ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common mental health condition that affects an estimated 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults. The team at Sulcata Psychiatry specializes in diagnosing and treating ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults at Sulcata Psychiatry in the greater Houston, Texas area. We also treat behavioral disorders like oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), which is commonly comorbid with ADHD. If you think you or your child may have ADHD, you don’t have to continue struggling to get through daily responsibilities alone. Call the office today or request an appointment online. Telehealth visits are available.
About ADHD
What is ADHD?
You may have heard of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or already know someone who has it. ADHD is one of the most common children’s mental health conditions, and many adults live with it, too. ADHD is more than just the inability to focus; it can cause children and adults to experience disorganization, frustration, and problems with time management that can negatively affect self-esteem, and interfere with school, work, and personal relationships.
There’s no cure for ADHD, but treatment can help you manage the symptoms and experience a happy, well-balanced life. At Sulcata Psychiatry, our team provides highly personalized care in diagnosing and treating ADHD in children, teens, and adults. We also treat children and adolescents with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), a condition that involves frequent anger outbursts, arguing, and defiance toward parents and authority figures.
What are the signs and symptoms of ADHD?
ADHD symptoms manifest differently based on a person’s age and the type of disorder they have. The three main types of ADHD are:
Inattentive
Inattention involves difficulty staying focused on a task, organizational problems, and forgetting daily activities like chores and errands. A person with inattentive ADHD may not seem like they’re listening when spoken to directly and show poor time management, among other things.
Hyperactive/impulsive
Hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms may include:
-Talking nonstop
-Interrupting others in conversations and activities
-Being constantly on the go
School-aged children with hyperactive/impulsive ADHD may have trouble staying in their seats during class or run around in situations where it’s not appropriate.
Combined
Combined ADHD involves symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive types.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
At Sulcata Psychiatry, we offer ADHD Evaluations that combine a computerized QB Test with a clinical interview consisting of age-based test batteries administered by our Diagnostician. This testing is specifically helpful in diagnosing or ruling out ADHD and other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as autism. Results and scores are reviewed and interpreted by Stoni Johnston, APRN and compiled in a brief feedback report. If you are seeing a medication management provider for ADHD, the Cognitive Testing visit must be scheduled and completed at least 24 hours prior to your intake visit with the provider to receive medication management for an ADHD diagnosis. Please note that an ADHD evaluation must be completed prior to receiving medication management services for ADHD.
Sulcata Psychiatry also offers more extensive in-person Academic & Achievement Testing administered by our Diagnostician to start the process of implementing accommodations at school or work, identifying learning disabilities that commonly co-occur with ADHD, or other diagnoses that include symptomology that mirrors ADHD. All results from this testing get reviewed by Stoni Johnston, APRN, MSN, PMHNP-BC to establish an appropriate diagnosis and include a full feedback report.
At your first visit, your provider will perform a complete psychiatric evaluation to pinpoint your or your child’s specific concerns and target your mental health goals. We get to know you as a whole person and treat you like a partner in your mental health care plan. Sulcata Psychiatry also offers in-office pharmacogenetic testing with Genomind® to determine what type of medication may be most helpful.
How is ADHD treated?
Our goal at Sulcata Psychiatry is to provide you with the education, resources, and relief you or your child need to live a healthy and fulfilling life. Treatment with our providers is highly individualized and tailored to your unique needs. ADHD treatment may include:
- Medication management
- Behavioral therapy or interventions
- Vitamin supplementation
- Nutrition changes
- Exercise, such as yoga
- Changing sleep habits
- School or Workplace Accommodations
Our providers treat the mind and body as a whole. They may recommend alternative therapies like the EndeavorRx® video game specifically for ADHD, or bibliotherapy, which uses books to address mental health symptoms.
For compassionate diagnosis and care for ADHD, call Sulcata Psychiatry today or request an appointment online.