ADD Doctors at Success Health System

Attention deficit disorder, or ADD, is a medical term that was once used to describe a neurological condition characterized by symptoms of inattention, impulsiveness, and distractibility. However, ADD is an outdated term that is no longer used in diagnosis as has been replaced by the term ADHD – also known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Those with ADHD often have trouble focusing on tasks, are easily distracted, may lose track of time, have trouble sitting still, and struggle with certain executive functions.

ADD and ADHD refer to the same condition. ADD, or attention-deficit disorder is an outdated term for what we now know as ADHD or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. As medical professionals have come to know more about the condition and its symptoms, the terminology has changed to be more inclusive and comprehensive.

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 serve patients from Creve Coeur MO, St. Louis MO, Independence MO, Olathe KS, Columbia MO, Craig KS, Spring Hill KS, Pierpont MO, Kirkwood MO, Kansas City MO, River Bend MO & Beyond!