ADHD Specialist

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a difficult disorder to diagnose because it’s a combination of behaviors that manifest themselves in different ways. The three hallmarks of ADHD are:

Inattention

This symptom is often more than just a limited attention span, which many people have if they’re simply not interested in what’s going on around them. With ADHD, this symptom is persistent and interferes with your ability to perform even daily routines because of lack of focus or attention, which is different from lack of comprehension.

Hyperactivity

This symptom is marked by a restlessness and inability to sit still. Hyperactivity often results in fidgeting, tapping, leg shaking, and incessant talking.

Impulsivity

The impulsive side of ADHD can be extremely frustrating leading you to act out without thinking and in ways that are potentially dangerous. The goal with impulsivity is immediate reward and gratification, but the lack of forethought or playing through the consequences can be very problematic.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

ADHD is extremely hard to diagnose since it involves so many components, which is why it’s often misdiagnosed. Dr. Epstein has the experience and training to spot ADHD, as well as rule out other underlying problems, such as anxiety, depression, or autism.

Dr. Epstein typically diagnoses ADHD when the following criteria are met:

• The symptoms are chronic
• Function is impaired by the symptoms
• Development is affected (in children)

Diagnosing children and diagnosing adults are two very different things. With kids, ADHD mostly presents itself as hyperactivity and lack of focus. In adults, these symptoms become tamped down by time and societal pressures, which masks ADHD, making it more difficult to assess.

Dr. Epstein understands this very well and he’s trained to identify the problem in all of its many different forms, which means you can get on the road to relief quicker.

How is ADHD treated?

There’s no one-size-fits-all to this question and it depends upon your age, the severity of the symptoms, and whether you have any co-occurring mental disorders, which may or may not be related.

After a diagnosis of ADHD, Dr. Epstein may recommend one or more of the following:

• Stimulants to increase attention
• Antidepressants
• Psychotherapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Coping skills, including stress management techniques
• Relaxation exercises

After reviewing your situation, Dr. Epstein designs a treatment program that addresses the immediate symptoms and, through therapy, helps you better manage your ADHD for long-term success.

To learn more, call Marc H. Epstein, DO, 347-244-7693 to request an appointment.