Treatment
Treating mental health concerns requires considering your child’s age, physical health, any co-morbid conditions, and expectations.
Treatment may include medication, counseling, behavioral treatment, and/or educational support. Dr. DeShazo will advise you on what treatment approach she recommends and together we will fine tune a plan.
Many parents ask if all children will require medication. While certain types of medication are first line treatment for certain conditions, all medications may not be right for every child. Choosing the right medication requires having the right diagnosis and parental support. The decision to start medication will be thoroughly discussed, including risks and benefits of various medications, and what symptoms it intends to target.
Choosing the right medication requires having the right diagnosis and parental support. The aim is to treat the condition without having side effects such as changing your child’s personality.
Common symptoms of ADHD
1. Inattention
- Difficulty Sustaining Focus: Individuals with ADHD often struggle to maintain attention on tasks, leading to frequent distractions and incomplete work.
- Easily Distracted: External stimuli can easily divert their attention, making it challenging to stay engaged in activities that require concentration.
- Forgetfulness: Forgetfulness in daily activities, such as forgetting to complete assignments, bring necessary materials, or follow through on instructions.
2. Hyperactivity
- Excessive Movement: Hyperactive behavior is characterized by constant fidgeting, restlessness, and an inability to sit still for extended periods.
- Impulsiveness: Acts without thinking, leading to impulsive movements or actions that may disrupt the surrounding environment.
- Difficulty Engaging in Quiet Activities: Children with hyperactivity may find it challenging to engage in activities that require calm and focused behavior.
3. Impulsivity
- Acting Without Forethought: Impulsive behavior involves making decisions or taking actions without considering the consequences.
- Interrupting Others: A common manifestation is the inability to wait for one’s turn, interrupting conversations, or intruding on others’ activities.
- Risk-Taking Behavior: Engaging in risky activities without evaluating potential dangers due to a lack of impulse control.
4. Variations in Symptoms by Age
- Preschool Years:
- Hyperactivity may be more noticeable during the early years, with excessive movement, difficulty sitting through activities, and impulsive behavior.
- Challenges in following instructions and participating in structured activities.
- School-Age Years:
- Inattention becomes more prominent, affecting academic performance and organizational skills.
- Impulsivity may manifest as difficulty waiting for turns, leading to social challenges.
- Adolescence:
- Inattention may persist, impacting academic achievement and long-term planning.
- Impulsivity might lead to risk-taking behaviors, potentially affecting peer relationships and decision-making.
Understanding these symptoms helps identify ADHD in individuals across different age groups
It is essential to recognize that individuals with ADHD may exhibit a combination of these symptoms, and the symptoms can vary by age and developmental stage. Tailored interventions, including behavioral therapy, educational support, and, in some cases, medication, can effectively address the challenges associated with ADHD and promote successful functioning in various aspects of life.
Get Effective diagnosis and evaluation
Effective diagnosis and evaluation involve a collaborative approach, considering input from various sources to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the individual’s strengths and challenges. This multidimensional assessment lays the foundation for developing personalized interventions that address the specific needs of the child with ADHD.
Overview of ADHD Care Services Offered
Dr. Megan DeShazo provides comprehensive ADHD care services tailored to the unique needs of children and adolescents. The clinic, Bay Area Clarity, offers a wide range of services designed to address the multifaceted aspects of ADHD.
Diagnostic Assessments
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Conducting thorough evaluations to accurately diagnose ADHD and/or related conditions.
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Utilizing standardized assessments, clinical interviews, and information from parents and others who interact with your child for a comprehensive understanding of the child’s behavior.
Individualized Treatment Plans
- Developing personalized treatment plans that consider the specific needs and strengths of each child.
- Implementing evidence-based interventions to address inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Medication Management
- Carefully considering medication options when necessary, with a focus on finding the most suitable and effective solutions for symptom management.
- Collaborating closely with families to ensure proper dosage, monitoring potential side effects, and adjusting treatment plans as needed.
Behavioral Therapy
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Suggesting behavioral interventions aimed at improving self-control, organizational skills, and coping mechanisms.
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Collaborating with families to implement behavior management strategies both at home and in school.