ADHD Treatment

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting how someone regulates their attention, behavior, and impulses.

What are the symptoms of ADHD in adults?

The three main types of ADHD that categorize different symptoms are:

• Predominantly Inattentive: Trouble focusing, staying organized, or following through on tasks–like forgetting daily responsibilities or getting easily distracted.
• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive: restlessness, fidgeting, interrupting others, or acting without thinking things through.
• Combined: A mixture of both.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

No single test is used for diagnosis; rather, it’s about observing patterns over time based on standardized criteria as defined by the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) in the United States.

Psychiatrists, psychologists, neurologists, or trained primary care docs can diagnose, though specialists are preferred for more complex cases (e.g., adults with subtle symptoms or co-existing conditions).

The diagnostic process includes the following:

• Symptoms Assessment
• History and Context
• Clinical Interviews
• Rating Scales and Questionnaires
• Ruling Out Other Causes
• Observation and Testing (Sometimes)

What causes ADHD?

No exact cause has been identified for ADHD, but various factors may contribute to the disorder, including:

• Genetic heritability
• Genes
• Neurotransmitter imbalances
• Differences in brain regions (prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, cerebellum)
• Prenatal exposure to smoking, alcohol, or drugs (especially nicotine and cocaine)
• Toxin exposure in early childhood (lead from old paint or pipes, for instance)
• Extreme degree of early-life stress
• High-sugar or food additive diets may exacerbate symptoms
• Overstimulation from high degrees of screen exposure can exacerbate symptoms
• Inconsistent discipline or chaotic home environments may exacerbate symptoms

What are the treatments for ADHD?

There are various modalities of treatment, from medication to various therapies and lifestyle changes.

Some of these treatments include:

• Stimulant and Non-Stimulant Medications
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Social Skills Training
• Regular exercise
• Dietary changes (Omega-3s, cutting sugar/additives)
• Consistent sleep
• Mindfulness/meditation practices

Can adults have ADHD, and how is it managed?

Plenty of people will go through their childhood without knowing and having a diagnosis of their condition but find out later in life. 

Many adults today remain undiagnosed.

Symptoms typically observed in adults include:

• Chronic procrastination
• Losing track of tasks
• Forgetting appointments
• Zoning out in meetings
• Interrupting
• Rash decisions (quitting jobs, impulse buys)
• Emotional outbursts
• Internal agitation or overworking to burn energy
• Struggles with planning, time management, or organizing

What is the difference between ADD and ADHD?

ADD, or Attention Deficit Disorder, is the old name of what we now call ADHD. 

ADHD Treatment at Desert Recovery Centers

We take a holistic approach to mental health and addiction treatment, using a variety of treatment modalities in a personalized residential program that caters to your unique situation for the most effective and lasting results.

Contact us today for more information about our programs.