ADHD

About seven million children in the United States aged 3-17 have an attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis. Many adults also struggle with this common condition. At Broderick Healthcare in North Reading, Massachusetts, board-certified family nurse practitioner Kathleen Broderick Logan, FNP, diagnoses and treats ADHD to help you regain focus and thrive at work, school, and in social situations. Schedule a mental health evaluation at Broderick Healthcare by phone or request one online today.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a condition affecting how your brain works and the ability to concentrate and sit still. Its symptoms often begin between ages 3-6 and could continue into adulthood.

When left untreated, ADHD can become debilitating. Treating ADHD with the help of Broderick Healthcare helps you fully focus and become more productive at work, school, or when completing activities of daily living.

Which symptoms can ADHD cause?

Common ADHD symptoms include:

• Difficulty focusing on or completing tasks
• Problems multitasking
• Getting distracted easily
• Procrastinating
• Difficulty sitting still
• Constantly moving around or fidgeting
• Interrupting other people
• Making careless mistakes
• Forgetting things often
• Poor organizational skills
• Losing things easily
• Daydreaming
• Restlessness
• Speaking out of turn
• Talking more than usual

ADHD symptoms vary from person to person and range in severity from mild to severe. Treatment can dramatically improve symptoms, enhancing your quality of life.

What are the risk factors for ADHD?

Examples of ADHD risk factors include:

• Brain changes
• Family history of ADHD
• Toxin (tobacco, alcohol, lead, etc.) exposure during fetal development
• Preterm birth
• Low birth weight

ADHD may increase the risk of low self-esteem, poor grades or work performance, difficulty in social situations, frequent accidents, trouble getting or keeping a job, and substance use disorder.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

Kathleen diagnoses ADHD after discussing your symptoms, reviewing your medical history, and completing a mental health evaluation. She asks about your emotions, moods, thoughts, behaviors, and lifestyle habits to confirm a diagnosis and create an effective treatment plan. She also screens for additional mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, and others.

How is ADHD treated?

Treating ADHD may involve therapy, social skills groups, medication management, and lifestyle modifications — such as establishing a regular routine and keeping to-do lists. Therapy can address additional mental health concerns appearing with ADHD.

Follow up with Kathleen as often as needed to ensure your ADHD treatment plan is effective. She can alter it whenever necessary to help you or a loved one flourish. Contact the Broderick Healthcare office at any time with questions about your ADHD treatment plan.

Schedule an ADHD evaluation at Broderick Healthcare by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.