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Attention deficit /hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is often thought of as a condition that affects mainly kids, but millions of teens and adults also deal with this issue. Fortunately, help is available in the form of telehealth.
Some kids get a reputation for being wild and unruly, but not everything comes down to too much sugar, bad behavior, or other common reasons we associate with their actions. Many children struggle with a common neurodevelopmental condition known as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Globally, up to 10% of children deal with it.
While this condition is common in kids, it doesn’t stop with that age group; teens and adults also struggle with the effects of ADHD. Evie Lawson, FNP-C, MSN, RN, of Horseshoe Healthcare dedicates herself to providing remote care for a range of mental health issues, including ADHD and other conditions, with customized care and a focus on improving your quality of life.
If you’re among those dealing with ADHD and want to get help, we’re here to provide the treatment you need. Let’s explore the benefits of telehealth for ADHD.
Defining ADHD
This condition impacts the brain, making it more difficult to concentrate, regulate impulses, and handle routine activities. With just a casual glance, these associated behaviors are often labeled as a lack of attention.
Four different types of ADHD cause a range of behavioral changes in kids and adults alike:
- Inattentive: lack of focus in finishing activities and disorganization, with no hyperactivity
- Hyperactive-impulsive: inability to stay still or exhibiting excess energy
- Combined: a common form of ADHD where you deal with both types in varying degrees
- Unspecified: severe symptoms that don’t quite fit the common signs
ADHD often starts in kids around 3-6 years old, and can continue into adulthood, but many people may not show signs until they’re older.
Causes and symptoms
Research offers some indications of what leads to ADHD, but many of the components behind it are still under review.
Environmental factors and genetic alterations play a role in whether or not you develop this condition, including premature birth, smoking or alcohol abuse during pregnancy, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), exposure to heavy metals, or low birth weight.
The signs of ADHD go beyond wild behavior and lack of control; they vary with the type of ADHD. Inattentive ADHD often presents with being easily distracted, making reckless mistakes, losing important items, difficulty following directions, and daydreaming in situations where you should be paying attention.
Hyperactive ADHD presents differently, with an inability to relax, constant talking, frequently interrupting others, acting impulsively, fidgeting, and staying in motion. Combined ADHD sees aspects of both types of behaviors.
How telehealth can help
The symptoms common to ADHD can make treatment challenging, and telehealth can help reduce the impact of many of these issues by allowing sessions to fit schedules without travel and other associated stresses.
It also widens access to physicians who specialize in this problem, and since our services are nationwide, it makes it easier to offer them. We can provide a combination of drug therapy and behavioral treatments to manage symptoms and help you develop goals to reduce the impact of ADHD on your life or the life of your loved one.
Behavioral conditions can be hard to manage for kids, teens, and adults, but ADHD is treatable, and we’re here to help. Call us or book an appointment online with Horseshoe Healthcare today to address your symptoms and live life to the fullest.