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Child & Adult ADHD Testing & Treatment in Raleigh/Durham 

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD) are both terms for cognitive disorders that affect both children and adults. Many people incorrectly believe that it is only a real problem in children and that grownups are just making excuses. However, ADHD is a lot more common than most people realize.

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Although most kids can get treatment for ADHD at an early age, many others will grow up and never receive effective therapy. We provide wholesome treatment to help children and adults find the right medicine and develop strategies to deal with the symptoms of ADHD.

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What is ADHD?

 

ADHD is a developmental impairment in the brain's executive functions. ADHD sufferers have difficulty with impulse control, focusing and organization.

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The neuroscience, brain imaging and clinical research all tell us that ADHD does not represent a behavior disorder. ADHD is not a mental illness. ADHD is not a learning disability. ADHD is a brain disorder that affects the brain's self management system. ADHD can be diagnosed in both children and adults.

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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children. ADHD symptoms include inattention (inability to focus), hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ADHD is a debilitating and chronic disorder that can impact many areas of a person's life, including their academic and professional accomplishments, interpersonal relationships, daily functioning, and personal relationships.

 

If ADHD is not properly treated, it can lead to poor self-esteem and poor social function in children (Harpin et. al., 2016). ADHD adults may have low self-worth as well as increased sensitivity to criticism and self-criticism due to experiencing higher levels of criticism during their lifetime.

 

It is highly prevalent, in the United states it affects an estimated 9.4% of children and 2.5% of adults. It is is most often diagnosed in children in their teens when it causes disruptions in school or difficulties with schoolwork. ADHD is more common in boys than it is in girls due to differences in the severity of symptoms. This does not necessarily mean that ADHD is more common in boys than it is in girls.

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How We Provide Treatment

 

We don’t just provide treatment, we help people with ADHD reach their full potential

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We realize that ADHD can not only make it harder to pay attention or stay organized, but strain relationships as well.

 

At our practice we evaluate, diagnose, and treat your ADHD using telehealth to remove all barriers and make things as easy as possible for patients. With a proper diagnosis you’ll be able to get the medicine and coping skills needed to thrive.

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ADHD Diagnosis - What is the Process?

 

There actually isn’t any one test to diagnose whether someone has ADHD. In order to make an accurate assessment our specialists complete evaluations based on age, all symptoms, and any previous history that may exist.

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Misdiagnosis in adolescents can lead to stigmatization. Medications carry severe side effects that could pose a long-term risk. Sometimes, anxiety disorders and mood disorders are not diagnosed correctly and can persist or worsen without treatment. Eventually, both the patient and doctor will have to take more medication. Our long-term success is dependent on a careful diagnosis and treatment that incorporates psychotherapy and wise medication use. A good treatment can make a huge difference in the self-esteem and performance as an adolescent and, through adulthood, improve productivity and even help to maintain relationships.

 

Psychological testing and psychiatric evaluations can reveal ADHD and ADD in adults. Many people suffering from addiction and other psychiatric disorders may have underlying, untreated, or undiagnosed Adult ADD. There are many treatment options available. These include medication, behavior modification, and psychotherapy.

 

ADHD can be diagnosed using multiple tests. Healthy Minds NYC offers a comprehensive evaluation by mental health professionals to diagnose ADHD.

 

We review your medical history and symptoms to diagnose ADHD. To aid in diagnosis, we may perform an ADHD rating scale or psychological exam to objectively assessed your symptoms.

Signs & Symptoms of ADHD in Kids vs Adults

 

Many adults might have ADD/ADHD and not even realize it. It can be just as troublesome for adults as it is in children and teenagers, but the symptoms of ADHD can present differently in children and adults.

 

Adults may have difficulty staying organized, enjoying their work, and being punctual. It can also cause problems in relationships for adults, as well as cause one to feel restless and insecure. ADHD is often associated with inattention, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors.

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Adults

Note that not all adults will experience all of these symptoms, nor will all adults have the symptoms to the same degree.

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  • Inattentive

  • Hyperactive

  • Poor concentration

  • Short attention span

  • Lack of organization

  • Forgetfulness

  • Making impulsive decisions, poor planning, impulsive spending

  • Time-management issues, such as overestimating available time or the time it takes to finish a task

  • Trouble following directions

  • Restless, impatient, irritable

  • Difficulty starting and/or finishing projects

  • Moving from one task to another, being involved in too many projects simultaneously

  • Difficulty interacting with others, interrupting others

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Children

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  • Hyperactivity

  • Impulsiveness

  • Being easily distracted

  • Not finishing tasks

  • Constantly in motion such as squirming and fidgeting

  • Blurting out answers

  • Problems taking turns with other kids

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ADHD Treatment

 

The professionals at Raleigh Wellness & Behavioral Health will develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs based on your symptoms and any other potential mental health concerns. Psychiatry and medication are the primary treatments for ADHD.

 

For Adults

While not exactly the same, treatment for adults is very similar to that for children. To treat ADHD symptoms, adults are often prescribed medications.

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In addition to prescribing medication, we can help you learn how to reduce impulsive behavior, enhance your organizational and time management skills, improve self-image, and decrease forgetfulness.

 

We help patients identify the issues and then teach them techniques to deal with them in daily life. 

 

For Kids

ADHD medication is often the first line defense against ADHD in children. While there are both stimulant and non-stimulant medicines, research has shown that stimulant medication is the most effective treatment.

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According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry's clinical practice guidelines, medication should be the first treatment for ADHD in school-age kids. Stimulant medication is a safe and effective treatment for ADHD symptoms. These medications can help children focus better on their thoughts and avoid distractions, much like glasses help people see clearly with their eyes.

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How to Get Treatment for ADHD In Raleigh & the Triangle

 

Our practice offers medication management services to assist you in finding the right medicine and dosage for your ADHD symptoms.

 

We offer evaluations and diagnosis through video online, so you can get the treatment you need without the burden of coming into an office. Make an appointment online and we’ll help you get the treatment you deserve.

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