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Reasons to Use Our Child ADHD Psychiatrist
Since all children are different, treatment will not be the same for everyone. This relates to brain chemistry, personality, and a whole host of other factors. One child may experience dramatic improvement with a particular medicine, yet another will find no relief. Because everyone responds differently, finding the right medication and dosage is important.
Fortunately, you and your child have options. Our team has child psychiatrists who have advanced degrees, qualifications, and practical experience in ADHD psychiatry. There is no learning curve with us--we are specialists in our field. Our doctors at Westfield Psychiatric Group provide the treatment your child needs to improve at school, enjoy better relationships with others, and decrease stress and frustration.
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What Is ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, often shortened to ADHD, is a brain disorder that affects behavior. Children with ADHD may have difficulty paying attention, and can also exhibit behavior that is characterized as hyperactive or impulsive. Statistically, children can be diagnosed with ADHD as early as three years old, and it can also affect adults.
ADHD can be a hindrance to a child’s social, behavioral, and cognitive development. The inability to pay attention and stay on task can result in lower academic performance as well as incomplete work or chores. It may be harder for a child for ADHD to make friends, hold a conversation, or express his or her feelings in an appropriate way. Such difficulties can persist into adulthood, which can affect an individual’s quality of life, career prospects, and compatibility with society.
What Are the Signs of Childhood ADD and ADHD?
You have an energetic child--very energetic. How do you know when he or she requires an evaluation for ADD or ADHD? Before treating anything, our psychiatrist provides a comprehensive, thorough child ADHD assessment using advanced diagnostic methods based on specific guidelines. Rest assured, ADHD is a very treatable condition.
After a diagnosis, we discuss our findings, your needs, and the needs of your child, and then recommend the right treatment path for them. A few of the symptoms indicating your child may have ADHD include:
- Easily Distracted or Bored
- Appears Not to Listen
- Difficulty Remembering Things or Following Instructions
- Makes Careless Mistakes
- Trouble Staying Organized, Planning Ahead, & Finishing Projects
- Frequently Loses Homework or Other Items
- Constantly Fidgets & Squirms
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- Difficulty Sitting Still or Playing Quietly
- Talks Excessively
- Has a Quick Temper
- Acts without Thinking
- Often Interrupts Others
- Difficulty Keeping Certain Emotions in Check
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There can be many ADHD symptoms in children. However, every child is different. The number, and severity, of symptoms in child patients varies, so it is important to work with our psychiatrist to ensure your child is receiving the proper treatment for his or her condition.
Recognizing the Difference between ADD and ADHD
Mental disorders are nuanced. Not everyone who has ADHD will exhibit symptoms the same way. In fact, ADHD is separated into two categories: inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. For instance, it is entirely possible for your child to be excessively inattentive, while not being impulsive or reckless.
If your child seems to have trouble focusing or paying attention, they may fall more in line with the inattentive categorization of ADHD--they have an attention deficit. Likewise, they may be completely calm and may appear to others as shy. Generally speaking, the distinction between ADD and ADHD is whether or not the patient exhibits hyperactivity. In other words, an ADHD patient that is not hyperactive or impulsive is diagnosed with inattentive ADHD.
A Patient-Centered Approach to Treatment
Are you looking for an experienced child psychiatrist that listens to your child's needs, is responsive, and is actively communicative with you? At our office, we believe a patient-centered approach is crucial in treatment. Our primary goal is to improve your child’s quality of life and make yours easier as well. We prescribe a wide variety of medications, such as Ritalin or Adderall, to help your child stay focused and calm. That way you and your child enjoy a happy, healthy life.
Your child deserves the opportunity to learn, live, and laugh like everyone else. To that end, we facilitate a comprehensive and compassionate approach to care. We believe that everyone is unique. As such, we facilitate treatment paths that accommodate your child--and his or her individuality. In turn, we deliver care that adapts to your family.
Contact us to arrange an appointment with our child ADHD psychiatrist. We proudly serve clients throughout Westfield, NJ, including Scotch Plains, Cranford, Springfield, Union, and the surrounding areas.
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