ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a disorder characterized by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that affects executive functioning or the basic functions of the brain (memory, organization, time management, and concentration).
While it is typical for individuals – particularly children – to exhibit hyperactive, energetic behaviors at times, those with ADHD display intense, more consistent ADHD symptoms that interrupt daily life, affecting family dynamics and social interactions.
ADHD was originally believed to be a childhood disorder that kids would eventually grow out of, but more research has shown that ADHD can last a lifetime and change from hyperactivity/impulsivity behaviors in kids to more inattention, lack of focus, and disorganization in adults.
While more than 16 million Americans suffer from ADHD symptoms, many go undiagnosed and struggle with schoolwork, workplace functioning, and relationships. ADHD symptoms can manifest as early as 6 years old and must be present and consistent for at least six months for a clinical diagnosis. Clarity Clinic specializes in ADHD testing and treatment, including ADHD medication evaluation and management, as well as psychotherapy.
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference. ADD is a type of ADHD that does not include the hyperactivity component – constant movement or fidgeting. However, ADD is no longer considered a separate disorder in the medical community and is lumped under ADHD with the subtype “Predominantly Inattentive.” Those with this subtype typically struggle with focus and concentration, and struggle with organizational issues but lack hyperactivity or impulsivity traits.
Executive functions are a set of mental processes that help you achieve your goals and manage yourself. Executing functioning skills taps into the frontal lobe part of your brain that is responsible for organization, memory, impulse control, concentration, focus, and detail orientation.
When executive function skills aren’t working correctly, it can affect major life functions including learning, interactions with others, and being able to take initiative and work independently. Because ADHD affects executive functioning skills, those struggling with ADHD symptoms often have trouble with:
Those with ADHD have a persistent pattern of common symptoms that include:
Inattention:
Hyperactivity:
Impulsivity:
An ADHD diagnosis requires an evaluation by a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in ADHD. Our clinic offers ADHD testing and ADHD treatment for children, teens, and adult ADHD aimed at understanding issues of inattention, impaired concentration, hyperactivity, and restlessness.
Additionally, Clarity Clinic provides comprehensive educational and psychological testing to assess a variety of functions – social development, memory, and cognitive – in order to rule out any other medical or psychiatric conditions before diagnosing ADHD.
Pharmacological and psychotherapy treatments have been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms and improve overall functioning. Our psychiatrists and psychologists ( ADHD experts) ensure a proper diagnosis to determine the source and nature of the attention deficits that kids and adults experience in order to guide them toward the proper treatment.
Our psychotherapists work in conjunction with the treatment team to individually tailor ADHD treatments and therapies, which may include cognitive-behavioral psychotherapies, learning time-management strategies, or learning appropriate self-care.
Our therapists also include psychoeducational training with parents and caregivers to provide at-home strategies to reduce maladaptive behavior and provide structure and routine to children struggling with ADHD symptoms.
Parents are crucial in fostering an environment that nurtures structure, routine, and essential skills, empowering children to reach their full potential. Additionally, since ADHD can strain adult relationships, leading to conflict and distress, Clarity Clinic's family and couples therapists are equipped to help couples understand how ADHD symptoms may drive destructive patterns and negative interactions. Our therapists assist in developing more effective strategies to manage and improve these interactions, promoting healthier and more constructive relationships.
Medication management coupled with psychotherapy has proven to be an effective treatment in reducing symptoms of ADHD and improving overall functioning. Medications to treat ADHD include stimulants and non-stimulants.
In general, stimulant medicines improve symptoms in about 70 out of 100 people who have ADHD. There are often quick and dramatic improvements in behavior. Stimulants are the most common type of ADHD medication prescribed. While many people have concerns about these medications, they have the longest track record with the most research to back up their effectiveness.
Non-stimulants have been proven successful for ADHD treatment and are designed for children and teens or those who want to avoid stimulants.
According to studies, taking ADHD medication doesn’t increase the risk of substance abuse later. Many studies have found less alcohol and drug abuse in children and teens with ADHD who had taken stimulant medicines than in those who didn’t receive medicine. But because ADHD medications aren’t a cure, they must be taken continually, otherwise, the symptoms will return.
ADHD can impact not only the individual but also their family and social relationships. We understand the importance of a supportive environment and offer family therapy to help loved ones better understand ADHD and learn effective ways to provide support. By fostering a holistic approach, we aim to strengthen family bonds and create a more harmonious living environment.
Clarity Clinic specializes in providing comprehensive support and effective strategies to help you manage your ADHD diagnosis and thrive. Our team of ADHD specialists are here to help you understand your unique strengths and challenges, empowering you to lead a fulfilling life. Don't let ADHD hold you back – Book an appointment with the best psychiatrists and psychologists in Chicago and take a step towards a more successful future.
Head to one of our ADHD clinics in the Loop, River North, Lakeview Belmont, Lakeview Broadway, Arlington Heights, and Evanston to find the top ADHD doctors near you. Your journey begins here!
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