ADHD Psychiatrists and Testing in Corona and Orange County, CA
ADHD is a complex mental health disorder that typically begins during childhood and can continue causing symptoms throughout adulthood. At Allied Healers, we provide remote and onsite ADHD evaluation and evidence-based testing for children and adults. To learn more about ADHD, call Allied Healers or schedule an appointment online today.
ADHD Q&A
What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a common neurodevelopmental condition affecting children and adults. Individuals with ADHD often have difficulty concentrating, controlling impulses, and starting new tasks. While most individuals associate ADHD with children, its symptoms can last well into adulthood.
Are There Different Types of ADHD?
There are three types of ADHD:
Predominantly inattentive
Predominantly inattentive ADHD can make organization, attention to detail, and following instructions difficult.
Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive
Individuals with predominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD often struggle to sit still for long periods of time and may speak (or interrupt others) at inappropriate times.
Combined presentation
If an individual experiences equal signs of predominantly inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, they have combined presentation ADHD.
What are the signs of ADHD?
The symptoms of ADHD vary depending on the type you have, your age, and other important factors. However, the most common signs of ADHD include:
Trouble staying organized
Low executive functioning skills
Daydreaming
Fidgeting
Difficulty sitting still
Interrupting others
Talking too much
Forgetfulness
Difficulty focusing and staying on task
Task avoidance
Missing deadlines for school or work
Trouble taking turns
Determining the type of ADHD that you or your child has is important for creating the appropriate treatment plan.
What Causes ADHD?
Medical experts don’t know the exact cause of ADHD, but certain risk factors can increase your chances of developing the disorder, including:
Genetics
Low birth weight
Environmental exposures
Brain injury
Premature birth
Smoking or consuming alcohol during pregnancy may also increase your child’s risk of developing ADHD in the womb.
How is ADHD Diagnosed?
The team at Allied Healers performs evidence-based ADHD testing at the Orange County office and via telehealth. While there is no laboratory test for ADHD, this comprehensive evaluation includes a signs and symptoms checklist, medical history review, and gathering information from parents, friends, and teachers (for a childhood diagnosis).
A complete physical exam through your primary care provider may also be necessary to rule out other conditions. This exam typically includes a vision and hearing test.
What Are The Treatments for ADHD?
A combination of medication and behavioral therapy is typically the best approach for treating ADHD. Depending on your unique symptoms, the team at Allied Healers may recommend stimulants to enhance focus and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing unhelpful behaviors through measurable goal-setting.
Other lifestyle modifications that the team may recommend include:
Establishing a routine
Dietary changes
Exercise
Supplements
Sleep schedule modificationsA complete physical exam through your primary care provider may also be necessary to rule out other conditions. This exam typically includes a vision and hearing test.
To learn more about ADHD, call Allied Healers or schedule an appointment online today.