ADHD Archives - Suzanne Wallach

The Connection Between Anxiety and ADHD

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), previously referred to as attention deficit disorder (ADD), is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a chronic, neurobiological disorder. ADHD is characterized by “a persistent pattern of inattention and/ or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.” Although ADHD is one of the most studied conditions in America, the precise cause for developing ADHD remains unknown. Research has, however, indicated that genetic factors, environmental factors, and developmental delays may all contribute to its potential development. ADHD is extremely common, and the worldwide prevalence of ADHD is estimated to be around 2.2% in children and 2.8% in adults. The Mayo Clinic provides the following examples of some of the common symptoms that an individual with ADHD could exhibit:

Inattention to detail.
Unable to engage in activities that require prolonged attention.
Failure to meet deadlines.
Mind constantly wandering/ does not listen when directly spoken to.
Organizational difficulties.
Misplaces belongings frequently.
Easily distractible.
Excessive talking.
Regularly and mindlessly fidgeting.
Restlessness.
Little or no patience.

Symptoms will often range in severity and can differ depending on a variety of contributing factors. ADHD and anxiety share a complicated relationship, as many individuals with ADHD also experience symptoms of anxiety, and vice versa.

Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress. As is defined in the Oxford English Dictionary, anxiety is “a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.” While fleeting anxiety is unavoidable, it is atypical to experience persistent and debilitating symptoms of anxiety. An individual may be struggling with an anxiety disorder when pervasive anxiety interferes with his or her ability to function in daily life. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine anxiety disorders affect up to 18% of the population. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) asserts: “Anxiety disorders are a group of related conditions, each having unique symptoms. However, all anxiety disorders have one thing in common: persistent, excessive fear or worry in situations that are not threatening.” There are a variety of signs and symptoms associated with anxiety disorders. Akin to symptoms of ADHD, the symptoms associated with an anxiety disorder can present in any combination with varying levels of severity. In America, nearly two-thirds of those living with ADHD have at least one coexisting condition, and approximately 25% of them have a diagnosable anxiety disorder.

Treatment In Calabasas

Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.

The information above is provided for the use of informational purposes only. The above content is not to be substituted for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, as in no way is it intended as an attempt to practice medicine, give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. As such, please do not use any material provided above to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.

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ADHD Vs. Anxiety: How To Tell The Difference

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), previously referred to as attention deficit disorder (ADD), is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a chronic, neurological disorder. ADHD is characterized by three main symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) further describes attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder as an inability to control impulsive behaviors, difficulty focusing and/ or paying attention, and/ or being overly active. ADHD symptoms may appear in children as young as five years old. The Mayo Clinic provides the following examples of some of the common symptoms that an individual with ADHD could exhibit:

Inattention to detail
Unable to engage in activities that require prolonged attention
Failure to meet deadlines
Mind constantly wandering/ does not listen when directly spoken to
Organizational difficulties
Misplaces belongings frequently
Easily distractible
Excessive talking
Regularly and mindlessly fidgeting
Restlessness
Little or no patience

A person who is diagnosed with ADHD will exhibit at least five of the above symptoms, lasting for a minimum of six months long or longer, and present in multiple settings. Symptoms will often range in severity and can differ depending on a variety of contributing factors. ADHD and anxiety share a complicated relationship.

Anxiety Disorder Symptoms

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) asserts: “Anxiety disorders are a group of related conditions, each having unique symptoms. However, all anxiety disorders have one thing in common: persistent, excessive fear or worry in situations that are not threatening.” There are a variety of signs and symptoms associated with anxiety disorders. These can include, but are not limited to, the following examples provided by the Mayo Clinic:

Difficulty concentrating
Overwhelming worry and fear
Isolation
Low self-esteem/ low self-worth
Tension
Anxiety
Agitation
Muscle tension
Fatigue
Restlessness
Irritability
Sleep disturbances
Dysphoria

Like the symptoms of ADHD, the symptoms associated with an anxiety disorder can present in any combination with varying levels of severity. ADHD symptoms mainly involve issues with focus and concentration, whereas symptoms of anxiety generally involve issues with nervousness and fear.

Although, on the surface ADHD and anxiety can appear similar, as they have many overlapping symptoms, they are distinct and can co-occur. The worldwide prevalence of ADHD is estimated to be around 2.2% in children and 2.8% in adults. In America, nearly two-thirds of those living with ADHD have at least one coexisting condition, and approximately 25% of them have a diagnosable anxiety disorder. Although each condition has unique symptoms, sometimes the two conditions mirror each other which can cause diagnostic confusion. Accurately distinguishing whether an individual is struggling with ADHD, anxiety, or both, requires the expertise of a qualified mental health professional.

Treatment In Calabasas

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Are Dangers Associated With ADHD Stimulant Use During Pregnancy Small?

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a chronic, neurological disorder. It is characterized by pervasive and impairing symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can significantly impact many aspects of behavior as well as performance in a variety of settings. Typically, ADHD is most effectively treated with a combination of behavior therapy and medication. The overall prevalence of current adult ADHD is 4.4%, and with many being of childbearing age, it is perplexing that there are no guidelines to inform the treatment of ADHD across pregnancy and the postpartum period.

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies various types of drugs as Schedule I, II, III, and V controlled substances under the Controlled Substance Act (CSA). The CSA provides a mechanism for substances to be controlled, categorized, and regulated as each substance is sorted into one of the five schedules, whose placement is based on the substance’s medical use, potential for abuse, and dependence liability. Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) compiled a list of safe medications for use during pregnancy, and stimulants are not listed. Even with the several systematic reviews that have assessed the literature on stimulant use during pregnancy, the lack of comprehensive data on use or misuse and associated variables greatly constrains any ability to derive a reproductive safety profile for stimulants. As such, according to the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA), none of the medications used to treat ADHD (e.g., Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin, etc.) are proven to be safe for use during pregnancy, but they are also not proven to be harmful. Therefore, the decision to include the use of stimulants in one’s treatment plan while pregnant will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Yes, the dangers associated with ADHD stimulant use while pregnant are relatively small when the medication is used exactly as directed by one’s prescribing physician. However, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) warns that substance abuse while pregnant, including the abuse of prescription stimulant medications, may result in miscarriage, stillbirth, infant withdrawal syndrome, birth defects, premature birth, low birth weights, gastroschisis, omphalocele, transverse limb deficiency, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Every day and week in gestation significant fetal growth and physical developments occur. Depending on the woman, pregnancy can be a dangerous and complicated medical condition. There are many factors that contribute to a woman’s ability or inability to successfully conceive, carry, and deliver a baby. While there are natural complications that can arise during pregnancy, the longer a pregnant woman abuses stimulants, the more she increases her and her fetus’s risk for developing complications.

Treatment In Calabasas

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What Are The Causes Of ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), previously referred to as attention deficit disorder (ADD) is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) and is characterized as “a persistent pattern of inattention and/ or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.” The American Academy of Pediatrics further asserts, “Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological condition whose symptoms are also dependent on the child’s environment.” Although ADHD is one of the most studied conditions in America, the precise cause for developing ADHD remains unknown. Research has, however indicated that genetic factors, environmental factors and developmental delays may all contribute to its potential development.

DSM-5 ADHD Diagnostic Criteria

The diagnosis process for ADHD is rather complicated, as there is no single test for diagnosis, and symptoms will vary from person to person. The CDC outlines the following diagnostic criteria:

Inattention: Six or more symptoms of inattention for children up to age 16 years, or five or more for adolescents age 17 years and older and adults; symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months, and they are inappropriate for developmental level:

- Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or with other activities.
- Often has trouble holding attention on tasks or play activities.
- Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
- Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (e.g., loses focus, side-tracked).
- Often has trouble organizing tasks and activities.
- Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
- Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (e.g. school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile telephones).
- Is often easily distracted
- Is often forgetful in daily activities.

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: Six or more symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity for children up to age 16 years, or five or more for adolescents age 17 years and older and adults; symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for the person’s developmental level:

- Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat.
- Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected.
- Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may be limited to feeling restless).
- Often unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietly.
- Is often “on the go” acting as if “driven by a motor”.
- Often talks excessively.
- Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed.
- Often has trouble waiting their turn.
- Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)

In order to obtain the most effective treatment it is essential for an individual to be thoroughly evaluated by a qualified mental health professional and accurately diagnosed.

Disclaimer:

The information above is provided for the use of informational purposes only. The above content is not to be substituted for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, as in no way is it intended as an attempt to practice medicine, give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. As such, please do not use any material provided above as a means to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.

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ADHD Treatment For Children In Los Angeles

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), previously referred to as attention deficit disorder (ADD) is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as neurological disorder. ADHD is characterized by three main symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Most children with ADHD experience all three symptoms. Prior to 1994 a teen with the main symptom being inattention would have been diagnosed with ADD, whereas now the formal diagnosis for this is: ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type. It may also be referred to as ADHD without hyperactivity or Inattentive ADHD. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is extremely common. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates nearly 3.3 million children between ages 12-17 have been diagnosed with ADHD.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms that can occur in a child with ADHD can begin in children as young as five years old. Symptoms will often range in severity and can differ depending on one’s gender. Below are examples of common symptoms that could arise in a child with ADHD, provided by the American Psychiatric Association (APA):

Failure to meet deadlines (e.g. does not complete homework on time)
Inattention to detail
Unable to engage in activities that require prolonged attention
Mind constantly wandering/ does not listen when directly spoken to
Misplaces belongings frequently
Regularly and mindlessly fidgeting
Little or no patience
Easily distractible
Organizational difficulties
Excessive talking
Restlessness

A young person who is diagnosed with ADHD will exhibit at least five of the symptoms from the above list, lasting for six months long or longer, in multiple settings. The symptoms associated with ADHD that are experienced by a child will interfere with his or her ability to appropriately function in his or her daily life.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis process for ADHD is rather complicated, as there is no single test for diagnosis, and symptoms will vary from child to child. The number of young people that are incorrectly diagnosed and subsequently prescribed medication for ADHD in America is huge. For example, it is not uncommon for symptoms of anxiety to appear as manifestations of ADHD, when in reality they are due to an anxiety disorder. The medications that are prescribed for teens that have ADHD versus those who suffer from anxiety disorders are vastly different. Furthermore, the types of medications that are often prescribed to a young person with ADHD can be detrimental to a child who has an anxiety disorder that does not require medication. It is essential to have a mental health professional evaluate a child that may be struggling with ADHD in order to obtain the proper diagnosis, so as to ensure the most effective treatment.

Treatment

There are many treatment options available in Los Angeles, California for a young person with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The best place to start is to consult your child’s pediatrician. Most pediatricians will be able to point you in the right direction and connect you with a mental health specialist that is within their professional network. Additionally, word of mouth recommendations can yield positive results, so it may behoove you to check with your family and friends and see if anyone has any recommendations. There are also a variety of online resources (e.g. Psychology Today) that can help you find a mental health provider specializing in ADHD in California. Every child is different and will require a customized treatment plan.

Disclaimer:

The information above is provided for the use of informational purposes only. The above content is not to be substituted for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, as in no way is it intended as an attempt to practice medicine, give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. As such, please do not use any material provided above as a means to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.

ADHD

The Connection Between Anxiety and ADHD

Treatment In Calabasas

ADHD Vs. Anxiety: How To Tell The Difference

Anxiety Disorder Symptoms

Treatment In Calabasas

Are Dangers Associated With ADHD Stimulant Use During Pregnancy Small?

What Are The Causes Of ADHD?

DSM-5 ADHD Diagnostic Criteria

ADHD Treatment For Children In Los Angeles

Signs and Symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment

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