ADHD is highly disruptive behavior that may interfere with your child’s performance at school and lower their quality of life. It can also make creating or retaining friendships challenging, leading to loneliness. If your child displays ADHD symptoms, you should consider the ADHD Ann Arbor treatments at the ADHD Institute of Michigan.
An overview of attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is a kind of neurodevelopmental disorder due to an imbalance in brain chemicals. The imbalance interferes with the functioning of certain vital parts of your brain, resulting in impulsivity, hyperactivity, and trouble paying attention. ADHD symptoms usually manifest during childhood and last through your adulthood. Focusing on your child’s performance and behavior at school can help you determine if they have ADHD or not. In some cases, the symptoms may become more evident during adulthood. While there is no specific prevention or cure for the disorder, early detection can help your doctor create a management plan to help your child lead a happy and self-fulfilling life.
Signature symptoms of ADHD
ADHD has three categories f symptoms, including inattention, combined ADHD, and hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. Individuals with inattentive ADHD may frequently lose stuff, make careless mistakes, not pay attention, not listen when someone speaks to them, and not follow instructions. On the other hand, people with impulsive/hyperactive ADHD may squirm in their seats, talk excessively, climb or run at inappropriate times, and be constantly on the go. If left untreated, this mental disorder can interfere with several aspects of life and lower the quality of life.
Diagnostic techniques for ADHD
Diagnosing ADHD in children can be challenging. Many doctors diagnose the disorder by discussing your child’s symptoms with you, the teachers, and the child to better understand your child’s mental health. They may also enquire about when they start showing the signs so as t rule out other factors such as family problems that may result in similar symptoms. The team may also do several tests to understand your child’s psychological and neurological status. Sometimes, your physician may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for specialized care. Some tests your child may need include an evaluation of processing skills, intelligence, and aptitude and a scan known as the Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) System to check the beta and theta brain waves.
Available ADHD Treatments
While there are numerous treatment approaches for ADHD, the ADHD Institute of Michigan team recommends the multimodal approach for children. In most cases, ADHD responds to therapy and medication. Despite concerns about possible overuse, stimulants are the most effective medication for this disorder. These medications control impulsive and hyperactive behavior and enhance attention span.
If stimulants are ineffective, the team may recommend non-stimulant medications like Guanfacine, Atomoxetine, or Clonidine. They may also prescribe antidepressants like SSRIs. Side effects arising from these medications include headache, trouble sleeping, fatigue, loss of appetite, and upset stomach, but they improve over time. The ADHD Institute of Michigan may sometimes lower the dosage to ease the side effects.
For a comprehensive treatment plan for ADHD, call the ADHD Institute of Michigan office or book an appointment online.
