What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person’s attention and behavior. Though symptoms vary and may change over time, ADHD starts in early childhood and continues into adulthood, making it a chronic condition.

It’s possible to have ADHD and not know it. Because symptoms vary, people who struggle more with attention deficit than hyperactivity and impulsivity may go undiagnosed. When left untreated, ADHD may lead to other mental health problems like depression and anxiety.

At Northeast Florida Internal Medicine, Dr. Blissenbach manages all ADHD patients, providing medical management to improve symptoms.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

ADHD symptoms fall into three categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. You don’t have to experience all three symptoms for an ADHD diagnosis.

Inattention

Inattention is difficulty paying attention. With attention deficit, you have a hard time following conversations, struggle to stay organized, and tend to hand work in late or unfinished.

Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity makes it hard to stay still. You may constantly fidget or feel the need to stand when you should sit. In adults with ADHD, hyperactivity may cause restlessness or the need to always be busy.

Impulsivity

Impulsivity is acting without thinking. People with ADHD may interrupt conversations or give answers before someone finishes asking a question.

Because ADHD symptoms vary so much, health care providers classify the disorder into types based on the most dominant symptom: inattentive type or hyperactive/impulsive type. Your ADHD type may change over time.

What are the treatments for ADHD?

ADHD treatments include medications and therapy. Dr. Blissenbach provides medication management for ADHD and makes a referral for therapy. Medications for ADHD include:

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medications improve attention and behavior by increasing the level of dopamine in the brain quickly. However, these medications may affect sleep and appetite.

Nonstimulant medications

Nonstimulant medications for ADHD also increase dopamine in the brain to ease symptoms, but more gradually. These medications have fewer side effects than stimulant medications. The team at Northeast Florida Internal Medicine schedules ADHD follow-up visits every three months for medication management. These visits are done at the office or through telemedicine. For medical management of your ADHD, call Northeast Florida Internal Medicine or schedule your appointment online today.