Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder services offered in The Loop, Chicago, IL

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral illness that starts in early life, but children with symptoms often don’t get the diagnosis they need when they’re at school. If you or your child have ADHD symptoms, Michigan Avenue Primary Care in The Loop of downtown Chicago, Illinois, can help. Its experienced therapists use medication and/or behavioral techniques to help patients manage ADHD successfully. Find out more by calling Michigan Avenue Primary Care or arrange an in-person or telehealth consultation using the online booking feature today. 

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a developmental problem that begins in childhood. Symptoms of ADHD center around your child’s inability to focus or sit still.

Many children have difficulties paying attention or not fidgeting, but children with ADHD have more severe symptoms that affect their ability to function at school and at home.

There are three types of ADHD:

Inattentive type

Inattentive ADHD causes:

  • Lack of focus
  • Organizational difficulties
  • Not hearing you when you talk to them
  • Frequently losing possessions
  • Making careless mistakes
  • Being very forgetful
  • Lack of attention to detail

People with inattentive ADHD often dislike doing tasks that require continued concentration.

Hyperactive/impulsive type

Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include fidgetiness, including constant tapping or other forms of movement, talking all the time, inability to play quietly, constantly running about, and often taking risks or being unaware of danger. Continuously interrupting, taking over what other people are doing, or using other children’s belongings are also typical.

Combined type

Children with combined ADHD show a mix of inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive behaviors.

Life can be challenging for anyone with ADHD who doesn’t get the help they need. Relationships are hard to maintain, and children with ADHD can struggle at school and college. Substance misuse and petty crime are also problems for some adults with ADHD.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

There’s no simple test for ADHD. In fact, many children become adults without ever getting a diagnosis. If you’ve had symptoms since you started going to school, you could well have undiagnosed ADHD.

Michigan Avenue Primary Care’s experienced mental health specialists complete a thorough assessment, including medical and family history reviews and symptom analysis, to confirm an ADHD diagnosis.

How is ADHD treated?

Suppose your child has ADHD symptoms, or you suspect you might have the condition. In that case, the first step towards effective treatment is to get a diagnosis. Once you know why you’re feeling and behaving the way you do, it can be a tremendous relief.

Michigan Avenue Primary Care provides expert psychotherapy services for ADHD. Your provider helps you or your child to understand and manage unhelpful behaviors so you can achieve more and enjoy a better quality of life. They may include medication alongside therapy, but many cases of ADHD improve without the use of prescription medication.

For more details or to arrange an initial visit, call Michigan Avenue Primary Care or book an appointment online today.