Office of Dr. Tasmina Sheikh MD

What Is ADHD? Understanding the Basics

January 22, 2025

Understanding the Basics of ADHD

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals focus, control impulses, and manage energy levels. While it’s often discussed in the context of children, ADHD is a lifelong condition that impacts people of all ages. Understanding ADHD requires looking beyond stereotypes and misconceptions to explore how it affects the brain, behavior, and daily life.


What Causes ADHD?

ADHD stems from differences in brain structure and function, particularly in areas involved in attention, impulse control, and executive function (planning, organization, and self-regulation). Research suggests that ADHD is highly heritable, meaning it often runs in families. Environmental factors, such as prenatal exposure to smoking or alcohol, premature birth, or low birth weight, may also play a role.


Symptoms of ADHD

ADHD is divided into three subtypes, based on the predominant symptoms:


1. Inattentive Type

  • Difficulty sustaining attention
  • Forgetfulness and frequent misplacing of items
  • Trouble organizing tasks or following through on instructions
  • Seeming distracted during conversations or activities

2. Hyperactive-Impulsive Type

  • Fidgeting or an inability to stay seated
  • Excessive talking or interrupting others
  • Difficulty waiting their turn
  • A sense of restlessness, often described as feeling “on the go”

3. Combined Type

  • A mix of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. These behaviors are more than occasional lapses in focus or energy—they persist over time, occur in multiple settings (e.g., work, school, home), and significantly interfere with daily functioning.


Common Misconceptions About ADHD

  1. ADHD is just a childhood disorder.

While it is commonly diagnosed in childhood, many adults with ADHD go undiagnosed until later in life. Symptoms may evolve with age, but the condition does not “go away.”

    2. People with ADHD are lazy or unmotivated.

ADHD has nothing to do with intelligence or work ethic. Challenges with focus, planning, or impulse control often mask a person’s true potential.

    3. ADHD is over diagnosed.

While awareness of ADHD has grown, it remains underdiagnosed in certain groups, such as girls, adults, and people of color, who may present symptoms differently.


How Is ADHD Diagnosed?

ADHD is diagnosed based on clinical evaluation rather than a specific medical test. A mental health professional or healthcare provider assesses symptoms, their impact on daily life, and whether they meet criteria outlined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition). Key factors include:

  • Onset of symptoms before age 12
  • Presence of symptoms in two or more settings (e.g., school and home)
  • Significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning


Living with ADHD: Challenges and Strengths

ADHD can present significant challenges, including difficulty meeting deadlines, maintaining relationships, or managing responsibilities. However, it’s important to recognize that individuals with ADHD often possess unique strengths, such as:

  • Creativity and innovation: Many people with ADHD think outside the box.
  • High energy and enthusiasm: This can translate into passion for topics of interest.
  • Hyperfocus: When deeply engaged, individuals with ADHD can sustain intense concentration.

Support strategies, such as therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments, can help individuals leverage these strengths while managing their challenges.


How to Support Someone with ADHD

1. Be patient and understanding.

Recognize that ADHD behaviors are not intentional.

2. Encourage structure and routines.

Consistent schedules can help reduce overwhelm.

3. Educate yourself.

Learning about ADHD can foster empathy and provide practical insights.

4. Focus on strengths.

Celebrate successes and support areas of growth.


Final Thoughts

ADHD is not a one-size-fits-all condition. Its impact varies widely from person to person, making it crucial to approach each individual with curiosity and compassion. By understanding ADHD as a neurodivergent way of thinking and being, we can move past outdated stigmas and provide meaningful support to those navigating life with this condition.


If you or someone you love is struggling with ADHD or other mental health challenges, Palm Atlantic Psychiatry is here to help. Our compassionate team specializes in providing clear, straightforward care tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re looking for a diagnosis, treatment options, or ongoing support, we’re committed to helping you thrive. Visit Palm Atlantic Psychiatry to learn more and take the first step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.


Benefits of Computerized Psychological Assessments
January 31, 2025
When it comes to diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, accuracy is key. The more precise the diagnosis, the better the treatment plan can be tailored to meet the patient’s unique needs. At Palm Atlantic Psychiatry, we utilize computerized psychological assessments to provide a comprehensive, objective view of your mental health. These assessments are designed to give both patients and providers a clear understanding of the underlying issues, offering valuable insights that can guide diagnosis and treatment planning. Here’s how computerized psychological assessments can benefit you and improve your mental wellness journey: 1. Accurate and Objective Mental Health Diagnoses Traditional methods of diagnosing mental health conditions, such as patient interviews and paper-based tests, are often subjective. Computerized psychological assessments, on the other hand, use standardized tests that produce **objective data**. This allows for a more accurate diagnosis of conditions such as: - Depression - Anxiety disorders - ADHD - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Personality disorders The objectivity of these computerized assessments ensures that providers are relying on concrete data rather than subjective interpretations, reducing the risk of misdiagnosis. 2. Comprehensive Understanding of Mental Health Computerized psychological assessments provide a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of a patient's mental health. These tools are designed to evaluate various cognitive and emotional aspects, such as: - Cognitive functioning (memory, attention, and problem-solving skills) - Emotional regulation - Behavioral patterns By collecting this data, providers at Palm Atlantic Psychiatry can identify not just the symptoms, but also the underlying factors contributing to your mental health concerns. This holistic view allows for more effective treatment planning and helps patients better understand how their minds work. 3. Data-Driven Treatment Plans One of the key benefits of computerized psychological assessments is that they allow for data-driven treatment plans. With the detailed results from these assessments, providers can create highly personalized care plans that address your specific needs. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or ADHD, having a treatment plan tailored to your unique cognitive and emotional profile ensures that the approach will be more effective. For example, patients who show higher levels of stress-related cognitive impairments may benefit from a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and lifestyle adjustments. Similarly, patients with attention issues identified through these assessments might be directed toward medication management or behavioral therapies specifically designed to improve focus and executive functioning. 4. Monitoring Progress Over Time Another advantage of using computerized psychological assessments is that they provide an excellent way to monitor progress over time. As treatment progresses, patients can retake assessments to see how their mental health has improved. This allows providers to adjust treatment plans as needed, ensuring that patients continue to make progress. Tracking your progress can be motivating and give you a clear sense of improvement, which is often hard to gauge through feelings alone. Seeing your results on paper—or rather, on a screen—can provide the motivation to stay on track with your treatment. 5. Quick and Easy Administration One of the most significant benefits for patients is the ease of taking computerized psychological assessments. These assessments can often be completed quickly, sometimes in as little as 20-30 minutes. They are typically user-friendly, making them accessible for individuals who may be less familiar with technology. This convenience helps reduce the stress or anxiety that can sometimes accompany traditional testing methods. Additionally, the results are available almost immediately, allowing providers to review and interpret the data right away. This quick turnaround helps reduce wait times for diagnosis and treatment planning, getting patients on the path to wellness sooner. 6. Tailored to Specific Needs Computerized psychological assessments are often tailored to meet specific needs. At Palm Atlantic Psychiatry, we use these assessments to help identify a variety of mental health conditions and cognitive challenges. Whether you're coming in for an evaluation related to ADHD, depression, or anxiety, we can use specific tools designed for these areas, ensuring the assessment is relevant to your unique circumstances. Why Choose Palm Atlantic Psychiatry for Your Mental Health Assessment? At Palm Atlantic Psychiatry, we believe in the power of evidence-based approaches to mental health care. Our computerized assessments give us the data we need to make informed decisions about your treatment plan. In addition to these tools, we offer a variety of other services, such as medication management, supportive therapy, and holistic treatment options. Together, these tools provide a comprehensive view of your mental and emotional health, helping you live a more balanced and fulfilling life. While computerized psychological assessments are an excellent tool for understanding your mental health, it’s important to note that they are self-pay services and not covered by insurance. However, the value of having a personalized, data-driven plan for mental wellness far outweighs the cost. Investing in these assessments can lead to better outcomes, reduced trial and error with treatment, and a faster path to feeling like yourself again. If you’re ready to take control of your mental health and gain clarity through data-driven insights, schedule your computerized psychological assessment today with Palm Atlantic Psychiatry. You can also sign up for our career coaching waitlist, starting in spring 2025, to align your career goals with your mental wellness journey.
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