ADHD Psychiatrist Q&A

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is known as ADHD for short, this condition often occurs when a person is having issues paying attention and is unable to focus on the tasks at hand, starts to act out without thinking, or has issues sitting still.

When diagnosing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you will be divided into one of three main types:

• Inattentive
Inattentive ADHD will focus on signs like poor concentration, being distracted, or having poor organizational skills

• Hyperactive-Impulsive
Hyperactive ADHD will focus on signs like not slowing down, difficulty staying on task, being talkative, or being fidgety. While with impulsive ADHD, the doctors will focus on any signs that include interrupting quite a bit or being a risk-taker

• Combination
Finally, the combination is both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive behaviors that are being shown through signs from both.

Each type of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is tied to one or more characteristics. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder will be characterized by one of these types which helps with treatment.

Each individual who is diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can still notice common traits and symptoms but if differing ways. In the end, symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder will be the main factor in what type of ADHD you will be diagnosed with.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can be diagnosed by healthcare professional including psychiatrists, psychologists, primary care physicians, pediatricians, and child psychologists. They are able to diagnose attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with the help of the standard guidelines that are followed by the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Our psychiatrists at Success Health System will diagnose you into one of three categories which are:

• Inattentive
Inattentive Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is diagnosed when you show signs of having poor organizational skills, poor concentration, and are distracted easily.

• Hyperactive-Impulsive
Hyperactive-Impulsive Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is diagnosed when you show signs of being quite fidgety, and talkative, have difficulties staying on task, can’t slow down, interrupt frequently, and take many risks.

• Combination
Combination Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is diagnosed when you show a combination of signs from Inattentive or Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD types.

Psychiatrists will test for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and provide a diagnosis if any of the steps that must be followed are met. There is no one test that will diagnose you with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; however, the steps involved may also provide a diagnosis for other conditions as if it isn’t ADHD including sleep issues, certain learning disabilities, and depression which all have similar symptoms to that of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. One of the steps will include a medical exam which may involve hearing tests and vision tests as well as other exams to rule out ADHD.

To properly diagnose you with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, a checklist of criteria will need to be met for certain ADHD symptoms. To better manage your ADHD, changing your lifestyle choices and following healthy behaviors have a major impact including:

• Get involved with daily physical activities that are appropriate for your age
• Try to limit the daily screen time you get from items like phones, TVs, computers, and other electronic devices
• Develop healthy habits including eating plenty of veggies, fruit, whole-grain products, and lean protein.
• Try to get enough sleep and rest that is recommended for your age each night

Psychiatrists will assess you and diagnose you with a mental illness if you show the signs and symptoms of one. Once diagnosed, proper treatment is recommended including education, skills training, psychological counseling, and medication. Often a combination of these treatments will be provided as the most effective treatment for individuals diagnosed with ADHD. Our team looks forward to helping you get the treatment you need to live a productive, fulfilled, happy life! 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!