Adults Struggling with ADHD
Meet Adult ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Coach, Dr. Dawn Brown, a double-board certified adult psychiatrist, who founded The ADHD Wellness Center in Houston to better support the city’s adult ADHD community. After earning her doctorate degree in Adult Psychiatry from the Saint Louis University’s School of Medicine she continued studying Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
In addition to her years of studies and training, Dr. Dawn offers a unique insight into the ADHD condition. Known as the “MD with ADHD”, she was diagnosed with ADHD herself while completing her child psychiatry fellowship program. Being an adult ADHD patient herself, she is able to understand the challenges that come with the disorder and its treatment, making her an effective adult ADHD pharmacological manager, ADHD coach and a strong advocate for her own patients and their families.
Noticing a lack of awareness and support in Houston, Dr. Dawn committed herself to create a tolerant and compassionate community around adult ADHD patients and their families. In addition to running her two private practice clinics in Texas, she keeps herself busy with a full schedule of speaking engagements and media appearances all over Houston (Change from “all over Houston” to “throughout the nation” to increase awareness about adult ADHD. Her passion to provide safe and affordable access to ADHD coaching in Houston led her to establish The ADHD Wellness Center and founding The Mental Health Movement, a non-profit that works to reduce the stigma of mental illness.
What is ADHD, and how does it affect adults?
ADHD, is a neurological condition that affects a person’s ability to pay attention, sit still, and/or control their impulses. Adults with ADHD face a number of challenges, both personal and professional. They may experience concentration, learning and memory problems, anxiety, and/or depression, all of which might lead to them suffering from low self-esteem due to a long history of difficulty meeting life goals.
While there are three main categorizations, adults diagnosed with ADHD can show a range of symptoms and their behaviors vary. That’s why a consultation with an experienced ADHD psychiatrist is critical to obtain the right diagnosis and treatment.
Adult ADHD Diagnosis
If you feel that you’ve been showing ADHD behaviors, your first step is to book a consultation with Dr. Dawn Brown at The ADHD Wellness Center in Houston. As a double-board certified psychiatrist and someone who lives with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder herself, Dr. Dawn is an expert in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Adult ADHD diagnosis is a complex process, during which a doctor may use a number of different methods to determine whether the patient suffers from the condition and if so, how severely. During the initial consultation, there will be an ADHD evaluation. It will start with a few questions to gauge any challenges and stressors/triggers you might be experiencing, in addition to an interview with family members, such as a spouse or siblings, when appropriate.
Dr. Brown follows ‘the standard of care’ and requires ADHD testing as an objective means to evaluate and subsequently, to help properly determine an ADHD diagnosis. In her Houston office she administers the T.O.V.A., a computerized objective measure of attention and inhibitory control While not always required, you might be referred for neurological (replace “neurological” with “neuropsychological”) testing as it offers greater insight into the physical factors of the disorder, and can also rule out other conditions that may appear similar to ADHD. Once she has made an ADHD diagnosis, Dr. Dawn can provide options for effective treatment, whether it be behavioral tools for managing adult ADHD and/or medication to help lessen its symptoms.
Adult ADHD Treatment
Many adults dealing with ADHD believe that the only way to treat the disorder is through medication. While some prescription medicines can help combat the symptoms of adult ADHD, Dr. Dawn takes a comprehensive approach to treat the condition, acting also as an ADHD coach. Her goal is to optimize your so-called disability into an AMAZE-ABILITY! “™” behind “Amaze-Ability.”
People are different, which means that ADHD can manifest itself differently in each patient. Whether it’s impulsivity, lack of attentiveness, or restlessness, Dr. Dawn utilizes a variety of methods for treatment. From behavior therapy to non-stimulant solutions to prescriptions, she employs a balanced course of treatment tailored particularly for each patient. She stresses the importance of a strong support system, a healthy diet, and a regular routine that includes exercise. In doing so, she treats the person as a whole rather than a collection of symptoms.
The ADHD Wellness Center is here for all YOUR ADHD needs!
Less than 20 percent of adults with ADHD have been diagnosed or treated, and only about a
quarter of those adults seek assistance.* There’s no reason for you to become part of that statistic! If you live in Houston and you’ve been questioning whether your impulsive and restless tendencies are symptoms of adult ADHD, don’t waste another minute wondering. Living with ADHD might be your reality, but it doesn’t have to be a struggle. There’s a growing community of adults diagnosed with ADHD in Houston who are waiting to support you. Book your appointment at The ADHD Wellness Center in Houston today!
How to Get an Official ADHD Diagnosis
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