ADHD

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects 11% of children and 8% of teens and adults, making it difficult to thrive at school, build relationships, and succeed at work. At Nicholson Psychiatry, PLLC, Jeanne Nicholson, ARNP, PMHNP-BC, works closely with people of all ages, completing in-depth evaluations, accurately diagnosing ADHD, providing medication management, and creating personalized treatment plans. Don’t wait to schedule an appointment if you have concerns about hyperactivity, lack of focus, and other symptoms. Call the office in Bellevue, Washington, or connect online to request an ADHD evaluation.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosed in children, teens, and adults. The disorder begins in the brain, with changes in brain chemicals affecting the areas responsible for focusing and paying attention, emotional regulation, and executive function.

Executive function supports essential skills like planning, organization, short-term memory, following multi-step instructions, and maintaining self-control.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

The challenges caused by ADHD are severe enough to interfere with learning, family life, personal relationships, and success at work.

The symptoms depend on which of the three types you have:

Predominantly inattentive ADHD

Inattentive ADHD makes it hard to stay focused on the task at hand. People with this type of ADHD are easily distracted, struggle to follow directions, tend to daydream, and miss or forget details essential to completing a task. As a result, they lose items, don’t finish tasks, and make reckless mistakes.

Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive ADHD

People with hyperactive/impulsive ADHD are constantly energized. They may talk nonstop, interrupt conversations, speak out when it’s inappropriate, and fidget or walk around in situations where they should be sitting still. They also act before considering the effects of their behavior.

Combined ADHD

Combined ADHD means you have some symptoms of both types.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

Diagnosing ADHD requires a careful evaluation to learn about your symptoms, where they occur, and their impact on your daily life.

Jeanne asks you to complete a simple questionnaire before your assessment. Children may complete a questionnaire if appropriate for their age. Otherwise, she talks with them and asks parents to fill out the form.

After talking about your current challenges, she completes an in-depth evaluation, reviewing your medical and mental health history, having you take a cognitive evaluation, and learning about the challenges in your daily life. Her goal is to get the information needed to accurately diagnose the cause of your symptoms and create an individualized treatment plan.

How is ADHD treated?

Jeanne works with each person to create a treatment strategy targeting their unique needs. Treatment for ADHD often involves medication, behavioral therapy, social skills training, and/or parent education.

Medications improve hyperactivity and inattention by balancing brain chemicals. Therapy teaches the skills needed to improve everyday life, whether that means creating a plan to stay organized, building better communication skills, or learning to control emotional outbursts.

Schedule an ADHD assessment appointment today by calling Nicholson Psychiatry, PLLC, or connecting online.