One of the first questions that I get asked is, “Is ADHD overdiagnosed?
This is a very difficult question to answer and it’s important you go to a professional who you trust for the diagnosis.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can affect all aspects of a person’s life including school, work, home, and in the community.
Symptoms of ADHD fall into categories: inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
- Inattention symptoms include: making careless mistakes, not being able to pay attention to detail, easily distracted, not following through with priorities, often forgetful, or even having difficulty being organized.
- Hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms include: fidgeting, uncomfortable being still for an extended period (in the classroom or at the office), difficulty waiting for a turn, and a tendency to interrupt others frequently.
What Causes ADHD?
Scientists are studying a variety of factors, and ultimately the cause(s) and risks are unknown, but current research shows that there is probably some combination of environmental and genetic factors.
How should ADHD be treated?
When treating ADHD in children, the most typical practices here in the US is to opt for medication, even though behavioral therapy is recommended for the first signs of ADHD for the youngest kids. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that almost 1 in 2 preschoolers with this diagnosis received no behavioral therapy. It appears that the majority are treated with medication. There is growing evidence that the approach in addressing ADHD may be non-pharmacological therapy, especially in younger children or a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. Studies suggest that by using some of these other methods when children are young and nearly diagnosed, ADHD problems may improve faster and these therapies may have a more lasting impact than medication. Conjunction treatment which may be beneficial include: getting more sleep, staying hydrated, exercising (to help focus), playing soothing music and even teaching some relaxation or meditation techniques. The National Sleep Foundation reports an overwhelming number of children and teenagers, as many as 80% of teens do not get enough sleep. And some parents may not know the importance of teaching good sleeping habits for their children. Sleep-deprived kids often lack focus and have symptoms of hyperactivity, which can be mistakenly attributed to ADHD.
Treatment Approach
I use the following approaches to address ADHD concerns: Evidenced-Based Practice, behavioral modification to help teach youth and adults how to monitor and change their behaviors appropriately, social skills training to help cope with social environments, and parenting skills training.
ADHD Diagnosis & Treatment in Pasadena, California
Please contact me to schedule a free initial consultation.
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