Facts to Know:
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Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder of childhood and can last into adulthood.
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ADHD can interfere with a child’s ability to thrive in school, follow rules and develop and maintain relationships and last into adulthood.
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Stimulant medications are the most effective treatment for ADHD.
What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?
About 7-11% of children ages 4 to 17 have at some point being diagnosed with ADHD. There is no single cause for ADHD, but factors such as low birthweight, lead exposure in childhood, and cigarette smoke, alcohol, or pesticide exposure during fetal development may contribute to the development of ADHD. There are three types of ADHD; predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive and combined presentation. ADHD is more common in males than in females.
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Symptoms
In children and adolescents with ADHD there is a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity that interferes with their daily activities and development. Many of these symptoms are present before age 12 years.
Inattention: (at least 6 of the following symptoms for at least 6 months)
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Failure to pay close attention to details or frequently making careless mistakes.
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Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.
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Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
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Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork or chores.
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Difficulty organizing tasks and activities.
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Avoids or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort.
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Losing things necessary for tasks or activities.
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Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.
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Forgetful in daily activities
Hyperactivity and impulsivity: (at least 6 of the following symptoms for at least 6 months)
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Fidgets with or taps hands or feet or squirms in seat.
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Leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected.
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Runs about or climbs in situations where it is inappropriate.
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Is unable to play or engage in leisure activities quietly. Is often “on the go,” acting as if “driven by a motor.”
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Talks excessively.
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Blurts out an answer before a question has been completed.
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Has difficulty waiting his or her turn.
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Interrupts or intrudes on others.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is best made by applying the DSM 5 criteria which we do in our clinics.
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Dr Tilak has been successfully treating patients with ADHD for over 30 years. Medications are an important component of treatment in ADHD. We will design a customized treatment plan.
Adderall has been the mainstay of treatment at our clinic. Vyvanse, Methyphenidate, Dextroamphetamine can also be used.
Many patients have concomitant Anxiety or Depression which also needs treatment as above.
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Please call us today at 904-298-1994 to schedule an appointment.