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ADHD

Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner located in Sunrise, FL

ADHD

ADHD services offered in Sunrise, FL


Nearly 10% of American children have an attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis. At Insight Psychiatric Services, PA, board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Kevin Joseph, DNP, PMHNP-BC, offers caring support to children and adults living with ADHD. Schedule an appointment today using the online feature or call the Sunrise, Florida, office.

ADHD Q&A

What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder that affects children and adults. The disorder is usually diagnosed around age 7. It’s more common in boys than girls.

ADHD causes problems like lack of focus, excessive physical activity, and impulsive behaviors. The disorder can be very disruptive, causing problems at school, in other social settings, and at home.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

Children with ADHD often display symptoms like:

Attention symptoms

Children with ADHD often grow distracted easily, daydream frequently, or have difficulty following instructions in school. They can be forgetful and make careless errors.

Hyperactive-impulsive symptoms

Many children with ADHD struggle to sit still and be quiet, and they frequently talk, squirm, jump, climb, or move in other ways. Other hyperactive and impulsive symptoms include interrupting conversations, difficulty sharing, and difficulty waiting their turn.

 

Some children with ADHD have symptoms in only one of these categories. Others experience both attention and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.

 

ADHD usually looks different in adults. Adults will generally struggle with attention symptoms like poor organization, difficulty following through on projects, and problems paying attention to details.

With hyperactive-impulsive behaviors, adults are less likely to struggle with fidgeting than children but are more likely to have impulsive behaviors like excessive spending, making inappropriate comments, or taking risks like speeding or using illicit drugs.

As with children, adults can have attention symptoms, hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, or a combination of both.

How is ADHD treated?

ADHD treatment usually includes medication management and behavioral therapy. Dr. Joseph personalizes time-limited intensive psychotherapy to each patient’s needs.

 

For children with ADHD, Dr. Joseph supports the whole family during therapy. He helps parents put behavioral strategies into play at home and recommends school interventions as needed.

 

Medication management is usually a crucial part of ADHD care. Psychostimulants like amphetamines are the first-line drug treatment for ADHD in children. Stimulants are the most commonly-prescribed medication for adult ADHD too. However, there are nonstimulant medications for ADHD as well.

 

Medication management appointments take about 30 minutes. They can be handled either in the office or through telemedicine.

 

Therapy and medication can help children and adults with ADHD feel happier, healthier, and more in control of their lives. Call Insight Psychiatric Services, PA, today or book your appointment online to get help with ADHD.