ADHD Treatment in San Diego

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder. It is characterized by a lack of attention and/or focus as well as hyperactivity. Together, these two things can interfere heavily with a person’s life, disrupting their ability to focus, causing impulsive behavior and even hindering their ability to function normally in school, work and in social situations.

Beat Inattention, Forgetfulness and Fidgeting

Children are often diagnosed with ADHD. But a growing number of adults who were never diagnosed in their childhood are experiencing issues and being diagnosed later in life.

According to a 2008 psychological research study written by Neuropsychiatrist Dusan Kolar and colleagues, ADHD affects people of all ages:

“Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is estimated to affect 5%–10% of the child population and from 1%–6% of the adult population… 4.4% of the adult population was determined to have clinically significant ADHD symptoms. ADHD is, therefore, a very prevalent disorder across the developmental spectrum.”

— Treatment of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder by Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment.

Childhood ADHD and adult ADHD manifest differently. But there are some common behaviors associated with both.

Common behaviors include:

• Having difficulty sitting still
• Being forgetful
• Becoming easily distracted
• Lacking focus on tasks
• Interrupting others when they’re speaking

Bouncing a knee, tugging on clothes and other forms of fidgeting could be a silent sign of ADHD. We’re all forgetful sometimes, but people with ADHD forget something they decided to do a moment ago. They have trouble organizing schedules. If you frustrate your parents or spouse by seemingly ‘not listening’ it could also be because you’re distracted as a result of ADHD.

ADHD in Children vs Adults

In childhood, people with ADHD may be inclined to leave their school desk and go to look out of the window. This can cause teachers to recommend parents express coaching and discipline.

As adults, they may make workplace errors and feel irritated by their inability to be consistently accurate. Children with ADHD often interrupt others with a non-sequitur (off-topic assertion or question). Adults with ADHD often interrupt people with a helpful suggestion that might be creative or off-topic. In either case, this can cause social tension as others often dislike being interrupted when speaking.

Our ADHD treatment plans tackle different behavioral and attention problems. If you reach out to us, your ADHD treatment will be tailored for you with a combination of therapy and medication.

The Three ADHD types

The American Psychological Association (APA) has grouped people with ADHD into three categories. These categories are predominantly-inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and a combination of both.

Hyperactive-Impulsive

People with hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD fidget, interrupt, can’t sit still and can’t wait their turn. They find it easier to start tasks than finish them due to distractions along the way. They get attention for being disruptive at school or work.

Predominantly-Inattentive

People with predominantly-inattentive type ADHD have a different problem.

They have extreme difficulty focusing, finishing tasks and following even simple instructions. They may politely request that a teacher or coworker explains something repeatedly. But, they grow frustrated by their inability to focus on what is being said. Some experts suspect that this type of ADHD often remains undiagnosed.

Diagnoses are rare for this type of ADHD when the individual doesn’t behave disruptively. This type of ADHD is the most common type among women and girls.

Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive

Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive type ADHD is the most common variant. A mixture of the two above behavioral styles is present. This makes it very hard to focus and get things done. It also impacts social behavior and relationships.

Treating ADHD

Treatment for ADHD typically includes a combination of psychosocial treatment and medication. Each modality aims to address the range of symptoms that may be occurring within an ADHD patient.

Pharmacological Treatment

ADHD medications may include both stimulant and non-stimulant medications. Typically, longer-acting stimulants will provide better patient compliance and smoother improvement in symptoms.

Common stimulatory ADHD medications include:

• Amphetamines (i.e. Adderall, Dexedrine, Desoxyn, etc.)
• Phenidates (Focalin, Concerta, Ritalin, etc.)

Common non-stimulatory ADHD medications include:

• Strattera (an SNRI)
• Pamelor (a tricyclic antidepressant)
• Intuniv
• Kapvay

A psychiatrist and the patient may work through the list of medications to gauge effectiveness and minimize any side-effects experienced with them.

Therapeutic ADHD Treatments

Psychotherapy and psychiatric counseling can help people with ADHD better control their symptoms. They may be especially effective in helping children as well.

Psychotherapy can help those with ADHD better handle relationships that are affected by the disorder. It can also help identify patterns, helping one make better choices for their future.

Behavior Therapy (BT) can help people monitor and change their behaviors. These strategies involve direct feedback to help the person realize suitable behaviors.

Social Skills Training can be useful in children, teaching them to adhere to common social etiquette — allowing them to fit in more seemlessly with the people around them.

Parental Skill Training can help parents of children with ADHD, by teaching them the proper techniques and providing the tools needed to understand and manage their child’s behaviors.

Solara’s ADHD Treatment for Veterans

Hyperactivity and inattention are hallmarks of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In acceptance and commitment therapy, or ACT-D therapy, veterans learn how to manage negative thoughts and feelings. Understanding each veteran’s specific diagnosis is crucial for the treatment, that’s why at Solara Mental Health San Diego our staff of professionals is ready to assist each patient accordingly through a personalized treatment plan.

Solara Mental Health is VA contracted as a community care provider, which gives us the unique opportunity to help veterans with their needs. Once authorized, housing, transportation, and accommodations will be provided.