This year, the ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Awareness Month Coalition is partnering with Embrace Psychiatric Wellness Center, along with other mental health organizations worldwide, to achieve the common goal of: “Moving Forward with ADHD” by sharing reliable information about ADHD and its treatments.
Suffering from a lack of focus is a common issue faced by many people in the fast-paced world we currently live in. But for those living with the challenges of ADHD – if not diagnosed and treated by medical professionals – ongoing hyperactivity, impulsivity and/or inattention can have crippling effects on their quality of life.
What is ADHD?
ADHD – also sometimes called ADD – is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with this condition generally have trouble staying focused or paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors, or might seem overly active in general. In adults, it may manifest differently. For example, hyperactivity might present as extreme restlessness.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, people with ADHD suffer from severe and reoccurring instances of:
- Hyperactivity: Constant movement often at inappropriate times including excessive fidgeting and talking
- Impulsivity: Acting without thinking or having a lack of self-control
- Inattention: Difficulty staying focused on the task at hand or being organized
Diagnosing ADHD
Because many common symptoms of ADHD can also be caused by other issues, it can be challenging to diagnose. These symptoms can include:
- Squirming
- Forgetfulness
- Taking risks
- Making careless mistakes
- Inability to resist temptation
- Difficulty getting along with others
ADHD is often diagnosed during childhood, but since the symptoms are often confused with disciplinary issues or bad behavior, they can be overlooked and therefore continue into adulthood.
Causes of ADHD
Scientists are still studying the possible causes for ADHD in an effort to find better ways of managing it. Current research indicates that the following risk factors may play an important role:
- Genetics
- Brain Injury
- Exposure to Environmental Risks
- Nutrition
- Alcohol/Tobacco Usage During Pregnancy
Treatment Options for ADHD
A primary care physician or mental health professional will make the diagnosis of ADHD based on ongoing behavioral patterns.
Once accurately diagnosed, someone with ADHD will benefit from working with a psychiatrist and/or clinical psychologist to create a treatment plan that will most likely include a combination of medications along with behavioral therapies and stress management techniques. A good treatment plan always includes close monitoring, follow-ups, and adaptations if necessary.
Here’s a closer look at some of the available ADHD treatment options we offer at Embrace Psychiatric Wellness Center:
- Behavior & Cognitive Therapy: Working with one of our patient and compassionate therapists can help a person suffering from ADHD to change their action patterns through monitoring, as well as receiving feedback from those around them, and offering self-praise and/or reward for a job well done. Therapy can also:
- Help to improve focus and concentration
- Help ease the needed life changes to accommodate for ADHD treatment
- Promote being more self-aware and accepting of the realities of living with the condition
- TMS Therapy: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is an innovative, non-invasive approach that utilizes gentle magnetic waves to stimulate brain activity. This can have pronounced effects on brain function and behavior, and for many people with ADHD, the treatment works absolute wonders. This procedure can be carried out within a single visit, and following the treatment, patients experience no fatigue or interruption to their day.
- Spravato: Spravato is a nasal spray medication that contains a safe, FDA-approved derivative of ketamine called esketamine. It’s been found to be effective in managing ADHD symptoms as it can impart benefits such as improved focus and attention, reduced impulsivity, and better emotional processing. During the appointment, the spray is administered, and the patient is closely monitored. Some grogginess and other mild side effects are possible; however, compared to other treatments which can sometimes take time to kick in, the spray begins working within a few hours.
At Embrace Psychiatric Wellness Center, we understand the challenges you might face if you or someone close to you is living with ADHD. We’re determined to work with you to find the perfect treatment plan that allows you to stay focused, productive, and positive moving forward so that you can achieve more than you’ve ever dreamed of!
Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation:
- Visit: embracepwc.com
