ADHD

What is ADHD?

ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a common mental health condition that makes it difficult to focus, pay attention, and follow through on tasks and/or causes one to feel restless, fidget, interrupt, or have difficulty sitting still. It’s common among kids and some adults and can diminish your quality of life by negatively affecting your academic pursuits, work, or relationships. 

Treatment with Dr. Gulino can help you focus, study more effectively, sit still, and become more productive.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

The common symptoms of ADHD include:

• Difficulty paying attention and focusing
• Problems sitting still
• Poor grades at school
• Getting distracted easily
• Impulsive behavior
• Disorganization
• Problems staying on task
• Poor time-management skills
• Difficulty multitasking 
• Restlessness
• Excessive activity
• Poor planning
• Poor work performance

ADHD can negatively affect your quality of life. If you have persistent ADHD symptoms and want to be able to focus and sit still, see Dr. Gulino for an evaluation. 

What are the risk factors for ADHD?

ADHD manifests in early childhood and can often persist into adulthood. Its risk factors have not been definitively proven, but some research has suggested there may be associations with :

• Family history of ADHD
• Male sex
• Epilepsy
• Childhood lead exposure
• Nervous system abnormalities 
• Drug, alcohol, or tobacco use during pregnancy
• Being born prematurely and extremely low birth weight
• Head injuries at a young age

However, the exact cause of ADHD isn’t entirely clear.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

Dr. Gulino diagnoses ADHD by reviewing your medical history and symptoms. He completes a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation by asking questions about your or your child’s thoughts, mood, and behavior patterns. 

You may have other mental health challenges, such as depression or anxiety, in addition to ADHD. Dr. Gulino then tailors a personalized treatment that’s best for you.

How is ADHD treated?

The most common treatments for ADHD include:

Medication management

Taking medications can help you focus better, stay on task, and follow through on tasks and/or can help you be less fidgety, restless, impulsive, and sit still. 

Lifestyle changes 

Things you can do at home to stay organized include breaking larger tasks up into smaller parts, using do-to lists, following a routine, keeping an appointment book, or trying additional organization strategies. 

Therapy

Dr. Gulino offers psychotherapy to treat ADHD and help you reduce bothersome symptoms. He provides cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, marital counseling, and other therapies that help you thrive.

To learn more about ADHD treatments at Beverly Hills Psychiatry, call the office or use the online booking feature today.