Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Symptoms, Signs, Treatment

Reaching a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a multi-step process. Revive Therapeutic Services specializes in ADHD care, including testing, diagnosis, and treatment. If you think you have ADHD and want an accurate diagnosis, you came to the right place.

If you suspect ADHD, the diagnosis can be made by a mental health care  professional. 

Symptoms of ADHD

There is a range of symptoms associated with ADHD, and  they can vary significantly between children and adults. The symptoms  broadly span inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Signs and  symptoms include:

  • Having a short attention span
  • Being easily distracted
  • Forgetfulness, losing, or misplacing things
  • Inability to stick to the tedious or time-consuming task
  • Careless mistakes in schoolwork or other daily tasks
  • Inability or struggling to carry out multi-step processes
  • Constantly changing tasks or activities
  • Fidgeting, inability to remain still
  • Disorganization
  • The inability to concentrate on tasks
  • Excessive physical movement
  • Excessive or pressured talking
  • Impulsiveness
  • Difficulty waiting
  • Acting without thinking through potential consequences

A child or adult with ADHD may have school problems,  underachievement, poor social skills, and difficulty following rules.

Differences in ADHD in Adults

The  symptoms of ADHD are more difficult to define and notice in adults.  Adults with the disorder have developed coping skills throughout their  lives to mask the signs of ADHD, making a diagnosis more challenging.

ADHD  presents in childhood, so if it remains untreated, it will progress  into adulthood. Comorbidities such as depression and dyslexia may also  persist into adulthood. The significant symptoms of inattentiveness,  impulsiveness, and hyperactivity will present differently in adults and  often tend to be far more subtle.

Testing for ADHD

The first step to helping patients with ADHD is a thorough evaluation. We’ll discuss your history, both medical and personal,  including any medications you have taken for ADHD or therapy you have undergone. By the end of this evaluation, once we have confirmed your ADHD diagnosis, we may prescribe medication. ADHD is proven to respond very well to medication, so long as treatment is monitored. We will clearly explain what ADHD is and teach you coping strategies. Additionally, we will schedule follow-up appointments and monitor your progress, adjust your medication as needed, and offer appropriate lifestyle advice to further help you minimize your ADHD symptoms.

The criteria for diagnosis include the two main categories of inattention  combined with hyperactivity and impulsivity. The same criteria are used  in adults but can look different than the symptoms manifest in children.

Inattention:

  • Failure to give attention to details at work, on schoolwork, or other activities
  • Difficulty staying on tasks
  • Difficulty following through on instructions
  • Failure to finish chores, workplace duties, or schoolwork
  • Trouble organizing activities and tasks
  • Avoids or dislikes tasks that require mental effort and focus over long periods of time
  • Losing things necessary for tasks (pencils, books, tools, eyeglasses, paperwork, etc.)
  • Easily distracted

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity

  • Often fidgets, squirms in seat, tapping hands and feet on various surfaces
  • Difficulty remaining still in situations where it is expected
  • Adults may often feel restless
  • Difficulty participating in activities quietly
  • Often described as “on the go.”
  • Excessive talking

Treatment Options for ADHD

There are a number of treatment options for ADHD. Treatment recommendations are based on:

  • The extent of the symptoms
  • Age, medical history, and overall health
  • Expectations for the course of treatment

Treatment options include:

  • Psychostimulant medications—Medications such as Ritalin, Concerta, and Adderall can help balance chemicals in the brain that make it difficult to maintain attention and control impulses. There are a wide array of medications, and it is essential that you work closely with your doctor to find the right choice for you or your child.
  • Behavior management—psychosocial treatments are essential to reduce stress on families. There are behavior management classes available for parents, or your health care provider can help you determine the appropriate system.
  • Psychotherapy—Psychotherapy, often in addition to medication, can be invaluable to adults and children with ADHD.