What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition that affects millions of children and often persists into adulthood. ADHD includes a combination of problems, such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.
Children with ADHD also may struggle with low self-esteem, troubled relationships and poor performance in school. Symptoms sometimes lessen with age. However, some people never completely outgrow their ADHD symptoms. But they can learn strategies to be successful.
While treatment won't cure ADHD, it can help a great deal with symptoms. Treatment typically involves medications and behavioral interventions. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in outcome. Click here for more info...
Children with ADHD also may struggle with low self-esteem, troubled relationships and poor performance in school. Symptoms sometimes lessen with age. However, some people never completely outgrow their ADHD symptoms. But they can learn strategies to be successful.
While treatment won't cure ADHD, it can help a great deal with symptoms. Treatment typically involves medications and behavioral interventions. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in outcome. Click here for more info...
How we treat ADHD
We always encourage clients to have a current review from their primary care doctor, especially before starting stimulants. We do this in an effort of quality control to make sure issues are not encountered with things like blood pressure, cardio pulmonary disease, arrhythmias, insomnia, etc. In our work together we will evaluate stimulants vs. non-stimulants. If a client has a history of addiction, we stay away from stimulants, especially short acting ones. If medication is required for ADHD, we will review common things to watch for (side effects) as well as focus tools for education on ADHD. We encourage clients to read ADDitude Magazine, review CHADD.org, as well as potentially get a book on ADHD like Driven to Distraction. Dr. Weiss also encourages clients to look into cognitive behavioral therapy as well as support groups.
Why is an ADHD Evaluation required?
Dr. Weiss has an emphasis on quality control and on piece of this is accurate diagnosis through proper testing. Many people may have been told the have ADHD but they were never actually tested for it. We want to make sure our clients have been accurately assessed so we can give them the care they need.
Why else would we do this? Dr. Weiss has a long background in addiction and something that commonly comes up is drug seeking behavior around stimulants. In an effort to try and make a proper diagnosis, this is something we require.
Why else would we do this? Dr. Weiss has a long background in addiction and something that commonly comes up is drug seeking behavior around stimulants. In an effort to try and make a proper diagnosis, this is something we require.
Stimulants vs. non-stimulants
One reason not to go on stimulants is they are so highly controlled in the state of Texas. Prescriptions for stimulants must be dispensed with a hand written prescription and this sometimes leads to frustrations for clients who must personally bring this to the drug store. Often times there is an expiration date on prescriptions as well. This is not the case for non-stimulants. Another thing to note is that stimulants have the potential for more side effects than other medications.
Non-stimulants are easier to administer and do not need a paper prescription. They are more subtle but equally effective. Strattera, a non-stimulant, can also be affected by medications you are on, so this is reviewed on a case by case basis.
On all medications we will consider your insurance coverage to see which will be best suited for you. As is true with all medications, it helps to check on prescription costs as dictated by your insurance company as one factor. Please note that costs may also vary from pharmacy to pharmacy if you are paying out of pocket.
Non-stimulants are easier to administer and do not need a paper prescription. They are more subtle but equally effective. Strattera, a non-stimulant, can also be affected by medications you are on, so this is reviewed on a case by case basis.
On all medications we will consider your insurance coverage to see which will be best suited for you. As is true with all medications, it helps to check on prescription costs as dictated by your insurance company as one factor. Please note that costs may also vary from pharmacy to pharmacy if you are paying out of pocket.
