ADHD

What is ADHD?

ADHD, also called attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, ADD, or AuADHD, is a mental health condition affecting how your brain works and your ability to focus. It may also cause difficulty sitting still for long periods. While common, ADHD can become crippling when not treated, making it hard to pay attention and maximize productivity.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

ADHD symptoms include:

• Getting distracted easily
• Problems focusing
• Difficult paying attention or sitting still
• Losing items often
• Problems multitasking
• Impulsive behaviors
• Interrupting other people
• Speaking out of turn 
• Difficulty following through and completing tasks
• Poor school grades or workplace performance 
• Poor organization
• Fidgeting (making small movements with your feet or hands) 
• Frequent mistakes or accidents 
• Difficulty getting or keeping a job 
• Low self-esteem

However, people with ADHD may be able to hyperfocus on the things they truly enjoy. 

What are the risk factors for ADHD?

While the cause of ADHD isn’t entirely known, its risk factors include:

• Family history of ADHD
• Brain changes
• Toxin exposure during fetal development
• Maternal use of alcohol, smoking, or drugs during pregnancy
• Lead exposure
• Preterm birth
• Low birth weight

However, the exact cause of ADHD and similar mental health conditions isn’t clear. It may increase your risk of substance use disorder.  

How is ADHD diagnosed?

The Doran team diagnoses ADHD by completing a comprehensive mental health evaluation in person or via telehealth using DSM-5-TR criteria. Your provider discusses your thoughts, emotions, mood, behaviors, and more to determine if you have ADHD or another mental health disorder — and which treatment is the most appropriate. 

How is ADHD treated?

Your individualized ADHD treatment plan may consist of:

• Medication management
• Lifestyle change counseling
• Nutrition counseling
• Psychotherapy 
• Individual therapy
• Family therapy 
• Couples therapy
• Mindfulness-based therapy
• Narrative therapy
• Internal family systems therapy (IFS)
• Eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
• Rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT)
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Psychedelic integration therapy
• Ketamine therapy 

It’s also helpful to make to-do lists and keep a calendar to stay organized. It’s common to have depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders in addition to ADHD. 

Schedule an in-person or telehealth ADHD evaluation today at Doran by calling the office or using the online booking feature.