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Are you unable to focus for long periods that hampers you at work, school, or in your personal life? At Essential Mental Healthcare, PLLC, in Chandler, Arizona, and Boise, Idaho, board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Frances Spink, DNP, MSN, MBA, PMHNP-BC, can help. She diagnoses and treats attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in clients 9 and older. Schedule an in-person or telepsychiatry ADHD evaluation today by phone or online.
ADHD Q & A
What is ADHD?
ADHD affects the ability of children, teenagers, and even adults to focus and sit still. ADHD is characterized by inattention, fidgeting, and hyperactivity, which often makes achieving everyday goals challenging without the right treatment. See the Essential Mental Healthcare, PLLC, experts at the first sign of troublesome ADHD symptoms.
Which symptoms can ADHD cause?
ADHD can cause the following symptoms:
- Poor ability to stay organized or multitask
- Problems focusing
- Difficulty sitting still
- Impulsive decision making
- Low frustration tolerance
- Mood swings
- Fidgeting
- Problems completing tasks
- Poor time management skills
ADHD can cause poor workplace performance, low grades at school, and interpersonal relationship conflicts.
What might increase the risk of ADHD?
The exact cause of ADHD isn’t clear, but probable risk factors include:
- Family history of ADHD
- Lead or other toxin exposure as a child
- Problems with central nervous system development
- Being born prematurely
- Smoking, drinking, or using drugs during pregnancy
Avoiding toxin exposure and adopting healthy habits, particularly during pregnancy, seem to lower the risk of ADHD.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
Dr. Spink diagnoses ADHD after completing a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation in person or via telehealth. She discusses your medical history, mental health history, symptoms, medications, lifestyle, and more. Dr. Spink also addresses your emotions, behaviors, thoughts, and mood to detect or rule out depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.
Essential Mental Healthcare, PLLC, uses GenSight® genetic testing to determine which mental health medication best matches your genetic makeup.
How is ADHD treated?
Treating ADHD typically involves making lifestyle changes, undergoing psychotherapy, taking medication, or a combination of treatments. Essential Mental Healthcare, PLLC, offers in-person and virtual cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other therapies that help change habits that prevent you from thriving.
Dr. Spink suggests creating a regular routine, making to-do lists, eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, minimizing stress, and getting plenty of sleep.
She can also help you or your child access the community resources needed to flourish at school or work and follow up to ensure the success of your treatment.
Call the office or use the online booking feature to schedule an ADHD evaluation at Essential Mental Healthcare, PLLC, today.