ADD / ADHD
ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Previously called Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), it's a condition that mainly affects children and makes it hard for them to focus, stay still, or control their actions. You might hear people say ADHD when talking about kids who have trouble paying attention, are very active, or act without thinking.
At Shore Clinical TMS & Wellness Center, we understand the challenges that come with ADHD. We offer compassionate care and innovative TMS therapy to help improve attention and reduce hyperactivity, supporting children and their families on their journey toward better health.
Types of ADHD
Inattentive ADHD: These children primarily have trouble focusing and staying on track. However, hyperactivity or impulsiveness are not significant issues.
Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD: The rarest of the ADHD types, where children may be impulsive, in that they may act without thinking, or constantly interrupt others. They may also be very talkative and find it difficult to sit still. But they normally don’t have much difficulty paying attention.
Combined ADHD: This is the most common type of ADHD, in which children are both hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive. They can get easily distracted and have trouble paying attention.
Causes of ADHD
The precise cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) remains unclear, though it's believed to stem from a combination of factors like:
Genetic Factors: ADHD often runs in families, suggesting that it's inherited. Parents and siblings of those with ADHD are more likely to have it.
Brain Function and Structure: Differences in brain structure and how neurotransmitters (chemicals transmitting brain signals between nerve cells) work may lead to ADHD, too. Brain scans show differences in certain brain areas in people with ADHD.
Risk Groups: Premature birth, low birth weight, epilepsy, and brain damage increase the risk of ADHD. Smoking or alcohol use during pregnancy, and other environmental factors, may also contribute to this condition’s development.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD
Children usually display symptoms before age 6 and across various settings. Some of the common indications include:
Inattentive ADHD
- Short attention span, especially for age
- Difficulty listening and attending to details
- Easily distracted and forgetful
- Poor organizational and study skills for age
Hyperactivity
- Constantly in motion without a clear purpose
- Struggling to stay seated, often fidgeting
- Excessive talking and difficulty with quiet, leisurely activities
- Frequently losing or forgetting things and shifting tasks without completing any of them
Impulsivity
- Frequently interrupting others
- Too impatient to wait for their turn
- Blurting out answers out of turn
- Engaging in risky behavior without much thought
Related Conditions
Children with ADHD may also have coexisting conditions like anxiety, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), depression, or learning difficulties.
ADHD in Adults
ADHD isn't just a childhood condition - it also affects many adults. While symptoms often start in childhood, they can persist into adulthood, sometimes going unrecognized until years later. In adults, symptoms may not be as obvious as in children, with hyperactivity often decreasing but issues with impulsivity and attention remaining. Research suggests that about 4% to 5% of adults in the U.S. have ADHD.
ADHD Symptoms in Adults
Adults having ADHD can face problems with:
Concentration
- Difficulty focusing and following directions
- Memory problems and forgetfulness
- Poor task organization and procrastination
Emotional Regulation
- Anxiety, depression, and mood swings
- Impulsivity and difficulty controlling anger
- Low self-esteem and relationship problems
Behavioral Patterns
- Restlessness and edginess
- Speaking out of turn and interrupting
- Taking risks without considering consequences
Treating ADHD With TMS Therapy
At Shore Clinical TMS & Wellness Center, we understand the multifaceted nature of ADHD and provide compassionate care alongside innovative treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy.
TMS therapy works by sending targeted magnetic pulses to areas of the brain that are underactive in people with ADHD. These pulses help to 'wake up' these areas, enhancing neural activity and connectivity. Over time, this stimulation can lead to improvements in attention, focus, and impulse control.
Our personalized approach aims to offer comprehensive support, so that people may effectively manage their symptoms and enhance their overall well-being. Contact us today to learn more about how TMS can help manage your or your loved one’s ADHD symptoms.