ADHD

According to the Centers for Disease Control or CDC, ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder often diagnosed in childhood. There are three types of ADHD, each with a different presentation:

• Predominantly inattentive presentation, in which it’s difficult for the person to pay attention

• Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation in which it’s difficult for the person to stay still

• Combined presentation, which involves both of the two types listed above

  How ADHD is diagnosed?

  ADHD is typically diagnosed using a checklist that rates ADHD symptoms present in the individual. A history of the individual’s behavior is taken from parents, teachers, and others around the individual.

  How ADHD is treated?

  ADHD is treated using a combination of effective therapies, including:

  • Behavioral therapy to help minimize inappropriate behaviors and learn impulse control strategies

  • Lifestyle modifications to promote good health through a diet high in nutrients and regular exercise.

  • Medication therapy improves how the brain functions, sharpen, focus, and enhance concentration.

  To learn more about the signs, symptoms, and treatment of ADHD, or to schedule an appointment, call the mental health providers at Vito Pathways.

  Anxiety and Depression

  It’s normal to feel anxious from time to time, especially if your life is stressful. However, excessive, ongoing anxiety and worry that are difficult to control and interfere with day-to-day activities may be a sign of generalized anxiety disorder. It’s possible to develop a generalized anxiety disorder as a child or an adult. Generalized anxiety disorder has symptoms that are similar to panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other types of anxiety, but they’re all different conditions. Living with generalized anxiety disorder can be a long-term challenge. In many cases, it occurs along with other anxiety or mood disorders. In most cases, generalized anxiety disorder improves with psychotherapy or medications. Making lifestyle changes, learning coping skills, and using relaxation techniques also can help.

  Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms can vary. They may include Persistent worrying or anxiety about a number of areas that are out of proportion to the impact of the events, overthinking plans and solutions to all possible worst-case outcomes, perceiving situations and events as threatening, even when they aren’t, difficulty handling uncertainty, indecisiveness and fear of making the wrong decision, inability to set aside or let go of a worry, inability to relax, feeling restless, and feeling keyed up or on edge, difficulty concentrating, or the feeling that your mind “goes blank”.

  Physical signs and symptoms may include fatigue, trouble sleeping, muscle tension or muscle aches, trembling, feeling twitchy, nervousness or being easily startled, Sweating, nausea, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome, and irritability.

PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. It is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation. Fear is a part of the body's “fight-or-flight” response, which helps us avoid or respond to potential danger.