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), for example, teaches you to recognize and change certain behaviors. 

 

To learn more about ADHD diagnosis and treatment, contact DMV Psychiatric Wellness over the phone or online for an appointment today.