About The Author: Ana Lopez Hopkins MSN, PMHNP-BC
Ana Lopez Hopkins MSN, PMHNP-BC is a board certified ADHD Treatment Specialist in San Diego, Ca. Testing and diagnosis of ADHD for adults, children, and teens.
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ADHD Treatment Specialist Q & A
What Is ADHD?
ADHD or Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosed by an ADHD Treatment Specialist, is actually a neurodevelopmental problem that is famous for its patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Usually diagnosed in childhood, it mostly continues on to adulthood, thereby affecting the person in most daily activities, relationships, and work life. ADHD has multiple subtypes primarily classified as inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined presentation types. Inattention is characterized by such symptoms of trouble focusing, forgetfulness, and difficulty when organizing tasks; hyperactivity is restlessness, whereas impulsivity is linked to acting without thinking, fidgeting, and performing in a weird or hyperactive style.
“Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders, affecting between 5.9% and 7.2% of the infant and adolescent population.”
What Are The Symptoms of ADHD?
ADHD symptoms fall into two primary domains: inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Furthermore, these symptoms can vary significantly among individuals but typically include the following:
Inattention
- Easily Distracted:It’s hard to sustain attention span. Tasks that are repetitive or tedious, such as studying, looking at screens or playing video games, can be particularly challenging.
- Lapses in Attention:People with this problem have poor attention to detail that can lead to casual errors in their schoolwork, work or other tasks.
- Organization Difficult:Organizing tasks and events causes chaos rather than peace of mind. Urgent deadlines can be missed because of confusion as well as having ADHD in the workplace.
- Avoiding Activities Requiring Lengthy Mental Effort:Avoiding or putting off protracted mental activities such as reports or homework.
- Lapse In Memory:Remembering to work on assignments, run errands, or arrive to appointments on time.
- Commonly Misplace Things:Objects include keys, books, or tools needed for projects.
- Easily Distracted:You find yourself and your attention to be diverted to unrelated things. It’s hard to focus on your intended task.
- Forgetfulness:It’s typical for them to forget daily responsibilities, appointments, or chores.
Hyperactivity and Impulsivity
- Fidgety Inability to Remain Seated:Feeling incomprehensible restlessness, even in situations in which, and accompanied by expectations from others, remaining seated is required.
- Unable to Stay Seated:Restlessness in sitting situations, such as classrooms and meetings.
- Running or Climbing Excessively:In children, it may be running or climbing when they aren’t suppose to. In adults, it may be restlessness.
- Difficulty Playing Quietly:Many people experiencing ADHD find it very difficult to engage in an activity without being noisy.
- Talking Fast and Excessively:Many people with ADHD talk excessively and seem to be always interrupting others.
- Impulsivity:Blurting out answers to questions before they have been asked is very common as is not waiting for one’s turn, and also interrupting others’ conversations or activities.
How Is ADHD Diagnosed By A Treatment Specialist?
ADHD diagnosis is made from the overall assessment provided by an ADHD Specialist. Firstly, history is taken from parents, teachers and sometimes the child himself. Then the ADHD Specialist observes the behaviour of the child along with the review of the medical history of the child. In addition, the clinician may use questionnaires and rating scales to identify symptoms. Results obtained are then compared with ADHD criteria.
- Clinical Interviews:Engage the respondent, and for children, this may involve their parents and teachers to supply background information on symptoms and behaviors across settings.
- Behavioral Diagnoses:The use of standardized behavior rating scales and checklists provides ratings on the frequency and severity of symptoms.
- Physical Examination:Medical evaluation can help rule out other disorders which can also show symptoms of ADHD, such as thyroid problems and sleep-related disorders.
- Direct ObservationThe provider gains more insight into the problem in the immediate natural environment of ordinary life.
Case Study: Managing ADHD in Teens
Discover how Ana Lopez Hopkins, MSN, PMHNP-BC, successfully treated a teenager with ADHD, improving their schoolwork and interactions with other people. Read the full case study here.
ADHD Treatment Overview
ADHD is a multilayered and multifaceted disorder, and so the mode of treatment needs to be holistic. Individuals in San Diego may avail themselves to many resources involving professional healthcare, support groups, and educational programs. Further, the combination of behavioral intervention, lifestyle modification, and medication together will help the sufferer tackle the symptoms effectively and live a full life.
ADHD diagnosis and treatment call for a special way of treatment, the earlier the better. Further, with proper assistance and intervention from an ADHD Specialist, it is quite possible for individuals with ADHD to realize the full potential of there lives.