ADHD & ADD

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are common neurodevelopmental disorders most often diagnosed in childhood. These disorders make it hard to focus on work and school.

At Exhale Health in Scottsdale, AZ Katrina Kaczmarek, PMHNP-BC, offers personalized medical support and treatment for ADHD & ADD to improve your ability to concentrate in both your work and school life. To schedule a consultation, call the office or use our online booking feature.

What are ADHD & ADD?

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active.

The disorder usually first appears in childhood. But, some studies show that around 75% of people with ADHD aren’t diagnosed during their childhood.

While attention-deficit disorder (ADD) is a similar term to ADHD, the symptoms may be different. The condition causes poor focus and forgetfulness without hyperactivity. 

Treatment offered at Exhale Health can help you better cope with these disorders dramatically improving your qulity of life and your relationships. 

What are the symptoms of ADHD & ADD?

ADHD may cause inattentive, hyperactive, or mixed symptoms. 

Inattentive symptoms include: 

• Inability to focus for long periods of time
• Careless mistakes in school or at work
• Being unorganized
• Difficulty following conversations
• Difficulty with time management and problem solving
• Impulsive decision making

Hyperactive symptoms include:

• Fidgeting
• Difficulty sitting still
• Talking excessively
• Interrupting others
• Difficulty waiting in line
• Impulsive behaviors and acting without thinking first
• Inappropriate running, jumping, or climbing

8 in 10 people with ADHD have a comorbid (co-occurring) mental health condition like anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Also, 7 in 10 people with autism (a neurodevelopmental disorder) have ADHD. To schedule your consultation call Exhale Health today.

Risk Factors for ADHD & ADD

Current research shows that genetics play and important role.

In addition to genetics, possible causes and risk factors include:

• Brain Injury
• Exposure to environmental risks (i.e. lead) during pregnancy or at an early age
• Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy
• Premature delivery
• Low birth weight

If I am diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, what is the treatment?

Proper diagnosis and treatment of ADHD or ADD can help you live a fulfilling life - without your condition holding you back.

To determine if you have ADHD or ADD, Katrina at Exhale Health conducts a comprehensive evaluation, which includes a review of your medical history as well as lifestyle history and medications you are taking.

After reviewing details of your treatment plan, she will help you to develop tools and strategies that will help you to live a more productive lifestyle. If you also have depression or anxiety co-occuring with your ADHD or ADD, she will work alongside you to improve your overall mental wellness.

At Exhale Health, Katrina works with you to fashion a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle. ADHD treatment focuses on lifestyle changes, medication management and psychotherapy. The most common treament includes all three approaches and helps to keep ADHD and ADD from interfering in your school, work and life.

No matter what conditions or combinations of conditions you have, Katrina can help you exhale and relax. She listens with an empathetic ear in order to understand your needs while providing the best in evidence-based treatment approaches. 

Exhale Health warmly and supportively guides you through the challenges of ADHD & ADD, so reach out for help by phone or schedule online now.