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.
Get ADHD Treatment in San Diego
At Solara Mental Health, we offer modern and specialized care for clients with ADHD.
Our ADHD treatment plans are specifically designed for you. We assess every client individually, drawing on information from them, their loved ones and their outpatient care providers to gain a complete understanding of the client’s needs. From this understanding, the expert clinicians at our psychiatric facility create a treatment plan that is comprehensive and personalized.
Our ADHD treatment plans utilize a unique combination of therapeutic modalities, including individual psychiatric counseling, group therapy, and holistic therapies. As needed, medication will also be prescribed to address a client’s specific needs and help them find long-term healing.
While our clients make considerable and rapid improvements, ADHD is often a long-term condition. Understanding this through years of experience, our mental health treatment center provides the entire spectrum of care from inpatient to outpatient to transitional living and continuing, customized case management. Our long-term aftercare plan is designed to free our clients from the clutches of ADHD, and our program has been created to ensure this.
If ADHD is affecting your life, or the life of someone you love, get in touch. We can help you or your loved one to get control and improve clarity, productivity and focus. Call today.
