ADHD
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder
What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD is a prevalent mental health disorder that psychiatrists usually diagnosed in children and teenagers. It affects your child's ability to sit still, pay attention, and control their impulses.
Many factors contribute to ADHD, including chemical abnormalities in the regions of the brain that control problem solving, planning, impulsivity, and the ability to understand other people's actions.
ADHD might present as primarily hyperactive or inattentive. However, many young people have a combination of hyperactive and inattentive symptoms.
When left untreated, ADHD can interfere with your child's ability to function at school and make friends. It can also lead to other mental health conditions, including mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder. Their behavior can become increasingly disruptive to your family life.
What are the signs of ADHD?
Your child might also have hyperactive symptoms, which include:
Sometimes, it's hard to tell if a child is healthy, excited, and energetic, or if their behavior is a sign of a problem.
Generally, if your child's behavior has persisted for six months or more and is getting in the way of their success at school or disrupting life at home, you should make an appointment with Dr. Copelan.
How do you diagnose ADHD?
Dr. Copelan provides thorough evaluations to diagnose ADHD. She first meets with you to talk about your child's behavior, medical history, and other lifestyle factors. This background is critical to diagnosis and treatment planning.
Then, Dr. Copelan meets with your child. She uses a variety of diagnostic techniques, depending on your child's age and verbal abilities. Throughout the assessment, she looks for ADHD symptoms to confirm the diagnosis.
How do you treat ADHD?
Dr. Copelan creates a personalized treatment plan to address your child's specific needs. She often combines medication, counseling, and lifestyle changes in a multidisciplinary approach.
Medication can help relieve your child's symptoms, and therapy teaches them strategies to improve their concentration and impulse control. Many young people also benefit from adding physical activity to their daily routine and cutting sugar and processed food from their diet.