Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common mental health conditions to affect children. While it often begins in adolescence, it does continue into adulthood. In other words, you’ll need to receive ongoing treatment for ADHD throughout your life.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “An estimated 7 million (11.4%) U.S. children aged 3–17 years have ever been diagnosed with ADHD.”[1]

People with ADHD experience symptoms like patterns of inattention, impulsive behaviors, hyperactivity, and more. Children with ADHD tend to show signs of forgetfulness, trouble staying still, difficulty getting along with peers, and excessive talking. On the other hand, adults with ADHD experience errors at work due to inattention, difficulty with social boundaries, interrupting people during conversations, and impulsive behaviors or risk-taking.

While attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder can be difficult to cope with, there are a variety of treatment options. For example, most people manage their ADHD with a combination of therapy and daily medication. At New Jersey Behavioral Health Center, we can offer an individualized treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms and regain control over your life.

In this article, you will learn:

• What is ADHD?
• What are the causes and symptoms of ADHD?
• How does treatment for ADHD work?

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is a mental health condition that causes trouble focusing, increased energy, impulsive behaviors, and more. You might have a hard time focusing on tasks like school, work, or even chores at home. It is also common to have difficulty with social restraint, boundaries, and regulating your emotions.

Becoming educated on ADHD involves knowing the causes and risk factors, symptoms, and how treatment works.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, however, people believe it is a mixture of genetic and environmental factors.

The genetic risk factors for ADHD include:

• Having family members who are diagnosed with the condition
• Having certain genetic variations that have been linked to an increased risk of ADHD
• Imbalances in neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine

The environmental factors that could play a role in developing ADHD include:

• Prenatal exposure to substances like alcohol, tobacco, or drugs
• Having a low birth weight or being born prematurely
• Experiencing a traumatic brain injury
• Exposure to lead or other environmental toxins
• Having a low socioeconomic status, as it exposes you to higher risks of trauma, stress, and food insecurity

Symptoms of ADHD

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is described as a mental health condition and a developmental disorder.

According to the National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH), it is characterized by an ongoing pattern of one or more of the following symptoms:[2]

• Inattention- trouble paying attention, staying on task, or keeping yourself organized.
• Hyperactivity- moving around during inappropriate times, feeling restless, talking excessively, or interrupting people during conversations.
• Impulsivity- interrupting, intruding on others’ personal space, having trouble waiting your turn, or engaging in risky behaviors

While ADHD often affects children and adolescents, you might not notice it until adulthood. Additionally, there might be differences in symptoms between women and men. Thankfully, mental health professionals who specialize in ADHD treatment can make an accurate diagnosis no matter your biological sex.

How is ADHD Treated?

ADHD is treated through a combination of services, typically medication and therapy. Medications can control symptoms like inattention by improving your focus and helping your brain slow down. On the other hand, behavioral therapies can help you change unhelpful patterns of behavior to regain control over your life.

You can receive ADHD treatment in a variety of settings, including:

• Outpatient therapy and psychiatry
• Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) for ADHD
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) for ADHD
• Residential or inpatient mental health treatment centers

Health insurance often covers treatment for ADHD in children and adults. If your child with ADHD needs treatment, you can contact your insurance company to learn more about your options.

ADHD Treatment in New Jersey: What to Expect

If you are looking into receiving treatment for your ADHD as an adult, New Jersey Behavioral Health Center is here to help. We offer a comprehensive ADHD treatment program that includes evidence-based behavioral therapy and FDA-approved medication.

During ADHD treatment in New Jersey, you can expect:

• An in-depth assessment to ensure you suffer from ADHD and to create an individualized treatment plan
• Regular therapy sessions to help you learn emotional regulation skills, improve ADHD symptoms naturally, and address any co-occurring conditions you may suffer from like anxiety disorders
• Psychiatric services, including medication like stimulants or non-stimulants depending on your needs and comfort level
• Holistic services like meditation, mindfulness techniques, and massage or yoga
• Nutritional counseling and exercise therapy to develop healthy routines to improve your symptoms naturally
• Ongoing support for your ADHD and assistance in building important life skills

Find ADHD Treatment in New Jersey Now

If you or a loved one suffers from ADHD, it’s time to seek professional help. At New Jersey Behavioral Health Center, we offer an all-inclusive ADHD treatment program that will help you manage your symptoms and regain control over your life.

Contact us today for more information on how we can help you recover from attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

References:

1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Data and Statistics on ADHD
2. The National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH): Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)