Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD) Therapist in Creve Coeur, Independence and Columbia, MO

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is an older term once used to describe a neurological condition marked by symptoms of inattention, distractibility, and impulsiveness. While ADD is no longer used in formal diagnoses, it is now referred to as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – primarily the inattentive type. ADHD is a more comprehensive term that includes both inattentive and hyperactive symptoms, but in the case of the predominantly inattentive type, individuals may not exhibit hyperactivity.

People with ADHD may struggle to focus on tasks, frequently become distracted by irrelevant stimuli, and have difficulty completing assignments or following through on instructions. Time management and organization can be challenging, and they may often forget appointments or lose things. Impulsivity is also common, with individuals making decisions without thinking of consequences. Though symptoms can vary in severity, ADHD impacts a person’s ability to function in academic, professional, and social settings. With proper diagnosis and treatment, individuals can manage symptoms and lead productive lives.

ADD and ADHD refer to the same condition, but the key difference lies in their terminology and how they describe the condition. ADD, or Attention-Deficit Disorder, is an older term that was used to describe individuals who experienced symptoms of inattention, distractibility, and difficulty focusing without the hyperactivity component. However, as research on the condition progressed, the term ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) became more widely adopted.

ADHD encompasses a broader spectrum of symptoms, which include inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. ADHD is now categorized into three types: the predominantly inattentive type (formerly known as ADD), the predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type, and the combined type, which includes both inattention and hyperactivity. The shift from ADD to ADHD was made to better reflect the understanding that hyperactivity, although not always present in every case, is an essential part of the condition for many individuals. Therefore, ADHD is a more accurate and inclusive term for the various symptoms that individuals with the condition experience.

ADD (now referred to as ADHD) is classified as a mental illness as it affects the way you think, act, and focus. It is also classified as being developmental in nature, meaning that it presents during childhood and carries forward into adulthood.

While some people with ADHD don’t receive a diagnosis until adulthood, symptoms are almost always present during childhood. Symptoms of this condition may include:

• Excessive talking
• Interrupting others
• Mood swings
• Low levels of stress management
• Extreme impatience
• Carelessness
• No sense of danger
• A short attention span 
• Lack of attention to detail
• Continually losing or misplacing things
• Increased forgetfulness
• Consistent restlessness and/or fidgeting
• An inability to finish tasks
• Consistently beginning new projects and ditching old ones
• Weak organizational skills
• Inability to prioritize tasks or focus

It’s important to speak to a healthcare professional as soon as you start experiencing some or any of these symptoms, as they may indicate that you have ADHD. Your primary physician or a psychiatrist will help diagnose you accurately while also ruling out any other physical or mental disorders that could cause similar symptoms.

Psychiatrists have extensive training in different psychiatric conditions, including ADHD (previously known as ADD). They are highly proficient in treating this condition, as well as any coinciding mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, aggressive disorders, and much more.

However, it’s important to note that many, but not all, psychiatrists are trained to treat ADHD so it’s essential to ask before seeking treatment at a facility.

ADHD was not widely recognized until the 1990s and it took time for the appropriate education and training to be incorporated into psychiatric residencies. However, ADHD diagnosis, care, and treatment are now commonplace among psychiatric medical program graduates and training has become widely available for those who graduated before it was.

At Success Health System LLC, we offer specialized treatment for those with ADHD. Our psychiatrists offer comprehensive care that includes providing you with the education, tools, and resources to manage your ADHD symptoms. If you have any questions about our services or would like more information about anything you’ve read, please contact us or book online for an appointment. We have convenient locations to serve you in Creve Coeur MO, Independence MO, and Columbia MO. We serve patients from Creve Coeur MO, Independence MO, Columbia MO, Overland MO, Bridgeton MO, Blue Springs MO, Kansas City MO, Midway MO, and surrounding areas.