ADHD

Children are often boisterous and may not always seem like they’re paying attention. But if your child’s behavior is getting in the way of their success at school or disrupting life at home, they may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Alaa Mhsen, PMHNP, at My Psych Today in Katy, Texas, diagnoses and treats children and adults with ADHD. Call the office or schedule a consultation online today.

What is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a brain disorder that affects concentration, impulse control, and the ability to sit still. ADHD is most often diagnosed in children, as the early warning signs include disruptive behavior in the classroom or problems with schoolwork.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

ADHD causes hyperactive and inattentive symptoms.

Inattentive symptoms include:

• Poor attention at school and careless mistakes on schoolwork
• Struggles to concentrate on tasks or activities
• Doesn’t seem to listen
• Trouble following directions and completing tasks
• Poor organization
• Frequently misplaces items like homework, shoes, or bookbags
• Easily distracted
• Forgets about chores or responsibilities

Hyperactive symptoms include:

• Running and playing at inappropriate times
• Fidgets frequently
• Struggles to sit still
• Talks all the time
• Interrupts others or blurts out answers
• Trouble waiting turns

Children may display predominantly inattentive or hyperactive symptoms. In many cases, they live with a combination of both types of symptoms.

Do adults experience ADHD differently than children?

Adults have slightly different ADHD symptoms than children, although there are some similarities. Some of the common signs of ADHD in adults include:

• Impulsive behaviors
• Disorganization
• Trouble completing tasks
• Poor time management and missing deadlines
• Poor concentration
• Can’t multitask efficiently
• Easily frustrated
• Mood swings and irritability
• Problems coping with stress

Often, when adults are diagnosed with ADHD, they’ve had the condition for years but weren’t ever diagnosed. If you’re concerned that you or your child have ADHD, call My Psych Today to schedule an assessment.

How is ADHD treated?

After your initial consultation and assessment to confirm your diagnosis, Alaa will work with you to implement a customized treatment plan. His goal is to help you or your child manage ADHD symptoms and lead a fulfilling life.

Treatment for ADHD often combines medicine with counseling and lifestyle modifications. While medication regulates your brain chemistry and activity to relieve ADHD symptoms, therapy is also helpful. During therapy, you or your child learn and practice strategies for organization, time management, and other executive functioning skills that enable you to thrive at school, work, or home.

Additionally, adding exercise to your daily routine helps burn off some of the extra energy that leads to hyperactivity and disruptive behaviors.

If you’re concerned about ADHD, call My Psych Today or request an appointment online.