ADHD

Does your child or teenager struggle to stay focused at school, have a wandering mind, or have difficulty staying organized? If so, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be why. At Yuli MD Pediatrics in South Pasadena, California, Lourdes “Yuli” Mosqueda, MD, diagnoses and manages ADHD. If you have further questions regarding ADHD, call the office or send us an email today.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a common mental health condition that makes it difficult for children and teenagers to pay attention, focus, sit still, and stay organized. Dr. Yuli diagnoses and manages ADHD, as most children with the condition require continuous visits with a doctor. A membership with Yuli MD Pediatrics allows unlimited visits without deductibles or copays.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

The common ADHD symptoms include:

Inattention
Challenges with focus
Problems sitting still
Difficulty staying organized
Distractibility
Constant fidgeting
Interrupting conversations
Poor organization skills
Mood swings
Poor time management

When left untreated, ADHD can negatively affect children’s grades at school. It might also cause problems at work or in interpersonal relationships.

What causes ADHD?

The cause of ADHD isn’t clear, but some things may make your child more likely to develop it. Examples include:

Premature birth
Maternal smoking, alcohol, or drug use
A family history of ADHD
Lead or other toxin exposure during childhood might also contribute to ADHD.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

Dr. Yuli uses various methods to diagnose ADHD. She reviews your child’s symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle habits, as well as their current medication regimen. She completes a physical exam and asks detailed questions about their thought and behavior patterns during a psychiatric evaluation.

To detect or rule out underlying medical problems, she may suggest your child undergo blood tests, developmental screening, or other tests to make a final diagnosis. She also screens your child for anxiety or other mental health challenges.

How is ADHD treated?

The standard treatments for ADHD include making lifestyle changes, taking medications, and undergoing talk therapy to teach your child ways to manage their condition better. They may need more than one type of ADHD treatment and continuous medical monitoring to ensure exceptional results.

Encourage your child to have a routine, stay organized, break up large tasks into smaller tasks, and make to-do lists. Help them eat nutritious foods, get plenty of sleep, and engage in daily physical activity. Dr. Yuli can alter their treatment regimen if needed.

To help your child effectively cope with and minimize symptoms of ADHD, schedule an appointment at Yuli MD Pediatrics by phone or online today.