ADHD Treatment in Wellesley, MA

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders affecting patients in the Boston area.  An estimated 6.1 million people have ADHD.  A combination of behavioral therapy and medication can improve the symptoms of ADHD.

ADHD in Children

Since 1994, Colony Care has offered comprehensive treatment for ADHD to patients in Wellesley, MA. Our team of highly-trained independently licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed psychotherapists, and psychiatric nurse practitioners are dedicated to providing patients with patient-centered, convenient, and affordable care. Our affiliated clinicians offer both in-person services at our offices in Wellesley, Yarmouth Port, Weymouth and Arlington, MA and services via telehealth. If you are currently experiencing symptoms of ADHD, please contact our offices at (781) 431-1177. and schedule an appointment today!

Common ADHD Symptoms

Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulse control are not symptoms that are exclusive to people with ADHD, but the symptoms tend to be more pronounced in those who are affected. Although ADHD affects everyone differently, the following behaviors are the most commonly observed issues:

Inattention

ADHD can cause people to have difficulty paying attention. The inability to focus on detail at work or school can be a sign of ADHD. Children who are inattentive tend to be disorganized and may give up on tasks easily. Many parents mistake these behaviors as simply misbehaving, but in children with ADHD, they are not making an intentional choice to behave this way.

Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity causes people to feel the need to move or fidget, even in situations where it may not be appropriate. In adults, this can be reflected through fidgeting continuously, restlessness, an inability to relax, and excessive talking. As a parent, if you notice that your child frequently taps his or her fingers, rapidly moves his or her legs when sitting, or simply talks an above-average amount, ADHD may be causing this behavior.

Causes of ADHD

Over the years, there has been a lot of misinformation about the causes of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. Researchers used to believe that ADHD could be the result of brain damage, head injuries, or even the ingestion of too much-refined sugar. All of these theories have been disproved.

Simply put, ADHD is caused by chemical and structural dysfunctions in the brain that are the result of genetics. Pathways in the brain and neurotransmitters that regulate dopamine and norepinephrine are different in those with ADHD than those without.

Diagnosing ADHD

A diagnosis of ADHD can be made through a structured, comprehensive, clinical interview in addition to rating scales, collateral information, and objective measures. Colony Care clinicians can refer clients to complete the IVA-2 Continuous Performance Test (IVA-2 CPT) to obtain objective measures as part of a diagnostic clinical interview.

The IVA-2 and other Continuous Performance Tests (CPTs) are used across the world by clinicians both as part of a comprehensive neuropsychological test as as one component of other multifaceted diagnostic assessments. No test alone renders a diagnosis. However, the correlation of CPTs and behavioral ratings scales along with objective measures of sustained attention, vigilance, and continuous performance of tasks can be essential to either confirm or rule out ADHD when combined with a comprehensive interview.

Treating ADHD

There are several options for treating patients with ADHD. With appropriate care, you can manage symptoms and can begin to better focus in work, school, and at home. Common treatment options include:

• Behavioral Therapy: to help patients learn how to manage their symptoms.
• Medication: to decrease severe symptoms
• Lifestyle Changes: This can include applying a daily structured routine & sleep schedule, maintaining a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, & creating a thriving environment

ADHD FAQs

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What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. It is characterized by persistent patterns that interfere with functioning or development. These patterns typically include inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity.

What are the Symptoms of ADHD?

Symptoms of ADHD typically fall into three main categories including (1) inattention, (2) hyperactivity, and (3) impulsivity.

Symptoms of ADHD may include: 

• Inattention
• Difficulty staying on task
• Trouble sustaining focus
• Issues staying organized
• Forgetfulness with daily behaviors
• Easily distracted
• Moving about constantly
• Fidgets or taps
• Restlessness
• Trouble staying seated
• Overtalking
• Impulsive behaviors
• Acting without thinking
• Trouble with self-control
• Desire for immediate rewards
• Inability to delay gratification
• Frequently interrupts others

How Common is ADHD?

It is normal for children to have trouble focusing and behaving at one time or another. However, children with ADHD do not just grow out of these behaviors. ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. Neurodevelopmental means the way the brain grows and develops.

ADHD is: 

• More frequently diagnosed in boys than girls
• Occurs in about five percent of children worldwide, and just over nine percent in the United States
• Occurs in about 2.5 to 4 percent of adults worldwide

There has been an increase in ADHD diagnoses over recent decades, partly due to greater awareness and better diagnostic tools. At the same time, there is a rise in misinformation and self-diagnosis, which is partly due to the rise of social media. The rise in diagnosis may also reflect a better understanding of the disorder and its symptoms across different age groups. However, a careful and accurate diagnosis by a licensed clinician is essential to manage symptoms properly.

How is ADHD Diagnosed?

Diagnosing ADHD involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional. Deciding if a person has ADHD is a process with several steps, since there is no single test to diagnose ADHD.

For a person to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must:

• Emerge before the age of 12 years old
• Be chronic or long-lasting
• Impair the person’s functioning
• Cause the person to fall behind typical development or expectations for their age
• Present in more than one setting (e.g. home and school)

It is important to seek help from a trained professional because stress, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and other physical conditions or illnesses can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD.

What’s the difference between ADD and ADHD?

ADD is now considered an outdated term and is no longer used in formal diagnostic criteria. This is because hyperactivity was added to replace Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD) to now include Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

What is Executive Function?

Executive function is the cognitive or brain processes that help you regulate behavior, plan, and achieve goals. These functions help regulate your emotions, thoughts, and actions. This is crucial for everyday tasks.

For those with ADHD, the brain’s role in controlling thoughts and actions is disrupted. Sometimes, ADHD is called an executive function disorder, yet this term may be used to describe other diagnoses and conditions that impair executive functioning.

How is ADHD Treated?

Yes, ADHD can be effectively managed with a combination of treatments.

These typically include: 

• Medications – Stimulants (like methylphenidate and amphetamines) and non-stimulants (such as atomoxetine) are commonly prescribed to help manage symptoms. Medications are often the gold-standard treatment.
• Therapy – Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help individuals develop strategies to manage their symptoms and improve their organizational skills
• Educational Support – Special accommodations and support at school or work can help individuals with ADHD succeed in their academic and professional lives
• Lifestyle Changes – Establishing routines, setting clear goals, and employing organizational tools can also be beneficial

What are the Consequences of Untreated ADHD?

If ADHD goes undiagnosed, you may see signs such as:

• Struggle with focus
• Decline in academic performance
• Disorganization and issues with time management
• Job challenges including missed deadlines or errors
• Depression and/or anxiety
• Stress within relationships
• Substance use