ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a lifelong behavioral disorder starting in childhood. If you or your child has symptoms like disruptive, hyperactive, or impulsive behaviors, talk to Anne-Marie Odo, DNP, at Semper Healthcare Services in Addison, Texas. Dr. Odo and her team offer children over four and adults comprehensive care, including medication and behavioral therapy. Call Semper Healthcare Services today to access expert ADHD treatment, or use the online booking tool to arrange a consultation.

What is ADHD?

ADHD causes behavioral challenges that start in childhood and are typically lifelong. Most children with ADHD display signs of the disorder by the time they start school and always before they reach adolescence.

ADHD behaviors are far more disruptive than the occasional tantrums and wilfulness most children display at times. They also persist and occur repeatedly rather than in phases as happens with most children.

It’s not clear why some children develop ADHD. Theories include problems during pregnancy, genetics, and environmental factors, but there’s no single answer.

Nor is it easy to test for ADHD — no lab procedures can identify it, so it’s important to visit health care professionals with expertise in diagnosing and treating this condition, like the Semper Healthcare Services team.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

Children and adults with ADHD may display inattentive symptoms, hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, or both. Inattentive symptoms include:

• Lack of concentration
• Dislike of tasks requiring focus
• Making careless errors
• Not following instructions
• Poor organizational skills
• Problems finishing tasks
• Difficulties with timekeeping
• Not reacting when spoken to
• Repeatedly losing things
• Forgetfulness

Children with inattentive ADHD symptoms often get labeled as daydreamers.

Hyperactive and impulsive ADHD symptoms include difficulty sitting still, constant fidgeting, and a compulsion to be active. Lack of patience, poor social skills, excessive or loud talking, risk-taking, and acting without thinking are all typical of those with hyperactive/impulsive ADHD.

People with ADHD also have difficulties regulating their emotions. They may feel anger or frustration that’s out of proportion to the cause or experience changing emotions and not know why.

How is ADHD treated?

The Semper Healthcare Services team offers comprehensive care for children over four and adults with ADHD. Treatment typically combines behavioral therapy and medication.

Behavioral therapies teach you or your child about your condition, why you react as you do, and the things to look out for that trigger unwanted behaviors. You learn to adapt your thoughts and actions so they cause less stress and you don’t encounter so many challenges.

Medication such as stimulants often plays an important role in ADHD treatment. These drugs help to activate the part of your brain that controls mood and behavior, making it easier for you to regulate emotions and manage your actions.

If you or your child have ADHD symptoms, get expert help by calling Semper Healthcare Services today or completing the online booking form to schedule an appointment.