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.

Since 1994, Colony Care Behavioral Health 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, Longmeadow, 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 Behavioral Health 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