ADHD

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ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a frequently diagnosed neurological condition that often begins in childhood and persists into adulthood. It negatively impacts the brain and causes behavioral changes that might cause socio-emotional trouble and dysfunction.

Individuals who live with ADHD face a lot of adversities not just in school, but also in the way they get along with their family members, and how they manage their social relationships. It even impacts their professional lives.

While there is no permanent cure for ADHD, getting medically treated for it will provide symptomatic relief and enhance the quality of daily life.

Our team of therapists and psychologists at Aspiring Families specializes in treating these neurological conditions. If someone you love suffers from ADHD, we can help them use their strengths to work around their difficulties, so they can thrive and reach their full potential.

Types of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

ADHD is not the same for everyone. All patients—children and adults—experience it differently. The symptoms of this disorder are categorized into two main types: inattentive and hyperactive. Some patients only show common symptoms of distractibility without hyperactivity, while others struggle with both.

That’s the main reason why it often gets misdiagnosed or flies under the radar. It is very important to have an accurate evaluation to understand exactly which challenges the patient is going through.

The two types of ADHD are better known as Predominantly Inattentive and Hyperactive-Impulsive. Individuals who have the inattentive type of ADHD can experience symptoms such as:

  • Difficulty focusing or being easily side-tracked
  • Disorganized
  • Forgetfulness in daily activities
  • Absent-Mindedness
  • Avoiding tasks that require long hours of mental effort
  • Inability to give close attention to detail

Those with Hyperactive-Impulsiveness can experience the following symptoms:

  • Restlessness
  • A tendency to interrupt other people
  • Hyperactivity
  • Excessive talking
  • Impulsive behavior
  • Fidgeting
  • Excessive urgency

It is vital to know that ignoring these symptoms and avoiding clinical scrutiny can create problems in the long run.

Neuropsychological ADHD Testing and Assessment

If you or your child are experiencing the symptoms of ADHD, we recommend consulting a medical professional for an accurate evaluation.

It is important to know that ADHD can be easily misdiagnosed without a formal check-up. A clinical interview is usually insufficient, as symptoms presenting as ADHD could be related to underlying anxiety, stress, learning disabilities, executive functioning, trauma, and even giftedness.

Our panel of psychologists and psychiatrists will offer you a comprehensive evaluation and assessment for ADHD before providing treatment, to more accurately understand and treat the presenting struggles.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

ADHD is not the only condition that is characterized by the symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity. There are a number of other mental health disorders that can bring about the same, or similar symptoms of ADHD. That’s why pinpointing the cause of a patient’s condition requires a lot more than just a symptom-check, or an interview.

During the evaluation process, alternative explanations that point towards the presence of ADHD symptoms need to be ruled out first, before concluding with the diagnosis. What makes it complicated is that most children or adults experiencing these symptoms most likely have a history of anxiety, depression, or learning disabilities, among other things.

That’s why our clinicians are extremely thorough and strictly use an evidence-based, effective approach when it comes to diagnosing ADHD and similar conditions.

Work with an ADHD Psychiatrist in San Diego

Mental health is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly—however, we find that the topic has some stigma associated with it. The social mindset needs changing; therapy should be thought of as positive and proactive health care, just like treating a broken bone or seeking relief for any other type of ailment.

It is important to remember that no one can be pushed to get treated for their mental health; the decision and the willpower to get better should come from the patient.

If and whenever you’re ready to get treated, Aspiring Families will provide:

  • Detailed diagnostic interviews with the client, parents, family, teachers, partner, and significant others.
  • Formal diagnostic testing using state-of-the-art, standardized, and valid measures completed by the parents, teachers, and the child to assess ADHD and Executive Functioning.
  • School and home observations.
  • Intellectual, academic, and socio-emotional testing to rule out comorbid diagnoses.
  • A consultation with the pediatrician or primary care physician.
  • A review of the medical and educational history and reports will include medication, medical illnesses, previous testing, evaluations, school/IEP reports, and medical and psychiatric records.
  • Collaborative information from previous psychologists.
  • A medical consultation with our medical director.

Furthermore, you’ll receive a comprehensive report that will include specific targeted recommendations for schools, colleges, homes, and the professional environment. The report can be utilized to obtain school and college accommodations via 504s and Individualized Educational Plans, and accommodations for standardized school and college tests.

Additionally, the psychologist conducting the treatment and writing the report will facilitate and support you through the process of obtaining further psycho-educational support privately, in school or in college, and for standardized required tests. At your request, the psychologist will also attend any 504 and IEP meetings at your school.

Aspiring Family therapists provide an integrated, evidence-based, bio-psycho-social approach to effectively treat ADHD. We provide positive, structured, goal-oriented therapy, and in-home and in-school interventions to diminish symptoms and support adults and children in learning adaptive tools to cope and succeed in academic, socio-emotional, and professional realms.

Our treatment approach is team-based so that you or your child can see specialists to minimize the presenting symptoms and address the underlying biological or environmental stressors.

If you or someone you love is going through the symptoms of ADHD, schedule a counseling appointment with one of our ADHD treatment specialists in San Diego, California today. For more information, please feel free to call or visit us.

Aspiring Families San Diego

Additional Information for Those Seeking ADHD Treatment in San Diego

For more information, please see our recommended reading lists under ‘Impulsivity, Attention, & Focus’ and ‘Learning Disabilities and Attention’ on our Family Resources page.

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