ADHD
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Ocean View Neuropsychiatry
Child Psychiatrists located in Newport Beach, CA
An estimated 11% of American children are diagnosed with ADHD each year. At Ocean View Neuropsychiatry’s two locations in Laguna Beach and Irvine, California, Ashraf Elmashat, MD, and Mohamed Yaser Elatrozy, MD are highly experienced in both diagnosing and treating ADHD. They offer customized treatment plans that include therapy and medications to help your child better manage ADHD symptoms so they can thrive at home and school. Learn more about ADHD and your options for treatment by calling the office today or book an appointment online.
ADHD Q & A
What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a chronic condition that can interfere with the healthy growth and development of your child. ADHD makes it difficult for your child to pay attention at home or in school. It may also make your child feel persistently restless and exhibit impulsive behaviors.
As a result of ADHD, children may also:
- Be easily distracted
- Have low self-esteem
- Interrupt conversations
- Have difficulty following directions
- Be unable to sit still for periods of time
While healthy children of all ages may struggle with impulsivity, symptoms that last for 6 months or longer may be the direct result of ADHD. These symptoms often develop in children between ages 3 and 6, but may occur later in childhood.
What causes ADHD?
The root cause of ADHD isn’t well understood, but your child may be at increased risk for developing the condition due to:
- Genetics
- Premature birth
- Exposure to lead
Nervous system dysfunction may also play a role in the development of ADHD.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
Often, Dr. Elatrozy and Dr. Elmashat can diagnose ADHD after reviewing your child’s symptoms and behaviors. To rule out underlying medical conditions, the physicians may order additional testing, including blood work.
Dr. Elatrozy and Dr. Elmashat use specific screenings that can help confirm an ADHD diagnosis. During the in-office evaluation, they talk with your child at an age-appropriate level to assess your child’s development.
What treatments are available for ADHD?
Every child is unique and requires a different treatment plan to achieve the desired results. In some cases, behavioral modifications and talk therapy can be beneficial in helping your child succeed at home and at school.
Medications may also be useful in restoring the balance of brain chemicals to reduce episodes of inattention and hyperactivity. When medications are involved, Dr. Elmashat and Dr. Elatrozy closely monitor your child’s treatment and overall health. They may need to make frequent changes to the type or dosage of medications to achieve long-term symptom relief.
Because ADHD affects your child’s life at home and school, Dr. Elmashat and Dr. Elatrozy offer interventional resources to ensure your child has a solid support system inside and outside your home. They may recommend family therapy and coordinate care with other caregivers that are an active part of your child’s life.
Learn more about treatment options for ADHD by calling the office today. You can also book a consultation online at your convenience.
