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ADHD at Caritas Behavioral Health Services in Columbia, MD
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition that affects children and often continues into adulthood. Those with ADHD typically have challenges with maintaining attention, completing tasks, and controlling impulsive behaviors. It's estimated that between 7-11% of children aged 4-17 are diagnosed with ADHD.
What causes ADHD?
ADHD can be influenced by various factors. A family history of ADHD increases one's susceptibility.
In addition, the below, factors can increase risk for ADHD:
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Premature delivery
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Low birthweight
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Alcohol or tobacco use during pregnancy
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Exposure to lead during childhood
Symptoms of ADHD
While occasional inattention or disruptive behavior is typical for most kids, consistent signs extending into older age indicate ADHD. Such behaviors can hinder their activities at home, school, or socially. These symptoms usually arise before the age of 12.
A child who has ADHD can show signs and symptoms such as:
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Talking too much
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Daydreaming a lot
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Squirming or fidgeting
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Difficulty getting along with other
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Forgetfulness
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Easily losing things
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Taking unnecessary risks
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Making careless mistakes
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Trouble taking turns
How is ADHD diagnosed?
Your Caritas Behavioral Health Services LLC provider will work with you, or your child, to better understand the situation and assess the symptoms that are present.
At Caritas Behavioral Health Services LLC, evaluations are 60 minutes long to give you enough time to share your story and for your clinician to ask important follow-up questions.
For ADHD, additional testing or prior medical records may help solidify the diagnosis. Your Provider will guide you through the evaluation process.
People who have this type of ADHD exhibit at least six of the following symptoms for at least six months:
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Regularly makes careless mistakes
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Difficulty maintaining attention during tasks
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Inability to pay close attention to details
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Appears not to listen when being spoken to
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Doesn’t follow through on given instructions
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Doesn’t finish school work
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Forgetfulness
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Difficulty in organizing tasks
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Avoidance of situations that require consistent mental effort
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Becomes easily distracted by external stimuli
Different types of ADHD
Medication Management
For managing ADHD, it's often advisable to combine medication with therapy. Our team ensures a personalized treatment strategy aligning with your unique symptoms and requirements. Continuous monitoring of your progress and symptoms is an integral part of this treatment, allowing us to fine-tune medication doses and frequency for optimal results.
Talk Therapy
Also known as psychotherapy, talk therapy is an effective option for a number of different symptoms and conditions, including ADHD. Talk therapy can take many different forms, so you and your therapist can work to find the best option for your specific situation, condition, and symptoms. Talk therapy can be used in combination with medication and other forms of treatment, if needed.
