ADHD Specialist

What is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) differs from typical misbehavior and the type of excitement or excess energy that makes children bounce off the walls. ADHD’s hyperactive or inattentive behaviors are severe and cause ongoing problems at home and in school.

ADHD arises from a condition in the brain, but scientists don’t know its exact cause. They believe genetics may affect the brain or that a problem occurs in the central nervous system during brain development. Environmental toxins such as lead may also contribute to the condition.

It’s important to know that children can have ADHD without being hyperactive. In this form, it’s commonly known as attention deficit disorder (ADD), or the inattentive type of ADHD.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

The symptoms of ADHD fall into three categories: inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These behaviors occur with such frequency and severity that they interfere with the child’s ability to learn at school and to socialize with family and friends.

Your child may exhibit behaviors from one, two, or all three categories:

Inattentiveness:

• Easily distracted
• Doesn’t seem to listen
• Can’t pay attention
• Forgets to do chores or homework
• Loses items needed to complete a task
• Has trouble with organization
• Has trouble following through on instructions

Hyperactivity:

• Frequently in motion
• Can’t seem to stop activity when asked
• Can’t stay seated in classroom
• Runs around when not appropriate
• Fidgets or squirms
• Talks too much

Impulsivity:

• Has trouble taking turns
• Often interrupts games or conversations
• Can’t wait to begin activity
• Acts or speaks without thinking first (may run into the street without looking for cars)

How does Dr. Jindal help with diagnosis and treatment?

Dr. Jindal recognizes how difficult it is to find a child psychiatrist, so she received specialized training in ADHD. She evaluates children to determine whether they have ADHD, anxiety, or a mood disorder. Then she develops a treatment plan and helps parents learn techniques to manage persistent ADHD behaviors.

Treatment for ADHD often begins with medications, which works well for 90% of children. Behavior management and cognitive behavioral therapy also improve ADHD symptoms.

Please call or book an appointment online as soon as you notice ADHD symptoms. Early treatment prevents complications that may develop in children with ADHD, such as learning and anxiety disorders. Treatment to improve symptoms also gives children the chance to enjoy time with friends and achieve success at school, rather than experience isolation and frustration due to behaviors they can’t control.