ADHD Services in Long Beach
Pacific Mind Health offers comprehensive testing for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to help patients identify this diagnosis and enter treatment that improves various aspects of their lives, including their mental health. We also provide coaching services by a specialized clinical psychotherapist to help you better overcome your symptoms.
What is ADHD?
What ADHD is a psychological condition that begins in early childhood and frequently persists into adulthood. It is classified as a developmental disorder, with varying degrees of these presentations:
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While the disorder now known as ADHD was first identified in 1902, it wasn't until 1990 that it became a well understood condition. A rise in diagnoses resulted at that time due to doctors becoming more adept at diagnosis, parents becoming more aware of and reporting symptoms in their children, and more children developing the disorder.
Due to timing, many adults today were not been tested or diagnosed appropriately in childhood. In fact, adult diagnoses are growing four times faster than child diagnoses in the United States.
Due to timing, many adults today were not been tested or diagnosed appropriately in childhood. In fact, adult diagnoses are growing four times faster than child diagnoses in the United States.
What Causes ADHD?
Research is ongoing to identify the causes of ADHD, with four areas identified as major contributors: neurodevelopment disorders, neurophysiological disorders, genetic disorders, and prenatal causes such as smoking and alcohol.
Males are three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than females, however studies are ongoing to determine if the rate of diagnosis is related to prevalence or externalized presentation of symptoms.
Males are three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than females, however studies are ongoing to determine if the rate of diagnosis is related to prevalence or externalized presentation of symptoms.
What are the Symptoms of ADHD?
Depending on how ADHD manifests, symptoms can be wide ranging and can change throughout life. Some common symptoms include:
- Inability to get organized
- Trouble following directions
- Lack of focus
- Difficulty paying attention to details with a tendency to make careless mistakes
- Difficulty staying on topic while talking, not listening to others, and not following social rules
- Trouble finishing tasks, at work or at home
- Forgetful about daily activities or missing appointments
- Easily distracted by trivial things that don't seem to affect others
- Often loses things
- Struggles with controlling emotions
- Highly impatient
How is ADHD Diagnosed?
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Pacific Mind Health employs psychiatric evaluation with computerized testing to evaluate for and diagnose ADHD. We specialize in evaluating adults for this condition and developing treatment plans that integrate medication, talk therapy, and other interventions as appropriate.
As part of the psychiatric evaluation, a provider will perform a diagnostic interview, obtain information from family members as needed, consult verified symptom checklists and standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD. This takes approximately one hour. |
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Computerized testing known as the TOVA Test supplements the psychiatric evaluation by providing objective measurements of attention and inhibitory control. This takes approximately 1 to 2 hours depending on the patient.
Upon completion of testing, all results are aggregated, evaluated, and summarized into a final report. Patients typically receive the results of ADHD testing within 2 weeks.
Upon completion of testing, all results are aggregated, evaluated, and summarized into a final report. Patients typically receive the results of ADHD testing within 2 weeks.
How is ADHD Treated?
The most common treatment approach to managing ADHD is a combination of medication and talk therapy. Long-acting stimulants such as Adderall XR, Vyvanse, Concerta, Daytrana, and Focalin XR are typically the most effective. Your doctor may change your dosage depending on your response, so regular follow-ups are essential. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera) may also be prescribed, however it tends to take longer than stimulants to have an effect.
Antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) can be a helpful medication for ADHD, particularly for patients with a mood disorder or substance abuse.
Talk therapy is an important component of ADHD treatment because it helps retrain your brain and helps you gain control over your actions. As your medication takes effect, you may find it challenging as you develop new behaviors or re-establish relationships. Family and couples therapy may also be beneficial. Because adults with ADHD are more likely to have anxiety, depression, and substance abuse, talk therapy has an added benefit of addressing those disorders as well.
Antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) can be a helpful medication for ADHD, particularly for patients with a mood disorder or substance abuse.
Talk therapy is an important component of ADHD treatment because it helps retrain your brain and helps you gain control over your actions. As your medication takes effect, you may find it challenging as you develop new behaviors or re-establish relationships. Family and couples therapy may also be beneficial. Because adults with ADHD are more likely to have anxiety, depression, and substance abuse, talk therapy has an added benefit of addressing those disorders as well.
Why Should I Get Treatment for ADHD?
Children diagnosed with ADHD receive special accommodations and early interventions to help them optimize their function in a modern society. However, adults who were not diagnosed in childhood have commonly developed issues across all areas of life.
Not only are untreated ADHD adults at risk for a shorter lifespan without treatment, they commonly have recurrent struggles with careers, relationships, and finances. These relentless stresses can lead to anxiety, depression, low self esteem, and even substance abuse. Adults with ADHD are often fully aware of the frustration they cause, but when untreated, they simply cannot modify the way their brain operates despite a desire to do so. Overall, their quality and quantity of life is diminished when ADHD is not treated.
Not only are untreated ADHD adults at risk for a shorter lifespan without treatment, they commonly have recurrent struggles with careers, relationships, and finances. These relentless stresses can lead to anxiety, depression, low self esteem, and even substance abuse. Adults with ADHD are often fully aware of the frustration they cause, but when untreated, they simply cannot modify the way their brain operates despite a desire to do so. Overall, their quality and quantity of life is diminished when ADHD is not treated.
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Getting treatment for ADHD can help patients:
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