Behavioral Consultations

Children with behavior problems often cause concern among parents as they may not be able to handle certain disruptive or inappropriate behaviors. A behavioral consultation allows our doctor to observe your child's natural activity and interaction, as well as interview the parents, teachers or other involved adults, in order to assess behavior and develop a solution.

Consultations can be performed at any age, but are most common among school-age children. Your doctor will work together with you and your child in order to develop an individualized treatment plan that will be followed through and monitored by subsequent consultations.

Anxiety

Generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, is a psychiatric problem in which anxiety is not a temporary state but a chronic condition. While it is normal for all individuals to worry about an upcoming event such as an examination or job interview, patients with GAD are in a perpetual state of anxiety, unable to relax. The disorder may become so severe that it interferes with school, work or relationships. GAD is a very common disorder, affecting millions of individuals in the United States alone. More than twice as many women as men suffer from the disorder.

Depression

Depression is a medical condition that causes extreme feelings of sadness and emptiness. People who suffer from depression may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed and experience a constant feeling of hopelessness on a daily basis. Depression, also known as clinical or major depression, may be triggered by certain events or occur along with other illnesses. Severe depression can interfere with a person's ability to work, sleep, eat, interact with others or enjoy life. With treatment, however, depression can become a manageable condition.

Depression is an emotional disorder characterized by long-term feelings of sadness and hopelessness that affect an individual on a daily basis. In addition to major depression, there are other types of depressive disorders that can develop as a result of certain situations or related factors in a person's life. Some of these disorders may be temporary and may occur at different times in a person's life.

Anger Management

Anger management is the process of learning to recognize the signs of one's own encroaching anger and mastering techniques to deal with it safely and effectively. While anger is a normal, healthy emotion, in many people it becomes excessive and out of control, resulting in damaged relationships, employment difficulties, and even physical violence. Uncontrolled anger not only causes disharmony and pain, it is a frequent cause of criminal behavior. In recent years, there has been increasing recognition of how widespread issues with anger are and how greatly they affect the world around us. This has resulted in the development of various anger management techniques designed to channel anger in constructive ways.

Nutrition

Proper diet is essential to maintaining good health. Keeping the body well-nourished and at a healthy weight has been proven to improve mood, quality of life and longevity. It may also go a long way in preventing or controlling many serious illnesses. Obesity, which has now reached epidemic proportions in the United States, and an enemy of good health, can be kept at bay through proper nutrition along with a program of healthy exercise.

ADHD

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition that affects children, with symptoms often continuing into adulthood. Common symptoms of ADHD include inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. ADHD affects the behavior of children both at home and in school. According to the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately eleven percent of children in the United States are diagnosed with ADHD. Boys are more commonly diagnosed with this condition than girls. Children with ADHD often struggle in school, have poor self-esteem and may be at an increased risk for drug and alcohol abuse as they get older. With treatment, however, most people with ADHD can lead successful and productive lives.

Diagnosis

In many cases, in addition to a parent, a teacher may notice symptoms of ADHD in a child if they have trouble concentrating or misbehave in school. If ADHD is suspected, the child is first referred to a pediatrician who will perform a full physical evaluation and rule out any other medical conditions.

A mental health specialist, such as a psychologist, is often consulted for a full evaluation of the child. There is no specific test for ADHD but the specialist will gather information about the child, interview the parents, and the child individually and possibly the child's teachers and other caregivers. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, the child must also exhibit at least six of the symptoms listed for either inattentiveness, hyperactivity or impulsiveness. If the child meets the criteria for ADHD, he or she will be diagnosed with the disorder.

Treatment

Once a child has received a diagnosis of ADHD, a treatment plan is developed. Treatment may vary depending on the child, and is often jointly decided upon by the parents, the child's doctor and a psychologist or psychiatrist. Treatment for ADHD usually includes therapy, medication or a combination of both.

Medication
For many children, ADHD medications reduce hyperactivity and impulsiveness and improve their ability to focus, work, and learn. Common ADHD medications include stimulant drugs such as ritalin or concerta, that help to balance the levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. It is important, however, to keep in mind that medications do not cure ADHD, they help to control the symptoms for as long as they are taken.

Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy aims to teach children how to manage their own behavior. It may also help children with organization,completing schoolwork and tasks, or working through difficult emotions. Parents and teachers may also be given strategies for controlling behavior through rewards systems.
In some cases, family therapy may be effective in helping families that have a child with ADHD. Successful treatment for ADHD usually involves a partnership between a child's parents, teachers and medical provider.

Symptoms of ADHD may subside as children get older, but many people also suffer into adulthood. It is important for children with ADHD to see their doctors on a regular basis to monitor medication levels, and continue any other effective treatment methods.