ADHD

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly thought of as a childhood condition, yet it follows many children throughout their lifetime and affects 8% of adults. The mental health professionals at Northern Virginia Psychiatric Group help adolescents and adults struggling with ADHD. They perform psychological assessments to learn the underlying reasons for your symptoms and provide treatment that improves attention, teaches patients how to manage ADHD, and helps them succeed in life. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Fairfax, Virginia, or book one online today.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurological disorder that occurs when the brain and its nerve pathways develop differently. These changes affect how the brain regulates behavior and thought processes, leading to three ADHD challenges: difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and acting before thinking (impulsivity).

All children have their hyperactive moments and occasionally have a hard time paying attention. But children with ADHD face these problems daily and have symptoms severe enough to disrupt their success at school and interfere with socialization.

Though mental health professionals usually identify ADHD around the age of six, some people don't get a diagnosis until their teen or adult years. One-third of children continue to struggle with ADHD throughout their lifetime.

What symptoms appear in people with ADHD?

If you or your child have ADHD, you have one of three types: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, or combined (symptoms from both types).

Inattentive ADHD symptoms include:

• Not noticing details
• Being easily distracted
• Difficulty paying attention
• Making reckless mistakes
• Not following directions
• Struggling to finish tasks
• Forgetting to do chores
• Finding it hard to get organized
• Avoiding tasks that require concentration

Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms include:

• Being unable to sit still (fidgety)
• Being constantly active
• Talking too much
• Interrupting others
• Not waiting to take turns
• Making sudden decisions
• Leaving your seat during class or a meeting

Children and adults often have trouble regulating their emotions, leading to angry or frustrated outbursts. They also have a poor working memory, which makes it hard to follow instructions, solve problems, and plan activities.

How is ADHD treated?

The team at Northern Virginia Psychiatric Group completes a psychological assessment and learns about the emotional, behavioral, and mental challenges you or your child face. They focus on identifying unique strengths and weaknesses before creating a care plan.

ADHD treatment typically includes medication management and therapy. Though the team often prescribes stimulants, you also have non-stimulant options. Both medications boost brain chemicals that support thinking and attention.

Therapy helps people with ADHD focus on behavioral and emotional issues that disrupt daily life. For example, you may need to learn techniques to organize your activities, improve socialization skills, or find ways to manage anger.

To learn more about how you can overcome ADHD challenges, call Northern Virginia Psychiatric Group or book an appointment online today.