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ADD/ADHD

ADD/ADHD Treatment in New Jersey

Table of Contents

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Whether you have a child who has been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD or have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD as an adult, the condition can be extremely frustrating. Difficulty focusing, racing thoughts, difficulty sitting still, trouble seeing tasks through to completion, and other serious symptoms can leave a person struggling to pay attention and succeed at work or in school. As a result, patients struggling with the condition often feel lost and incapable of reaching their goals.

In a society that often underestimates and fails to understand mental health issues, patients who suffer from ADD/ADHD are often branded as “flighty,” “disorganized,” “lazy,” or “unruly.”

These labels are not only inaccurate; they’re also very damaging to the psyche of someone with a mental health issue that makes it harder for them to focus and complete projects. At Wellness Center New Jersey, we understand that ADD/ADHD is not a character flaw but a mental health condition that deserves appropriate treatment.

New Jersey ADD/ADHD Treatment

If you or your child has been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, or if you suspect it may be present, Wellness Center NJ’s professional mental health treatment can help. Through a combination of therapy and medication management, our team can help you regain control of your life.

Don’t let the distractions of ADD/ADHD keep you from reaching your goals. With the help of a knowledgeable therapist, you can develop a mental health treatment plan that can turn your life around.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD / ADHD) is a mental health disorder that includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. Untreated ADD and ADHD can lead to unstable relationships, poor work or school performance, low self-esteem, and other problems.

Sign and Symptoms of ADD / ADHD

Inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity are the key behaviors of ADHD. Some people with ADHD only have problems with one of the behaviors, while others have both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.

Attention Deficits & Inattention

People with symptoms of inattention (ADD) may often:

  • Overlook or make careless mistakes in schoolwork at work.
  • Have problems sustaining attention in tasks or play.
  • Not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
  • Not follow through on instructions.
  • Have problems organizing tasks and activities.
  • Avoid or dislike tasks that require sustained mental effort.
  • Be easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or stimuli.
  • Be forgetful in daily activities.

Hyperactivity-Impulsivity

People with symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity (ADHD) may often:

  • Fidget and squirm in their seats.
  • Leave their seats in situations when staying seated is expected.
  • Run or dash around or climb in situations where it is inappropriate to do so.
  • Be unable to play or engage in hobbies quietly.
  • Blurt out an answer before a question has been completed.
  • Have trouble waiting for his or her turn.
  • Interrupt or intrude on others, for example, in conversations, games, or activities

 ADHD symptoms can change over time as a person ages. In young children, hyperactivity-impulsivity is the most predominant symptom. As a child reaches elementary school, the symptom of inattention may become more prominent. In adolescence, hyperactivity seems to lessen and may show more often as feelings of restlessness or fidgeting.

Factors Contributing to ADD / ADHD

Factors that may be involved in the development of ADHD include:

  • Genetics. ADHD often runs in families, and there is a definite genetic link.
  • Environment. Certain environmental factors also may increase risk, such as lead exposure as a child or experiencing trauma.
  • Problems during development. Problems with the central nervous system at key moments in development may play a role. Children born prematurely are more likely to be diagnosed with ADD or ADHD.

Complications 

ADHD has been linked to:

  • Poor school or work performance
  • Unemployment
  • Alcohol or other substance misuses
  • Frequent car accidents or other accidents
  • Unstable relationships
  • Suicide attempts

Coexisting Conditions

Although ADD / ADHD doesn’t cause other psychological problems, other disorders often occur along with ADD and ADHD and make treatment more challenging. Many adults with either disorder will also have depression, bipolar disorder, another mood disorder, or anxiety.  Anxiety disorders may cause overwhelming worry, nervousness, and other symptoms. 

ADD / ADHD Diagnosis

  • A physical exam is completed to help rule out other possible causes for your symptoms
  • Information gathering about any current medical issues, personal and family medical history, and the history of your symptoms
  • ADHD rating scales or psychological tests to help collect and evaluate information.

Treatment

Standard treatments for ADHD in adults typically involve medication, education, skills training, and           Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. These treatments can help manage many symptoms of ADD and ADHD, but they don’t cure it.

Medications for ADD / ADHD

  • Stimulants, products that include methylphenidate or amphetamine, are typically the most commonly prescribed medications for ADD and ADHD. Stimulants appear to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.
  • Non-stimulant products used to treat ADD type conditions include atomoxetine and certain antidepressants such as bupropion. Atomoxetine and antidepressants work slower than stimulants do, but these may be good options if you can’t take stimulants because of health problems or if stimulants cause severe side effects.

            Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For ADD

This structured type of counseling teaches specific skills to manage behavior and change negative thinking patterns into positive ones.

CBT and Psychotherapy may help to:

  • Improve time management and organizational skills
  • Learn how to reduce your impulsive behavior
  • Develop better problem-solving skills
  • Cope with past academic, work, or social failures
  • Improve your self-esteem
  • Learn ways to improve relationships with your family, co-workers, and friends
  • Develop strategies for controlling your temper

Tips to Stay Organized with ADD or ADHD

            For Kids:

Parents and teachers can help kids with ADHD stay organized by:

  • Keep the same routine every day, from wake-up time to bedtime. Include times for homework, outdoor play, and indoor activities.
  • Have a place for everything and keep everything in its place.
  • Use organizers for school material and supplies. Stress to your child the importance of writing down assignments and bringing home the necessary books.
  • Children with ADHD need consistent rules they can understand and follow.
  • Giving praise or rewards when rules are followed.

            For Adults:

Tips for an adult with ADD to learn how to better organize their life include:

  • Keeping routines
  • Making lists for different tasks and activities
  • Using a calendar for scheduling events
  • Using reminder notes
  • Assigning a special place for keys, bills, and paperwork
  • Breaking down large tasks into more manageable, smaller steps so that completing each part of the task provides a sense of accomplishment.

ADD ADHD TREATMENT CENTER

Providing mental health treatment for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD/Trauma, Borderline, and ADD/ADHD, Wellness Center New Jersey has an expert team of professionals ready to assist you.

Call us at 201-945-2905 to make an appointment with one of our experienced mental health professionals today.