ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can present challenges with attention and behavior at any age. The Spectrum Behavioral Health team is well-equipped to diagnose and treat ADHD in children, teens, and adults using evidence-based techniques. Evaluation, medication management, and therapy are available in the New Lenox and Hinsdale, Illinois, offices and through telehealth. Book your appointment online or phone the office nearest you today.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a disorder that causes attention and behavior problems. Most people with ADHD are diagnosed when they’re young. The average age of diagnosis usually corresponds to how severe the ADHD is.

Mild ADHD is diagnosed around age 7 on average. Moderate ADHD is diagnosed at around age 6, and severe ADHD is typically diagnosed much earlier — around age 4.

How can I tell if my child has ADHD?

An ADHD evaluation is the best way to understand the problems your child is having and get a diagnosis. Several symptoms could indicate that your child needs an evaluation. Those symptoms include:

Inattention symptoms

Inattention symptoms often include:

• Appearing to daydream
• Difficulty focusing
• Disorganization
• Wandering off task
• Difficulty finishing school work or chores

With ADHD, inattention symptoms don’t mean your child is being defiant or that they don’t understand. They’re trying, and they do understand. But ADHD makes paying attention difficult.

Hyperactivity and impulsivity

Kids with ADHD can have unusually high energy. They might:

• Seem driven by an inner motor
• Talk constantly
• Interrupt others
• Jump, climb, or run when they shouldn’t
• Cut in line

These hyperactive and impulsive behaviors often cause problems in social environments. ADHD makes it difficult to hold back these behaviors.

Some children only have attention problems, and others have behavior problems. Most have combined ADHD, including both groups of symptoms.

Can you outgrow ADHD?

Some people may grow out of ADHD, but most don’t. Estimates suggest that up to 86% of people with childhood ADHD still experience the disorder or some symptoms of it once they’ve grown up.

A few decades ago, many people believed that growing out of ADHD was common. But recent expanded research shows that the disorder is more persistent than once believed.

What is the best treatment for ADHD?

Spectrum Behavioral Health treats ADHD using evidence-based approaches. The team customizes ADHD treatment for both children and adults using medication, talk therapy, and alternative therapies like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and neurofeedback.

ADHD is treatable. You don’t have to live with disruption and frustration. Phone the Spectrum Behavioral Health office nearest you today or book your ADHD evaluation using online scheduling.