The standard definition you will find in most conventional medicine circles tells us that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic, debilitating disorder, known to impact interpersonal relationships, academic and professional achievement, as well as daily functioning.
While typically considered a disorder or dysfunction, ADHD actually has components that make it adaptively a good quality - allowing patients to perform, even hyperfocus, in ways that can benefit them. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work well if people are in work, school or social setting not ideally suited for their particular abilities or brain functionality.
While it’s true that ADHD is a chronic brain condition that can impact behavioral, cognitive, emotional and even physical functions, Dr. Kamen never takes a one-size-fits-all approach to ADHD. He does more of a deep dive and explores the issues related to work and home life or school and interpersonal situations.
Researchers have discovered notable differences in the nerve networks, brains and neurotransmitters of people with ADHD. It is one of the most common, widely studied disorders in school-age children. It is a function of neurodevelopment from before the age of 12. Although it exists throughout life, depending on the situation, the manifestation of its impact sometimes only becomes more apparent in adulthood, even though the condition has always been present.
Typically, individuals have found different ways to compensate. Perhaps they were the students who, although they did well in school, spent three times as much effort to accumulate the same level of knowledge. The extra effort required is not an issue of intelligence, but exudative function and lower than normal dopamine levels.
ADHD is a complex condition that calls for a complex understanding of how it is looked at – and how it can be managed best for each individual’s specific condition, unique life circumstances and personal goals.
ADHD can result in behavioral symptoms like fidgeting or hyperactivity, or a lack of activity. In terms of cognitive function, it can manifest as being absent minded or seeming distracted. It often translates into difficulty focusing, staying on task or paying attention.
There are three types of ADHD:
Depending upon the type of ADHD involved, symptoms may include:
The exact cause of ADHD is not known, nor is its etiology clearly understood. It is thought to involve a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors.
There are several aspects of the condition that appear to be relevant:
Genetics/Family History: A family history of ADHD is highly predictive of ADHD appearing in succeeding generations – with a heritability factor of 70-80 percent. Neurotransmitter imbalances (which may or may not be genetic) may also be implicated. Certain differences in brain structure/function may also be involved and in some cases, those too might be genetic.
Age: The precise number of people diagnosed with ADHD varies by gender and age. Exact figures vary, but estimates suggest 6 to 12 percent of children and 3 to 5 percent of adults have ADHD. So, clearly, ADHD prevalence is centered in childhood. It’s also important to note that ADHD presentation and assessment in adults differs from ADHD in children.
Gender: It is more often diagnosed in boys than girls – by 3:1 at that. But most clinicians do not believe it’s because boys are more likely to have ADHD. Boys simply tend to exhibit more noticeable outward-facing symptoms like hyperactivity while girls tend to have more passivity or inactivity, coupled with cognitive, internal symptoms.
Other factors: Recent research suggests that other factors may be involved in the prevalence of ADHD, including:
There are five major components to consider when addressing ADHD, and they include:
Testing and diagnosis fall under the first component, and the remaining components are all in the realm of how ADHD is treated.
While some medical providers require an in-person evaluation, it is entirely acceptable to test, diagnose and treat ADHD through virtual online care – and that includes the first step, which is testing.
The ADHD program at FamilyDoctorLive.com includes one required in-person visit per year, but it does not have to be in the testing and diagnosis stage.
Getting started with the ADHD diagnostics process usually involves filling out a self-assessment form. Typically, a self-assessment covers behavioral symptoms where ADHD affects your daily functioning. Assessments are just the first step in evaluating and diagnosing ADHD.
Diagnosis and medical treatment can only be provided by a licensed physician – but the physician consultation can be conducted either virtually or in person. In the course of the initial consultation, you may be asked questions regarding your behavioral and cognitive symptoms. During this process, Dr. Kamen will take a medical history and ask questions about your family history of ADHD. You will be screened for other conditions that may have similar symptoms in order to rule out other potential causes for your condition.
Dr. Geoffrey Kamen offers private, accurate medical diagnosis through online telehealth - with the option to receive same day medical treatment for ADHD symptoms.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, Dr. Kamen will discuss your ADHD treatment options and determine the right treatment for you. A myriad of treatment options exist, including:
Studies show that the effectiveness of cognitive therapy alone is not as effective as medication. Medication has simply been found to be superior in the treatment of ADHD. While there is still no cure for ADHD, Dr. Kamen can develop an individualized treatment plan that works for you. Reach out today to begin the process.
The patient can schedule visits as many times as needed in the membership plan. The cost of the program is $399 for the first month, then $99/month thereafter. The first month includes a neural cognitive assessment. The cost of your ECG will be included, including the initial test and repeat testing once per year.
The program also includes screening for:
Some add-ons include:
Please note that this program includes one required in-person visit per year in either of the Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Luis Obispo County offices. Home visits are available for an additional fee.
GET STARTEDDr. Kamen graduated from the Sackler School of Medicine in 2001. He works in San Luis Obispo County, CA, and specializes in Family Medicine, Adolescent Medicine, Geriatric Medicine and Pediatrics. His practice, FamilyDoctorLive.com, provides telehealth services throughout California and is expanding to include Washington, Utah, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Idaho and Texas.
In person visits are available in the Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Luis Obispo County offices.
What would it be like to experience ADHD-free living and renewed focus and concentration? Let our ADHD-focused treatment program at FamilyDoctorLive.com help set you free from ADHD! Call today at (805) 596-1565 or contact the office online.
