Also known as ADHD or AD/HD or ADD this most common of childhood psychiatric disorders is a neurobehavioral and developmental disorder. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the key behaviors of ADHD starting before seven years of age. The symptoms of ADHD can at times be difficult to define because it is hard to draw the line where normal levels of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity end and clinically significant levels requiring intervention begin. To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be observed in two different settings for six months or more and to a degree that is greater than other children of the same age.
ADHD is the most commonly studied and diagnosed psychiatric disorder in children, affecting about 3 to 5 percent of children globally and diagnosed in about 2 to 16 percent of school-aged children. It is a chronic disorder with 30 to 50 percent of those individuals diagnosed in childhood continuing to have symptoms into adulthood. Adolescents and adults with ADHD tend to develop coping mechanisms to compensate for some or all of their impairments. It is estimated that 4.7 percent of American adults are estimated to live with ADHD.
It is diagnosed two to four times as frequently in boys as in girls, though studies suggest this discrepancy may be partially due to the subjective bias of referring teachers. Its symptoms can be difficult to differentiate from other disorders, increasing the likelihood that the diagnosis of ADHD will be missed in some cases while in others it may be overdiagnosed.
Carolina Integrative Clinic’s comprehensive integrative approach to treating ADHD includes a combination of diet and other lifestyle changes, supplements including vitamins, behavior modifications, counseling, and other scientific proven modalities. Medications may also be used sparingly and as needed.
Integrative medicine is healing-oriented medicine that focuses on the ‘whole’ individual (body-mind-spirit) and all aspects of lifestyle. Integrative medicine makes use of appropriate therapies, both conventional medicine, and alternative-based treatment modalities. Based on this model the physician takes the time to listen and understand the child and parents’ ideas and choices and incorporates their feedback into the treatment plan.
Call us today to get evaluated at 919-869-6661