ADHD – Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHD Treatment – McLean VA Psychiatrist
ADHD Treatment McLean VA Psychiatrist 22101 | Treating mental disorders in Adult and Children including ADHD, ADD, Depression, Substance Abuse.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly publicized childhood disorder. But you may not be aware that ADHD affects adults who were never diagnosed with this condition as children.
Normally, adults with ADHD are not aware that they have this disorder. They often just feel that it’s impossible to get organized, stick to a job, keep an appointment. Everyday tasks of getting up, getting dressed and ready for the day’s work, getting to work on time, and being productive on the job can be major challenges for the ADHD adult.
Diagnosing Adult ADHD is not easy. Many times, when a child is diagnosed with the disorder, a parent will recognize that he or she has many of the same symptoms the child has and, for the first time, will begin to understand some of the traits that have given him or her trouble for years — distractibility, impulsivity, and restlessness. Other adults will seek professional help for depression or anxiety and will find out that the root cause of some of their emotional problems is ADHD.
Timing and diagnosis of adult ADHD is of utmost importance and should be made by a clinician with expertise in the area of attention dysfunction. For an accurate diagnosis, a history of the patients childhood behavior, together with an interview with his life partner, a parent, close friend, or other close associate, will be needed. A physical examination and psychological tests may also be given. Co-morbidity with other conditions may exist such as specific learning disabilities, anxiety, or mood disorders.
Treatment of ADHD and a correct diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief. The individual has brought into adulthood many negative perceptions of himself or herself that may have led to low self-esteem. Now he or she can begin to understand the origins of some of their problems and can begin to face them. This may mean not only medication treatment for ADHD, but also psychotherapy that can help him or her cope with the anger they feel about the failure to diagnose the disorder when younger.
Dr. Rehman is a Adult and Child Psychiatrist in McLean Virginia treating multiple types of ADHD, ADD in both Adults and Children. If you are a parent with concerns about your child’s behavior, activities and/or academics; please contact our office at 571.236.8516 and schedule an appointment for evaluation.
What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children. ADHD is a brain condition that is often first identified in school-aged children when it causes disruption in the classroom or problems with schoolwork. ADHD can affect adults too. While some children seem to outgrow the disorder, or learn to compensate for the symptoms, others do not.
ADHD by the numbers
- 2.5% of U.S. adults
- 5% of U.S. children
Adult ADHD
It was only in the 1980s when mental health professionals started to recognize that ADHD could persist in adults, and even now, getting an accurate diagnosis is tricky. Some experts believe too many adults (and children) are currently medicated for ADHD, often by doctors who have little knowledge or experience with this disorder. Others argue that those adults who have experience functional impairment can benefit from ADHD medications and behavioral therapy.
Some adults whose ADHD is left untreated may experience negative consequences including high incidence of substance abuse and automobile accidents, and difficulty staying employed and maintaining relationships. Yet, adults with ADHD can also be highly intelligent, energetic, charismatic, and creative.
Many adults with ADHD have developed skills to compensate for their distractibility. Some excel in school at an early age and don’t run into any problems until college/ grad school or starting at a challenging new job. Suddenly, their coping mechanisms are not as effective anymore.
- Adult ADHD can be comorbid with anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder – further complicating diagnosis and treatment.
- For adults diagnosed with the condition, treatment can consist of behavioral therapy, medication, or both.
- People who think they may have ADHD should be evaluated by a psychiatrist.