Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a misunderstood condition that often goes undiagnosed. Around 6.4 million children aged 4-17 years old have an ADHD diagnosis. For decades, professionals thought ADHD was a childhood disorder; however, they realize adults can have it, too. The behavioral experts at LaSante Health Center in the Prospect Lefferts Gardens area of Brooklyn in New York City are adept at both diagnosing and treating ADHD. Make an appointment with them today by calling the practice or going through the online scheduling tool.
The most common symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD include:
If these symptoms sound familiar, speak to a provider at LaSante Health Center for help in managing them.
It's not always easy to identify why someone has ADHD, but health professionals explore key themes that seem to occur frequently among those with the condition, including:
A child born at 32 weeks gestation or earlier, or who weighs less than 3.3 pounds, misses a crucial stage of central nervous system development, and they're more likely to have ADHD.
If ADHD or mental health disorders generally run in your family, you're more prone to have ADHD yourself.
Babies are more likely to be born with ADHD if their mother takes drugs or drinks alcohol during pregnancy.
Exposure to environmental toxins — such as lead — either as a baby or before the mother gives birth, can cause ADHD.
Your provider at LaSante Health Center works with you to understand the history of your condition, so they have the full picture when creating a treatment plan.
As people get older, they become better at managing their ADHD symptoms, which is why doctors used to think ADHD was something people grew out of. However, what is sometimes more difficult to understand is what triggers ADHD symptoms. Triggers vary by person, but they all tend to fall within a group of factors that include:
The providers at LaSante Health Center have training in how to identify triggers and create patient care plans that help reduce them from their patient's lifestyles.
There's no cure for ADHD, but you can manage it. The two common methods include medication and therapies. Your provider may use one or the other or both together.
Medication may involve stimulants, non-stimulants, or antidepressants. Therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy, social skills training, and psychotherapy.
LaSante Health Center has experts in behavioral disorders. If you or your child has, or possibly has, ADHD and you'd like help managing the symptoms, or wish to find out more, book an appointment through the website or call the practice.