ADD/ADHD Specialist

Spring Valley Internal Medicine

Internal Medicine located in Washington, DC & Bethesda, MD

While often diagnosed in childhood, conditions like attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can persist into adulthood. The team at Spring Valley Internal Medicine in Washington, DC, and Bethesda, Maryland, diagnoses and treats ADD/ADHD with a combination of medication and counseling to help you regain your quality of life. Call the practice or make an appointment online today for customized care.

ADD/ ADHD Q & A

What are ADD and ADHD?

ADD and ADHD are similar brain disorders that interfere with your ability to concentrate, sit still, and pay attention. ADD/ADHD can interfere with your ability to succeed at work or school, harm your relationships with family, friends, and colleagues, and lower your self-confidence.

Doctors often diagnose ADHD in children, although the conditions can persist into adulthood. It’s also possible for you to have managed your symptoms while you were younger, but lose that ability as the responsibilities and demands of adulthood increase.

What are the signs of ADD/ADHD?

ADD and ADHD cause a variety of symptoms. If you have ADD, your symptoms are characterized by inattentive behavior, while ADHD symptoms include both inattentive and hyperactive behaviors.

Common signs of ADD/ADHD include:

Impulsiveness
Disorganization
Frequently misplacing items like keys or wallet
Poor prioritization skills
Poor time management
Trouble focusing on tasks
Problems multitasking
Difficulty following instructions and completing tasks
Restlessness
Low tolerance for frustration
Mood swings
Hot temper
Poor stress management

When unmanaged, ADD/ADHD can get in the way of your potential. You might have problems making friends or other social connections and suffer from low self-esteem. Fortunately, ADD and ADHD are treatable.

When should I talk to a doctor about ADD/ADHD?

Everyone is inattentive or distracted occasionally, so you might not realize you have a problem right away. However, if any of the above symptoms sound familiar or interfere with your life, make an appointment at Spring Valley Internal Medicine.

The team provides thorough evaluations for ADHD as well as other issues like anxiety or depression, which can cause similar symptoms.

How do you treat ADD/ADHD?

In most cases, the team at Spring Valley Internal Medicine combines medication and counseling to treat ADD/ADHD. Medication can regulate your brain activity and alleviate some of your symptoms.

During therapy, you learn strategies to improve your concentration, organization, and other skills to help you cope with your condition. Your provider might also recommend lifestyle changes such as cutting out sugar or caffeine from your diet or adding physical activity to your daily routine.

If you’re concerned about ADD/ADHD, call Spring Valley Internal Medicine or make an appointment online today.

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