ADHD Center Overview

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Attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder, commonly known as ADHD, can affect children, teens, and adults. ADHD is often associated with difficulty paying attention, managing impulse control, staying organized, and regulating emotions, relationships, and daily responsibilities.

ADHD is a developmental disorder involving an ongoing pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, or a combination of these symptoms. Symptoms typically begin during childhood, but they may continue through adolescence and adulthood. The way ADHD presents itself can change as a person grows and takes on new responsibilities. 

Common areas of difficulty may include:

• Staying focused on tasks or conversations
• Beginning and completing responsibilities
• Planning, prioritizing, and managing time
• Adjusting to changes and transitions
• Managing strong emotions
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ADHD does not look the same in every person. One person may be restless and impulsive, while another may appear quiet and overwhelmed. ADHD affects more than just attention; it can influence several interconnected parts of daily life like executive functioning, emotional regulation, school / work responsibilities, and relationships.

Executive functioning refers to the mental skills that helps a person plan, remember information, organize responsibilities, shift between and get started on tasks, manage time, and control impulses. Difficulties in these areas can make ordinary responsibilities feel larger or more complicated than they appear to others. Executive functioning skills can be strengthened through repeated practice, supportive routines, and practical tools.

Emotional regulation is the ability to notice an emotions, understand what triggered the emotion, calm the body and mind, and choose how to respond. Some people with ADHD may react quickly to frustration, struggle with unexpected changes, or need more time to recover after becoming upset.  Strengthen your emotional regulation skills by learning to recognize early warning signs, name emotions accurately, use calming strategies, and pause before reacting.

ADHD treatment is individualized. The right combination of services depends on the patient's age, symptoms, challenges, medical history, and goals from treatment. Treatment may include, but is not limited to: medication, individual and family therapy, behavioral strategies, training, and support.

Medication may help reduce symptoms such as inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Our providers determine the best treatment plan, monitor the medication, and track progress. Therapy can help patients understand their patterns, manage emotions, and develop practical strategies. At Austin Family Psychiatry, our psychiatrists and physician assistants provide ADHD medication management and ongoing follow-up care. Therapy is also available through the practice. 

Children with ADHD may struggle with routines, homework, transitions, impulse control, strong emotions, restlessness, friendships, and/or confidence. Parents can help by creating a predictable structure, giving clear directions, recognizing effort, and working with teachers and treatment providers.

The ADHD in Kids page includes information for both parents and children.

As academic an personal responsibilities increase, teens with ADHD may have more difficulty managing assignments, deadlines, sleep, emotions, friendships, and growing independence. Teens benefit from understanding how ADHD affects them and becoming active participants in their own care.

The ADHD in Teens page includes practical strategies for school, executive functioning, relationships, emotions, and independence. 

Adult ADHD may affect work, household responsibilities, appointments, finances, relationships, decision-making, and follow-through. Hyperactivity may feel more like internal restlessness compared to the visible activity seen in children Adults can benefit from treatment, practical systems, workplace support, and a clearer understanding of their personal patterns. 

The ADHD in Adults page includes further information regarding ADHD in adulthood.

Patients with an established ADHD diagnosis can contact Austin Family Psychiatry to learn more about medication management, creating appointments, and therapy. Please contact us at 512-902-6920.

Learn more about ADHD symptoms, treatment, research, and support through the CDC's ADHD information center.
Link:  https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/index.html