ADHD

ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a developmental problem that affects children but continues into adulthood. The team at Alamo Premier Mental Health in San Antonio, Texas, can diagnose and treat ADHD in both children and adults. Once you have a diagnosis of ADHD, you can work with your mental health team to better understand and manage your condition. Call Alamo Premier Mental Health to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online today.

What is ADHD? 

ADHD or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is a condition that begins in childhood but can go on to affect people through adolescence and adulthood. ADHD symptoms vary between different people, but there are some themes that are typical of the condition.

ADHD makes it tough for a person to pay attention and control impulsive behaviors. They may also be restless and almost constantly active. As a child gets older, some behaviors may change, but the condition can still have a severe impact on their quality of life.

What symptoms does ADHD cause?

Children who have ADHD are often disruptive at school and a challenge for parents. They might seem to have limitless energy and always be on the move. Or they might frequently get lost in their own dream world and be unresponsive when someone’s trying to talk to them.

A child with ADHD is likely to have symptoms such as:

• Lack of attention to detail
• Frequent careless mistakes
• Lack of listening skills
• Easily side-tracked
• Lack of organizational skills
• Continually losing things
• Frequent forgetfulness
• Excessive fidgetiness
• Unable to sit still for long
• Talking loudly and interrupting

A child who has symptoms over prolonged periods before the age of 12 could have ADHD. Many children still aren’t diagnosed before they leave school, so they enter adulthood ill-equipped for managing their ADHD.

How does ADHD affect people?

Having ADHD can affect a person’s ability to study, so their grades might not reflect their potential. Low grades affect prospects in further education and the job market. With the problems a person experiences managing emotions and inappropriate behaviors, they might find it difficult to get or keep a job.

Personal relationships can be confusing and frustrating with ADHD. It can be hard to maintain friendships, too. The responsibilities of everyday life can be a considerable challenge for someone with untreated ADHD.

It’s not unusual for people who have ADHD to develop problems with substance abuse and emotional disorders like depression and anxiety.  

How is ADHD treated?

There’s no cure for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, but there are treatments available that can help reduce your symptoms and improve functioning. The team at Alamo Premier Mental Health uses the most current and available treatments to treat ADHD.

Many people who have ADHD improve with medications like stimulants, behavior modification, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and counseling can also be useful. Additionally, education or training and lifestyle changes can improve your health and well-being.

To learn how to live a happy, positive life with ADHD, call Alamo Premier Mental Health or book an appointment online today.