ADHD

What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a brain disorder that is marked by:

Inattention

People with ADHD find it difficult to concentrate or remain focused on a task even if they comprehend it.

Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity is usually marked by fidgeting, the inability to keep still, and excessive talking.

Impulsivity

This side of ADHD refers to taking action, often on the spur of the moment, without thinking it through. In the search for instant gratification, these behaviors can often lead to negative consequences.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

One of the reasons ADHD is so commonly misdiagnosed, especially in children, is that it’s often confused with typical behaviors. Take, for example, a child’s inattention. It’s common for children to lose interest in activities thanks to a naturally limited attention span.

To differentiate ordinary inattention or hyperactivity, a trained professional such as Dr. Raccuglia ensures that the behaviors meet the following characteristics and that they are:

• Severe
• Frequent
• Interfering with daily functioning
• Affecting quality of life

Diagnosis of ADHD requires a comprehensive evaluation that the team performs at the practice, sometimes in collaboration with a mental health professional, if needed.

How is ADHD treated?

The treatment for ADHD varies from patient to patient depending on the severity of their condition. For mild cases, the team typically recommends behavior modification exercises that work well to correct disruptive behaviors.

For more moderate to severe cases, Dr. Raccuglia may turn to either:

• Stimulants — the most often prescribed medication for ADHD
• Non-stimulants — for patients who don’t respond well to stimulant-based medications

It’s important to note that these medications aren’t cure-alls. Behavior modifications and education go a long way toward helping patients manage the disorder.

How is medication monitored?

Stimulant medications prescribed for ADHD come with a host of concerns, such as abuse and side effects. The team closely monitors all his patients who take these medications with regular urine screening and frequent check-ins to evaluate improvement.

With children, the practice also involves parents and teachers to ensure that the child is responding well to treatment and whether any adjustments are necessary.

To learn more about managing ADHD, call Joseph R Raccuglia, MD, or book an appointment online.