Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition that can impact children’s lives in many ways. Unidentified and untreated ADHD can cause difficulties at school, at home and can contribute to anxiety and mood symptoms. In 2019, The American Academy of Pediatrics published updated clinical guidelines for the diagnosis, and management of ADHD, recommended ADHD evaluation […]
Tag Archives: ADHD
Late Onset ADHD — when might it be for real?? 8/23/2021
Today’s article is a follow up to last week’s newsletter that address the patterns of persistence of ADHD symptomatology through late adolescence and into early adulthood. The results of that study are strongly suggestive that ongoing monitoring is warranted for many of these individuals throughout their teen years and into their early adult years as […]
Evaluating for & Treating ADHD in Preschool Children 3/18/2021
The diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is becoming increasingly prevalent, in part because of better assessments, but also in part because of misdiagnosis and jumping too early to diagnose. The effect is that the diagnosis of ADHD is being given at younger and younger ages. This leads to the question of the best […]
Assessment & Treatment of ADHD in Adults 2/19/2021
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects about 1/3 of adults who had ADHD in childhood. It can be difficult to diagnose because of the overlap in symptoms of adult ADHD with depression, anxiety and substance abuse, and because of challenges in obtaining observational data beyond the patient’s self-report of symptoms. It is of note that studies of […]
Tips to Reduce the Side Effects of ADHD Medications
Medications for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be very helpful for children who struggle with hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention so that they can be more successful in the home and school environments. Often these medications can lead to problematic side effects such as decreased appetite, stomach pain, sleep problems, and moodiness, that can make […]
“My child can’t focus. What does that mean?”
Many children and adolescents present to their primary care provider’s office with concerns about inattention, poor focus or poor concentration. Since the primary care provider’s office is typically the first stop, it is important to be comfortable further evaluating the presenting problem, identifying associated symptoms, determining the diagnosis and implementing the best treatment plan. Many […]
OCD
It used to be thought that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) was rare, but it is more common than originally thought. The prevalence is between 2-3% worldwide and it affects males and females equally. Symptoms usually present between childhood and early adulthood, with 75% of patients having symptoms before the age of 18. OCD can be a […]
Signs of a Sensory Processing Disorder
Case Presentation 7 year old boy with chief complaint of “frequent meltdowns”. Additional history: daily meltdowns (crying, hitting) with loud sounds or when asked to wear certain clothing; wants to make friends but poor boundaries and accidentally hurts peers at school when he is playing with them; hard time sitting during seat work at school […]
Depression in Adolescents
Major depression affects 6% of adolescents with an additional 5-10% presenting with sub-syndromal symptoms of depression. There is a 2:1 female:male ratio of major depression in adolescents. Teens frequently don’t present with the typical DSM criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Common depressive symptoms in adolescents include: irritability (as opposed to reporting a sad mood), […]
4 Traits That Put Kids at Risk for Addiction
The New York Times had an article in September 2016 (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/04/well/family/the-4-traits-that-put-kids-at-risk-for-addiction.html) that discussed the risk factors for addiction. Traditional anti-drug education in schools focuses on scare tactics and the message “Just Say No”, which has been found to be largely ineffective in children and adolescents who at the highest risk for drug abuse. Recent anti-drug […]