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ADHD

Gaffar Syed MD

Internal Medicine & Primary Care Practices located in Frederick, MD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is widely perceived as a pediatric health issue. However, about 4.4% of American adults also live with ADHD. At his practice in Frederick, Maryland, Gaffar Syed, MD, diagnoses and treats  adults with ADHD, providing customized care to relieve their symptoms and enhance their overall health. Call Dr. Syed today or schedule a consultation online for expert ADHD treatment.

ADHD Q & A

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a mental health condition that affects your ability to pay attention and regulate impulses. While doctors usually diagnose ADHD in children, millions of Americans struggle with this condition into adulthood. 

ADHD can interfere with your quality of life, affecting your success at school or work, relationships, and self-confidence. Medical researchers don’t understand the causes of ADHD, although they have identified links with premature birth, brain injuries, and maternal health during pregnancy. 

What are the signs of ADHD in adults?

Adults are more likely to demonstrate inattentive symptoms and low impulse control instead of typical hyperactive symptoms. For example, some of the common signs of ADHD in adults include:

  • Disorganization
  • Poor prioritization
  • Poor time management 
  • Decreased concentration or focus
  • Trouble multitasking
  • Low frustration tolerance or short temper
  • Trouble managing stress
  • Trouble completing tasks or following through

While everyone experiences these symptoms at some point during their lives, persistent symptoms that disrupt your life or cause distress are signs of a problem. Additionally, adults with ADHD often have another mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety.

How is ADHD treated?

Dr. Syed begins with a consultation to learn about you, your symptoms, and your overall health. He also runs tests for other conditions that could contribute to your symptoms. Dr. Syed reviews your medical history and lifestyle before working with you to create a customized treatment plan to relieve your symptoms and restore your quality of life. 

Medication

If necessary, Dr. Syed can prescribe medication to regulate your brain chemistry and reduce your symptoms. Depending on your specific needs, he prescribes either stimulants or nonstimulants, which can improve your focus and impulse control.

Counseling

Counseling can help you learn methods to regulate your behavior. For example, if you have poor organization and time-management problems, you can learn techniques to improve these skills. You might also work on controlling your temper or responding to your impulses differently. 

Lifestyle modifications

Dr. Syed wants to help you improve all aspects of your health and well-being, and lifestyle modifications can make a massive difference to your quality of life. For example, adding physical activity to your daily routine can help you burn off extra energy and improve your mood. You might also find that reducing sugar, preservatives, and processed foods enhances your overall body function and reduces your symptoms. 

Dr. Syed offers highly personalized treatment plans for ADHD. If you’re concerned about your mental or physical health, call Dr. Syed or make an appointment online today.