People with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors, or be overly active. The symptoms differ from person to person. While both children and adults can have ADHD, the symptoms almost always begin in children. In fact, it is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood.
Symptoms
A child or adult with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder will show varying degrees of three behaviors, usually for at least 6 months and demonstrated in more than one setting:
- Inattention: Individuals who are inattentive, or easily distracted, have difficulty focusing on tasks. They can’t finish homework or meet work deadlines. They often struggle to follow though on projects, assignments and chores. They are often easily distracted, have difficulty staying organized and miss deadlines. They often fail to respond when being spoken to and are challenged in keeping track of important items such as keys, cell phones, homework or work papers.
- Impulsivity: Individuals who are impulsive act too quickly before thinking. They often act or express their feelings before considering the potential consequences. They often interrupt, and find it hard to wait. They may do things without asking for permission, take things that aren’t theirs, or act in ways that are risky. They may have emotional reactions that seem too intense for a normal situation.
- Hyperactivity: Individuals who are hyperactive are fidgety, restless, and easily bored. They may have trouble sitting still, or staying quiet when needed. They may rush through things and make careless mistakes. Children with this condition may climb, jump, or roughhouse when they shouldn’t. Without meaning to, they may act in ways that disrupt others.
Diagnosis
An estimated 8.4 percent of children and 2.5 percent of adults have ADHD. However, many ADHD symptoms, such as high activity levels, difficulty remaining still for long periods of time and limited attention spans, are common to young children in general.
The difference in children with ADHD is that their hyperactivity and inattention are noticeably greater than expected for their age and cause distress and/or problems functioning at home, at school or with friends. For adults, when these symptoms affect relationships at home, school or work, it becomes a disorder that should be addressed.
There is no single test to diagnose ADHD, and many other problems, like anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and certain types of learning disabilities, can have similar symptoms. This process will normally include:
- A diagnostic interview to develop a detailed history of past and current behavior patterns.
- A review of family medical history and a physical examination to rule out other medical conditions that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD.
- Additional psychological tests to confirm or rule out other co-existing conditions.
Understanding Adult ADHD
While ADHD is commonly considered a condition that affects children, most of these challenges and symptoms persist well into adulthood. This pattern is especially true for those who go through childhood undiagnosed and women, who have been historically underdiagnosed due to common differences in their presentation — women are more likely to struggle with inattention as opposed to the more outward symptoms of hyperactivity.
At the Yang Institute of Integrative Medicine, we work with people of every gender and age group, prioritizing integrative treatment for ADHD. Too often, doctors see a patient struggling with their condition and prescribe medication as a first option, especially for adults receiving their first ADHD diagnosis. The Yang Institute focuses on a range of ADHD treatments without medication, exploring integrative strategies that help the body find balance without the need for chemical intervention.
Integrative ADHD Treatment
Dr. Yang and the team at our institute offer thorough and diverse mental health care that prioritizes your body and mind. We use modern medicine practices, advanced technology and proven modalities to deliver ADHD treatment without medication and minimally invasive strategies that promote maximum results. Treatments for our clients with ADHD include:
- Psychiatry and medication management: For many people dealing with ADHD, medication is a crucial part of a balanced treatment plan. Whether you’ve never taken medication before or your current regimen does not work as well as it used to, our certified psychiatrists will work with you as you learn to manage your symptoms and feel like yourself again.
- Functional medicine: This integrative treatment for ADHD, dementia, diabetes and depression considers every part of your life and evaluates your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. Conditions like these are not “all in your head,” and our practitioners explore factors that may not seem obvious but greatly affect your diagnosis. Functional medicine involves a personalized treatment plan that optimizes body functions and improves quality of life.
- Advanced nutrient therapy: Everything comes down to balance, and advanced nutrient therapy aims to address chemical imbalances in your body using natural ingredients. Based on the results of blood work, urine analysis and genetic testing we complete in-office, we devise a regimen that can restore deficiencies and safely aid conditions like ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder and PTSD by balancing the nutrients and chemicals you need.
- Neurofeedback training: Neurofeedback for ADHD is all about discovering how your brain works and using those unique processes to your advantage. This treatment uses our state-of-the-art brain mapping technology, psychological testing and research-based training methods to help your brain work more effectively. This type of biofeedback helps us help you improve focus, decrease stress and maximize skills and emotional intelligence. It is also helpful for conditions like stress, depression, sleep disorders and OCD.
If You Believe You or a Loved One May Have ADHD
If you believe that you or a loved one may have Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder or others have suggested that it might be an issue, don’t put off finding out as it can be successfully treated. Contact the Yang Institute to start your or your loved one’s journey to recovery.