ADHD
Capital Area Psychiatric Services
Hemanjani Gonchigar, MD
Psychiatrist located in Vienna, VA
According to the CDC, 6.9 million children in the United States have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which also affects adults. If your attention problems or those of your child affect your quality of life and productivity, an evaluation and diagnosis at Capital Area Psychiatric Services (CAPS) in Vienna, Virginia, gives you the answers and treatments you need. Hemanjani Gonchigar, MD, at CAPS treats ADHD with an integrative approach that includes family members and schools. To get an ADHD evaluation, contact CAPS today by phone or online form.
ADHD Q & A
What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a brain disorder that prevents you from concentrating and focusing. Even though the general public usually views ADHD as a condition that affects children, about 3.2% of women and 5.5% of men ages 18-44 have a clinical diagnosis of ADHD, too. Many more adults have it but don’t know it.
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
Symptoms of ADHD vary depending on what type you or your child may have. The two main types and their symptoms are:
Predominantly inattentive ADHD
- Easily distracted or bored
- Makes careless mistakes
- Doesn’t listen well
- Doesn’t complete tasks or projects
- Loses track of important objects
- Forgets to keep appointments
- Procrastinates
- Can’t finish reading books
Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive ADHD
- Fidgets
- Can’t pay attention in class
- Talks too much
- Interrupts
- Suffers from mood swings
- Has angry outbursts
- Is impulsive
- Acts recklessly
- Can’t tolerate frustration or delayed gratification
Adults and adolescents with predominantly hyperactive/impulsive ADHD may abuse drugs or alcohol in an attempt to self-medicate. Some women, men, and children have a mixture of both types of ADHD.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
Attention problems are normal for everyone from time to time. Dr. Gonchigar at Capital Area Psychiatric Services only diagnoses ADHD if you or your child have at least five symptoms of ADHD that occur in at least two different environments. For example, if your child can’t concentrate at school but concentrates well during music lessons, they may not have ADHD.
The symptoms of ADHD overlap many other conditions, including mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Also, children, teens, and adults with ADHD may have other mental health disorders that need treatment, too. Untreated ADHD can interfere with relationships, prevent people from achieving their goals, and lower self-esteem.
How do psychiatrists treat ADHD?
Dr. Gonchigar takes an integrative approach to treating ADHD. Interventions may include:
- Behavioral therapy
- Family therapy
- Medications that improve focus and reduce impulsivity
She also coordinates care with your child’s school, so they get the accommodations and support they need to excel in their studies.
If you think that you or your child has ADHD, contact Capital Area Psychiatric Services for an evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment plan by phoning the friendly staff or booking an appointment with the handy online form.