October is ADHD Awareness Month
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is among the most common mental health conditions affecting children and adults today. But the condition is often misunderstood. ADHD Awareness Month’s goal is to correct these misunderstandings and highlight the shared experiences of the ADHD community.
What is the Difference Between ADD and ADHD?
Many people use the terms ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. ADD is the term most commonly used to describe symptoms of inattention, distractibility and poor working memory. ADHD is characterized by the above with the additional symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. Both are included in the medical diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Since the mid-1990s, ADHD has been the accepted term in the medical community, although many parents, teachers and adults still use the term ADD.
The Many Faces of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHD affects children and adults, men and women. It is a lifelong disorder for most people affected with it. Like many disorders, the symptoms are often expressed differently in different people. For one person, it may be a problem with impulsivity and hyperactivity. For another, it may be about the ability to pay attention and/or stay on task. For another, forgetfulness. For some people who have ADHD, it only mildly affects their life, but for others, it can be debilitating and destructive.
Some people are able to manage their Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder by developing and sticking to a regular sleep schedule, getting regular exercise, behavior therapy, mindfulness exercises and other tools. But for others, these tools may not be enough, and prescription medication may be the better choice for achieving the desired results. Often, the best results are achieved through a combination of medication and behavioral tools.
The best first step if you or someone you love is struggling with what you believe to be Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is partnering with a trained medical professional who has experience in diagnosing and treating ADHD.
Meet Dr. Paul Wright of IntegrityMind Psychiatry
Are you looking for a partner dedicated to a holistic approach to treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? A practice that embraces leading-edge approaches that explore how biology and personality factor into navigating and overcoming life challenges? Dr. Paul Wright is the founder of IntegrityMind Psychiatry. He is a medical doctor with specialization and double board certification in General Adult Psychiatry and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Additionally, he holds a master’s degree in Public Health.
Dr. Wright sees people for help with issues like ADHD and many others, including addiction, depression/anxiety, navigating life transitions, Bipolar disorder and more.
Holistic Help for the Whole You
Dr. Wright’s unique approach to helping patients is refreshing, rooted in science, compassionate, comprehensive and hopeful. If you know a young person or an adult who is struggling, he’d be honored to help.
Dr. Wright offers flexible options for both in-person sessions and secure online sessions. Offices are in Grapevine and Plano, Texas. IntegrityMind works with children, adolescents and adults with an interconnected approach for families.
Please reach out to schedule an initial consultation.