"ADHD is not about knowing what to do, but about doing what one knows."
-Dr. Russell Barkley
Denver ADHD Center Mission
ADHD affects millions of children, adolescents, and adults. While many imagine a child "bouncing off the walls," this is not what ADHD looks like for most individuals. Some will have only inattention symptoms. Others will be more impulsive rather than hyperactive. Many with ADHD will do fine in school or work because of the imposed structure or by being generally of higher intelligence, while others will struggle in these areas.
ADHD is not just a learning disorder! Many people with ADHD struggle in their personal lives. It is very common for ADHD to have negative effects on relationships. The symptoms of ADHD very often interfere with the ability to regulate one's emotions. People with untreated ADHD are often seen as lazy, sensitive, or "too much," and it can devastate their self-esteem. Because of the different ways ADHD can present, it is often missed completely or misdiagnosed. This is especially true for adults and for females of all ages.
There is reason to be hopeful! The Denver ADHD Center is committed to helping individuals and their families using scientifically supported methods for testing, treatment planning, and ongoing management. With an accurate diagnosis, treatment outcomes tend to be very positive! Most people with ADHD, with proper identification, treatment, and management, have a significant improvement in their quality of life.
Assessment and Diagnosis
In order to get the help that you need, properly identifying ADHD and other psychiatric diagnoses is crucial. The ADHD Center uses scientifically supported assessment methods to help you understand your diagnosis and the impact it has on your life. Testing for children, adolescents, and adults is available. Many other related concerns, such as learning disabilities, can also be assessed when relevant.
Medication Recommendation
Medication is typically the most recommended first line treatment for children, adolescents, and adults. There are a variety of medications available from your doctor that are both safe and effective for most people. Following your assessment, we will work with you and your physician to coordinate medication management in a thoughtful and conscientious manner.
Individual and Family Skills
Even with medication, most will benefit from learning skills and being taught how to arrange the environment to support their areas of challenge. People with ADHD cannot always "do what they know." Effective ADHD management is not about having insights or "training the brain" to overcome the ADHD. Instead, the focus is on creating support systems in the environment that are external, immediate, visual, and placed at the "point of performance" where and when they will be needed.