ADD/ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can make it hard to focus and can also cause disruptive behaviors. At Northwest Psychiatry & Counseling in Bentonville, Arkansas, the team of mental health specialists offers ADHD care tailored to the needs of each patient’s life. Both medication and counseling are available, and the team is here to help children, adults, and families learn to live happier and more fulfilling lives with ADHD. Book an appointment online or call the office today.

What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a psychiatric condition causing significant disruptions in focus and behavior. There are three categories of ADHD, including:

Inattentive type

Inattentive type ADHD causes attention-related symptoms. Some common problems include failure to focus, making careless mistakes, appearing to not listen, difficulty following instructions, and failing to complete or follow through on tasks.

In children, this type of ADHD is likely to cause problems at school, while adults often experience difficulties at work. 

Hyperactive-impulsive type

Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD causes symptoms related to behavior, but those issues do tend to be different in kids and adults. In children, this type of ADHD often shows up as squirming, fidgeting, interrupting conversations, difficulty remaining seated, and appearing to be driven by a motor all the time. 

Adults are more likely to have impulsivity issues versus hyperactivity symptoms, so some common problems can include making sudden poor decisions, taking unnecessary risks, and impulse buying.  

Combination type

Combination type ADHD features symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity or impulsiveness. 

What causes ADHD?

The cause of ADHD isn’t known, but research continues. Currently, experts believe that a few factors may contribute. You can inherit a higher risk of ADHD due to genetics, so it runs in some families. 

Some other factors, such as lead exposure early in life, brain injury, premature birth, and low birth weight, may also lead to ADHD.  

Current research does not indicate ADHD stems from parenting, a sugary diet, or excessive screen time. 

What are the treatment options for ADHD? 

ADHD treatment is most successful when you take a combination approach, including:

Counseling

The Northwest Psychiatry & Counseling team believes that successful ADHD treatment requires knowledge and behavior changes. Medication alone isn’t enough to make lasting positive change. 

Counseling provides you all the tools you need to learn more about your condition, make healthy changes, and improve your quality of life. 

Medication

Medication options include both stimulants and non-stimulants. While stimulants might sound like a bad idea for someone who’s already hyper, they actually calm the overactivity in the ADHD brain. They're regarded as the gold standard medication for ADHD.

Because not everyone can tolerate stimulants, there are non-stimulant drugs that can also help you manage symptoms. Medication isn’t right for everyone, and some people can manage ADHD without it. The team can help you decide what best suits your needs and goals.    

Northwest Psychiatry & Counseling provides personalized ADHD care for all ages with a holistic whole-body approach. Call the office or book your appointment online today.