
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by ongoing struggles with inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. ADHD symptoms often arise in childhood and frequently continue into adulthood. Getting properly diagnosed and treated can help manage disruptive ADHD symptoms before they wreak havoc on your life or your child’s life. Renewing Mindsets has in-depth expertise in ADHD testing, medication management, therapy and more for residents of Philadelphia, the Main Line and surrounding communities.
Understanding ADHD
The core features of ADHD include:
Inattention
Difficulty sustaining focus
Forgetfulness and disorganization
Avoiding tasks that require concentration
Losing things and getting easily distracted
Hyperactivity
Excessive fidgeting and restlessness
Trouble sitting still and staying seated
Running around or climbing inappropriately
Constant motion and “on the go”
Impulsivity
Impatience and difficulty waiting their turn
Frequent interruptions and intrusions
Hasty actions without considering consequences
Blurting out comments inappropriately
ADHD symptoms impair functioning across settings and require expert assessment to rule out other potential causes. Getting effective care is crucial for managing ADHD before it wreaks havoc.
The Impact of ADHD
When left undiagnosed and unmanaged, ADHD can negatively affect virtually every area of life. Potential consequences include:
Academic underachievement and learning struggles
Work performance issues and employment problems
Relationship conflicts due to impulsiveness and disorganization
Increased risk of substance abuse, accidents and traffic violations
Co-occurring mental health disorders like anxiety, depression and learning disabilities
Low self-esteem and lack of self-confidence
Seeking testing and treatment is an act of courage and self-care that can lead to tremendous improvements in symptoms and daily functioning.
ADHD Testing and Diagnosis
The first step is confirming an ADHD diagnosis through comprehensive testing. Renewing Mindsets provides complete ADHD evaluations based on gold standard assessment guidelines. Our process includes:
Clinical interviews – Thorough review of medical history, symptoms, challenges, etc.
Standardized testing – Formal assessment of memory, concentration, problem solving and attention impacted by ADHD.
Questionnaires – Rating scales completed by the patient, parents, teachers, spouse, etc.
Observations – Tracking restlessness, focus and organizational skills during testing sessions.
Medical review – Physical exam and lab work to check for other possible causes of symptoms.
Mental health screening – Evaluating for co-occurring mood disorders, learning disabilities and more.
Our skilled clinicians take the necessary time to accurately diagnose ADHD. Testing can be performed in-person or via telehealth when appropriate. We have offices throughout Philadelphia and the Main Line for convenience.
Finding the Right ADHD Treatment
Once diagnosed, effective treatments are available to manage ADHD. Renewing Mindsets creates custom treatment plans which may include:
Medication management – Stimulants and non-stimulants can effectively control ADHD symptoms when prescribed properly.
Psychotherapy – Cognitive behavioral therapy provides organizational, social and coping skills.
ADHD coaching – Coaches help establish routines, structure and accountability.
Skills training – Building abilities to focus, manage stress, control impulses and more.
Treating co-occurring disorders – We address conditions like anxiety, depression, OCD, ODD, learning disabilities, etc.
Lifestyle optimization – Improving sleep, nutrition, exercise, productivity habits.
Our multidisciplinary team of mental health professionals collaborate to find the right treatments tailored to each patient’s needs and preferences.
ADHD Treatment Considerations
There is no universal treatment that works for everyone with ADHD. The right approach depends on the individual. Considerations include:
What are your target symptoms and biggest problem areas?
Would medication help improve focus, hyperactivity or impulse control?
Is ADHD coaching needed for structure, planning and motivation?
Would therapy help build coping skills and change problematic behaviors?
Are there co-occurring disorders like mood or learning disorders to address?
What lifestyle changes may help with sleep, diet, exercise or productivity?
The ADHD specialists at Renewing Mindsets guide patients through evaluating options to determine optimal treatments based on unique needs, goals and circumstances. We adjust interventions over time as needed.
Recognizing ADHD in Women and Girls
While ADHD occurs equally in both genders, females often present differently than males. Women and girls tend to exhibit:
Forgetfulness and disorganization more than poor listening
Inner restlessness rather than external hyperactivity
Excessive talking and interrupting frequently
Low frustration tolerance and anger issues
Impaired self-esteem and relationship problems
Because symptoms can be subtler, ADHD in females is frequently overlooked leading to challenges at school, jobs, parenting and more. Our providers are specially trained to diagnose and treat ADHD in women and girls.
Spotting ADHD in Children
ADHD symptoms emerge in early childhood, often between ages 3-6. Some signs in kids may include:
Constant motion and fidgeting
Excessive talking and inability to play quietly
Running around and climbing constantly
Disorganization and losing schoolwork or items
Difficulty following instructions and forgetfulness
Poor focus on schoolwork or play
Trouble waiting their turn or listening
Early intervention provides the best opportunity to get symptoms under control and prevent impairments. Ourmental health professionals have expertise in assessing and treating ADHD in young patients.
ADHD Treatment Considerations for Children
Treating ADHD in kids involves a multifaceted approach such as:
Parent training - Teaching parenting strategies to improve structure, rewards and consequences.
School support - Collaborating with teachers on instruction methods, accommodations and services.
Social skills training - Helping kids read social cues, self-regulate behavior and build friendships.
Medications - Stimulants and non-stimulants help improve concentration, motivation and impulse control.
ADHD coaching - Providing organization, time management, planning and motivation.
Behavioral therapy - Replacing problematic behaviors with healthy coping techniques.
The right interventions can help gain control over symptoms and thrive academically and socially.
Choosing an ADHD Specialist in Philadelphia
Getting quality treatment from an ADHD specialist significantly improves outcomes, but finding the right provider is key. Look for:
ADHD expertise – Substantial experience specifically diagnosing and treating ADHD.
Multimodal care – Provides medication, therapy, coaching, training, etc.
Collaborative – Works jointly with schools, families and other providers.
Comprehensive testing – Thorough ADHD evaluations based on medical standards.
Ongoing support – Doesn’t just prescribe medications, but provides education and progress monitoring.
Personalized care – Gets to know the patient and creates customized treatment plans.
The ADHD specialists at Renewing Mindsets exhibit these qualities. We partner with patients and families to provide skills, support and solutions throughout diagnosis and treatment.
Hope for Adults with ADHD
Seeking testing and treatment for ADHD as an adult can feel daunting but brings immense hope. With proper diagnosis and personalized care, most patients achieve dramatic relief from disruptive symptoms. Renewing Mindsets offers real solutions through expert assessments, medication management, therapy for coping skills, ADHD coaching and more. Take control of your ADHD by calling us today.
Conclusion
If you or someone you love exhibits difficulty with focus, forgetfulness, restlessness, disorganization or impulsivity, contact Renewing Mindsets for an ADHD evaluation and care. Our experienced child, adolescent and adultmental health professionals provide comprehensive testing, medication management, therapy, coaching, training and support. We have several convenient offices in Philadelphia, & the Main Line near, Radnor, Ardmore, Media, Newtown Square and surrounding suburbs. Our individualized approach helps patients and families renew their mindset and thrive. Call (484) 948-5400 today to schedule an appointment.