ADHD Treatment
Does it ever feel like your mind is going in a million and one different directions and you can't keep up? Or maybe you just don't know where or how to get started on the stack of papers on your desk. When you were in school, did it feel like you waited until the last minute to turn in your assignments? Or maybe even now you find that you tend to procrastinate. What about standing in line or waiting your turn to talk in conversations? Like you just have to say what is on your mind before you forget! You are in good company. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is very common and although it is frequently diagnosed in children, there are plenty of adults who realize that what they have been doing their whole lives just to get by is actually a way to cope with their symptoms. Sometimes the biggest problem is just being able to focus and concentrate, especially if it is something that you are not interested in... maybe you get easily distracted and struggle to follow through on tasks.
How medications can help
The good news is that ADHD is very treatable with medication. Stimulants are the first line treatment for helping people with ADHD. Oftentimes parents will worry that their child will become addicted or abuse the medication, but evidence suggests that people with untreated ADHD are at higher risk for a substance use disorder as a way of self-medicating. Stimulant medications are FDA approved for ages 6+ and have a strong safety and efficacy record when appropriately prescribed and monitored. They can assist in allowing the brain to focus so that life at home, work, or school can feel less challenging. If you have a history of a substance use disorder and prefer non-stimulants, that is a valid and effective option. If you do not want yourself or your child to take stimulants, there are other medications that are backed by research to treat ADHD.
My Approach
Because there can be overlap between the symptoms of ADHD and other psychiatric conditions, I do a thorough assessment that includes taking a detailed history of symptoms and how they impact your daily functioning. My evaluation begins with a self-reported screening and I then take about an hour to go over the different symptom clusters that are commonly found in ADHD. I will simultaneously screen and differentiate your symptoms with other disorders that may offer a different perspective. It is also important to obtain a detailed medical history to ensure that stimulant medications are not contraindicated.