ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) begins in childhood, persists throughout adulthood for many, and may be diagnosed at any stage of your life. If you or your teen needs help with ADHD, you can turn to Tyisha Fletcher, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, at Legacy Advanced Nursing Practice in Anaheim, California. Tyisha diagnoses and treats ADHD in people aged 12 and older, easing symptoms with medication and teaching ways to manage life challenges. Tyisha offers ADHD support through in-person and telehealth visits. Schedule an appointment through online booking or call the office today.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that begins when certain brain areas and nerve pathways grow differently compared to brain development in people who don’t have ADHD.

These brain changes affect your ability to pay attention and manage emotions. They also hamper high-level skills (executive function) needed to plan activities and follow directions.

The challenges caused by ADHD are severe and affect nearly every aspect of daily life, making it hard to succeed at school, on the job, and when socializing.

When does ADHD appear?

ADHD begins in early childhood when the brain is still developing. Though many people are diagnosed in childhood, some people don’t learn they have the condition until they’re teens or adults.

ADHD is also a lifelong condition for many people. Two-thirds of children still struggle with their symptoms throughout their adult years.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

The symptoms you or your teen have depend on the type of ADHD. The three types of ADHD are:

Inattentive ADHD

People with inattentive ADHD have one or more of the following symptoms: 

• Being easily distracted
• Difficulty focusing on one task at a time
• Making reckless mistakes
• Missing important details
• Struggling to follow directions
• Frequently losing important items

You may also daydream or tune others out when you should pay attention.

Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD

You can identify hyperactivity and impulsivity by the following symptoms:

• Staying constantly active
• Struggling to relax
• Talking excessively
• Frequently interrupting others
• Acting before thinking about the consequences
• Fidgeting in situations where you should sit still

Some ADHD behaviors change as you get older. Here’s one example: Hyperactivity that once caused a behavior like fidgeting may cause emotional reactions like nervousness or irritation as an adult.

Combined ADHD

Combined ADHD causes symptoms from inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD.

How is ADHD treated?

Your symptoms can improve, and you can manage ADHD challenges with a multifaceted approach to treatment. Medication management, behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes, and ADHD coaching may all have a crucial role, depending on your needs and preferences.

Medications improve attention and reduce hyperactivity by balancing brain chemicals. Behavioral therapy teaches the skills needed to manage everyday life. For example, you may need help organizing your time, building relationships, or managing anger outbursts.

With support at Legacy Advanced Nursing Practice, you can overcome ADHD. Book an ADHD consultation online or call the office today.