Is your child struggling in school? Are you at your wits' end trying to get them to cooperate with household chores? Your kid's issues may not be defiance as much as a neurological disorder, known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Fortunately, you and your child aren't alone in the battle because the professional counselors of Four Bridges Social Work Services, serving Staten Island, NY, and the nearby region, can help. And if you're the one with symptoms, our practitioner can help you as well.
What You Should Know About ADHD
ADHD is a very common condition that affects over 10 percent of children between the ages of three and 17. More than eight million adults in the U.S. have it, too, with some cases going undiagnosed because the person isn't aware they have it.
Though the cause isn't fully understood by researchers and more than one factor may be at play, research has shown there are differences in the size and activity levels of some parts of the brain in some people with ADHD. Neurotransmitter levels may also be "off" in patients with it.
Some of the most common symptoms you or your child could experience from this condition include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Having trouble listening to others when they speak
- Interrupting others when they speak
- Mood swings
- Struggling to stay organized or remain on task
- Experiencing difficulty with time management
The Diagnostic Process
Whether it's for you or your child, the diagnostic process is similar. The main components include:
- Reviewing medical history
- Asking questions about symptoms
- Understanding the frequency and severity of symptoms
Some of the kinds of questions that your provider may ask are as follows:
- Are you or your child easily distracted?
- Do you or your child have difficulty finishing things?
- Do you or your child frequently lose belongings?
- Have there been any recent life changes?
Treating ADHD
Treatment for ADHD in Staten Island, NY, is highly customized. Sometimes, it's as simple as improving any negative self-image issues that could be holding you or your child back.
Some people may benefit from learning to break down larger tasks into smaller ones to gradually work toward finishing the entire goal.
Tips like using technology such as calendars and alarms, to your or your child's advantage, are helpful to some.
Four Bridges Social Work Services, serving Staten Island, NY, and the neighboring communities and offering in-person and online visits, can help adults or children with ADHD.
