ADHD Treatment  in Wilmington DE

There is no conclusive answer to what causes ADHD. The source(s) is still being researched and studies continue to be done to try and pinpoint what factors contribute to its development. However, current research suggests that ADHD may be a result of any of the following:

Genetics: ADHD may have a hereditary component, as there is a 25% chance that a child will develop ADHD if one of their biological parents also has it.

Decreased activity levels in parts of the brain: This may cause imbalances that contribute to the signs and symptoms associated with ADHD.

Premature birth: This may cause neural, structural, and/or chemical imbalances that increase the probability of developing ADHD.

Toxic prenatal exposure: Those who were exposed to harmful substances in the womb (such as alcohol or nicotine) may be at more risk for developing ADHD.

Head injurie: Changes in the physical and chemical structure of the brain may lead to the onset of ADHD. 

There is no single test or procedure used to diagnose ADHD. Experts diagnose ADHD when symptoms impact a person’s ability to function on a day-to-day basis for longer than 6 months. These symptoms include:

Hyperactivity:
– Difficulty sitting still
– Continually fidgeting
– Inability to concentrate on tasks
– Excessive movement
– Consistently hopping from one task to another

Inattentiveness: 
– Having a short attention span
– Easily becoming distracted
– Making irresponsible choices  
– Being consistently forgetful
– Losing things
– Difficulty following through on tasks that are monotonous or time-consuming
– Difficulty organizing and/or prioritizing tasks

Impulsiveness:
– Excessive talking
– Inability to wait their turn
– Acting without thinking and without thought of consequences
– Interrupting conversations
– Minimal or non-existent sense of danger

A specialist may conduct interviews with the parents, perform psychological testing, and use questionnaires and rating scales to help make their diagnosis. They may also perform physical examinations to rule out any other conditions.

ADHD is classified as being developmental, meaning that it presents during childhood and carries forward into adulthood. While some people with ADHD don’t receive a diagnosis until adulthood, symptoms are almost always present during their younger years. Some of these symptoms include:

– Carelessness or a non-existent sense of danger
– A short attention span 
– Lack of attention to detail
– Continually losing or misplacing things
– High levels of forgetfulness
– Consistent restlessness and/or fidgeting
– An inability to finish tasks, especially ‘boring’ or tedious one
– Consistently starting new projects and abandoning old ones
– Poor organizational skills
– Inability to prioritize tasks or focus
– Excessive talking
– Interrupting others
– Mood swings
– Low levels of stress management
– Extreme impatience

Throughout development, patients may experience fluctuating levels of these symptoms. It’s important to speak to a healthcare professional as soon as you start experiencing some or any of these symptoms, as that will ensure diagnosis and treatment can start as soon as possible.

ADHD is treated most often treated using a combination of medical resources. Standard treatment in both children and adults usually involves medication, psychological counseling, education, and skills training.

It’s important to note that these treatment options will only help you to manage the symptoms of ADHD for an overall better quality of life. They are not a cure, as there is not currently one available.

At Integrated Health and Wellness, our team of ADHD specialists will provide a treatment plan that best suits your personal healthcare journey. We are committed to the highest level of care, which includes educating you about ADHD and giving you the tools to best manage your symptoms, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1508 Pennsylvania Ave Wilmington, DE 19806. We serve patients from Wilmington DE, Pennyhill DE, Newport DE, Stanton DE, Elsmere DE,  Minquadale DE, Montchanin DE, Ashley DE, and surrounding areas. We are here to support you every step of the way and answer any questions that you may have.