ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), usually diagnosed in children aged 4-7, can persist into adulthood and make it difficult to stay on task and focus well. At First Cornerstone Health LLC, serving patients in and around Atlanta, Georgia, North Carolina, Washington, and Florida, Chinwe Ibiam DNP, AGACNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, APRN, offers effective ADHD treatments for patients ages six and older. To learn more about your telehealth treatment options, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

What is ADHD?

ADHD, also called attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, develops due to brain changes affecting nerve communication. Such brain differences affect the areas of your brain responsible for regulating emotions, planning tasks, and staying focused with the task at hand. As a result, ADHD can cause problems with hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity.

Most children occasionally become hyperactive or have a difficult time paying attention every now and then, but ADHD causes severe or frequent challenges that disrupt daily life and their ability to succeed in school.

What are the hallmark symptoms of ADHD?

The symptoms of ADHD include:

Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD

People with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD often experience:

• Talking a lot and blurting out answers
• Feeling restless or impatient
• Finding it hard to wait their turn
• Struggling to control impulses
• Fidgeting when they should be sitting still
• Being constantly on the go

They might frequently interrupt conversations or disrupt activities.

Inattentive ADHD

Inattentive ADHD is associated with the following symptoms:

• Getting distracted easily and regularly
• Forgetting to start or finish tasks
• Overlooking important details
• Making reckless mistakes
• Having a hard time following directions
• Being unable to get or stay organized
• Daydreaming instead of paying attention

People with this form of ADHD may lose important items, such as keys and homework, or make an effort to avoid tasks requiring mental effort.

Combined ADHD

Combined ADHD can cause symptoms linked to both inattentive ADHD and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD.

How does my provider treat ADHD?

Chinwe performs a comprehensive ADHD evaluation, discovering details about you or your child’s behavioral and emotional symptoms. After diagnosing ADHD, she develops a personalized treatment plan that targets your unique challenges.

For most adults and children, the first line of treatment includes medications. Stimulants help balance brain chemicals, reducing hyperactivity and improving attention. Chinwe explains the risks and benefits of stimulants. If you’d like to avoid them, she can recommend other medications.

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is also an effective part of ADHD treatment. While medication treats symptoms, talk therapy teaches you ways to overcome common ADHD challenges. For example, you might need help organizing your time, controlling emotional outbursts, or enhancing your social skills.

Chinwe takes a holistic, integrative approach to treating ADHD treatment, recommending lifestyle changes that promote exceptional health and well-being. Though foods don’t cause ADHD, altering unhealthy dietary patterns can minimize your symptoms.

Children and adults can overcome bothersome ADHD symptoms with customized care at First Cornerstone Health. Call the office or schedule a telehealth appointment online today.