ADHD ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT IN PORTSMOUTH, OHIO

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by ongoing patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning across settings such as work, school, home, and relationships.

People with ADHD may struggle with sustaining attention, organizing tasks, following through on responsibilities, managing time, and regulating impulses. These challenges are not due to lack of effort or motivation, but reflect differences in how the brain processes attention, control, and behavior.

Symptoms typically begin in childhood—often before age 12—but ADHD frequently continues into adolescence and adulthood. In adults, ADHD may look less like physical hyperactivity and more like restlessness, difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, disorganization, impulsive decision-making, or feeling constantly “on the go.”

ADHD can present in different ways:

• Predominantly inattentive presentation, where focus, organization, and follow-through are most affected

• Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation, marked by restlessness, impulsivity, and difficulty waiting or slowing down

• Combined presentation, involving both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity

To meet diagnostic criteria, symptoms must be present in more than one setting, persist over time, and cause meaningful impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning. ADHD symptoms are not better explained by another mental health condition, substance use, or situational stress alone.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in social communication, social interaction, and patterns of behavior, interests, or sensory processing. These traits are present from early development, though they may become more noticeable as social or environmental demands increase.

People with ASD may experience challenges with social reciprocity, nonverbal communication, and understanding or navigating relationships. This can include difficulty with back-and-forth conversation, interpreting social cues, maintaining eye contact, or adjusting communication across different settings. At the same time, many individuals with ASD bring unique strengths, perspectives, and ways of engaging with the world.

ASD is also associated with restricted or repetitive behaviors and interests, such as strong preferences for routines, difficulty with transitions or unexpected changes, repetitive movements or speech, highly focused interests, or differences in how sensory input is experienced. Sensory sensitivity or seeking behaviors may involve sound, light, texture, movement, or smell and can significantly impact comfort, focus, and daily functioning.

The presentation of ASD varies widely. Some individuals require more support with communication, daily tasks, or regulation, while others live independently but still experience challenges with attention, sensory overload, impulse control, anxiety, or emotional regulation, especially in complex or overstimulating environments.

ASD may occur with or without intellectual or language differences and frequently co-occurs with conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, tic disorders, or sleep difficulties.

Depressive Disorders – Low energy, brain fog, and difficulty processing information can affect memory, focus, and decision-making.

Bipolar Disorder – Episodes of mania can lead to impulsivity, racing thoughts, and difficulty maintaining attention, while depressive episodes may cause difficulty concentrating.

Anxiety Disorders – Excessive worry can make it hard to concentrate, stay present, or follow through on tasks due to mental overload and racing thoughts.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Persistent intrusive thoughts and compulsions can disrupt focus and lead to impulsive behaviors.

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when an impact to the head disrupts normal brain functioning. A TBI may involve one or more of the following:

• Loss of consciousness

• Amnesia after brain trauma

• Disorientation or confusion

• Neurological signs, such as:

  • Brain injury seen on imaging

  • Seizures

  • Vision changes

  • Loss of smell

  • Weakness on one side of the body

Cognitive & Behavioral Changes After TBI

The effects of a TBI can vary widely from person to person. Many individuals experience challenges with attention, planning, decision-making, learning, and memory. Slowed thinking, difficulty processing information, and changes in social awareness are also common.

More severe TBIs (especially those involving bleeding, bruising of the brain, or penetrating injuries) can lead to additional cognitive difficulties, such as speech and language problems, trouble recognizing one side of space, or difficulty performing coordinated tasks.

Emotional, Personality, and Physical Effects

TBIs are frequently associated with changes beyond cognition, including:

• Emotional changes: irritability, low frustration tolerance, anxiety, mood swings

• Personality changes: impulsivity, apathy, suspiciousness, aggression, or reduced emotional control

• Physical symptoms: headaches, fatigue, sleep disturbances, dizziness, ringing in the ears, sensitivity to light or sound, loss of smell, and reduced tolerance to psychiatric medications

Short and long term substance use, intoxication and withdrawal can impact focus, judgment, and impulse regulation