What is ADHD?

​ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a mental health condition that causes a variety of symptoms with difficulty in focus and concentration that pervades all areas of the person’s life. In order to meet the criteria for ADHD, a patient must display the diagnostic criteria before the age of 12 years old. At times, ADHD goes undiagnosed in adults or the person has found methods to compensate until further difficulties emerge in their adulthood. ADHD affects a person’s ability to retain information, focus, and concentrate. In addition, people with ADHD often have difficulties in impulsivity.

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Some symptoms of ADHD include:

- Restlessness
- Poor concentration
- Forgetfulness/Procrastination/Chronic lateness
- Disorganization
- Poor academics or work performance
- Impulsive behaviors


How Is ADHD Treated?

​Dr. Mitchell will begin by taking a complete patient history. This consists of a set of questionnaires that are completed by the patient and one to two individuals close to the patient. These are typically completed after the initial consultation, though in some situations a full neuropsychological examination will have to be completed by a neuropsychologist. The approved treatment for ADHD is stimulant medication, though these are prescribed with caution given the possibility of misuse. Additionally, there are other non-stimulant medications that may be prescribed and are safer, though this depends on the concurring diagnosis and conditions of the patient. Patients as well as family members often times benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, where they learn to recognize thought patterns and behaviors as well as techniques to control unhealthy or poor behaviors.