ADHD Treatment Center in Atlanta, GA

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) occurs when there are hindrances in the brain. The nervous system’s functionality is disrupted, affecting attention, impulse control, and activity.

More than 8 million adults have ADHD, and many are completely aware. The symptoms are often ignored or self-diagnosed as stress or the consequences of a busy lifestyle.

Millions of children are diagnosed with ADHD, most occurring in adolescence between 12-17. Children tend to be diagnosed with ADHD because of environmental factors. Genetics makes it hard to determine ADHD in children because their bodies are still growing and developing. However, that does not entirely rule out genetics as a root cause.

When it comes to Georgia, ADHD is a public health concern. Below are facts related to ADHD specific to the state.

• The prevalence of ADHD in Georgia might be surprising. Close to 10% of children and adolescents in Georgia are diagnosed with ADHD each year.
• About 3 in 10 children with ADHD have anxiety.
• The average age of ADHD diagnosis is 7 years old.
• About 4% of American adults over 18 years old deal with ADHD daily.
• ADHD diagnoses among adults are growing four times faster than in children. That accounts for a 26.4% increase among children compared to 123.3% among adults.

ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, research has identified several key factors contributing to its development. Understanding these causes is crucial for proper treatment and support.

Genetic and Hereditary Factors

One of the most significant factors in ADHD development is genetics. Research has consistently shown that ADHD has a strong hereditary component, with studies suggesting it is 74-88% heritable. Children who have parents or siblings with ADHD are more likely to develop the condition themselves. Unlike some genetic conditions that are linked to a single gene, ADHD involves multiple genes working in combination, making it a complex genetic condition.

Brain Structure and Function

Neurological differences play a crucial role in ADHD. Brain imaging studies have revealed that people with ADHD often show differences in brain volume, particularly in regions that control attention and behavior. These differences extend to neurotransmitter levels, especially dopamine and norepinephrine, which are crucial for attention, motivation, and emotional regulation. Additionally, research has shown that individuals with ADHD may experience delayed maturation in certain brain regions and exhibit different patterns of brain activity compared to those without ADHD.

Environmental Influences During Pregnancy and Early Life

Environmental factors, particularly during pregnancy and early childhood, can significantly impact ADHD development. During pregnancy, several risk factors have been identified, including maternal smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use, and exposure to environmental toxins. High levels of maternal stress and pregnancy complications may also contribute to the development of ADHD. In early childhood, exposure to lead, traumatic brain injuries, severe early adversity, and extreme stress can all play a role in the manifestation of ADHD symptoms.

Dispelling Common Myths

It’s crucial to address common misconceptions about what causes ADHD. The condition is not caused by poor parenting, excessive sugar consumption, too much screen time, lack of discipline, or poor education. These myths can be harmful as they may prevent people from seeking proper medical attention and can contribute to the stigma surrounding the disorder.

Age-Specific Manifestations

In children, ADHD symptoms typically become noticeable between ages 3 and 6, often becoming more apparent when a child begins school. The way ADHD presents in adults is usually a continuation from childhood rather than a newly developed condition. However, many adults may receive their diagnosis later in life if their ADHD is not recognized during childhood. The presentation of symptoms can evolve over time, influenced by life experiences and developed coping strategies.

The Role of Brain Chemistry

The biochemistry of ADHD involves complex interactions between various neurotransmitters. Dopamine, which controls reward and pleasure centers, plays a crucial role in motivation and attention. Norepinephrine affects attention and arousal levels while also influencing executive functions. Serotonin impacts mood and social behavior and can affect impulse control. These chemical messengers work together in an intricate balance, and disruptions in their systems contribute to ADHD symptoms.

Prevention and Management Approaches

While ADHD cannot be prevented due to its strong genetic component, certain steps can help reduce risk and severity. These include avoiding smoking, alcohol, and drugs during pregnancy, protecting children from environmental toxins, maintaining a healthy pregnancy, and ensuring early identification and intervention when symptoms appear. Creating structured and supportive environments can also help manage symptoms effectively.

When someone is struggling with ADHD, it can often feel like they have too many tabs open in their brain, and they cannot stay on one page for very long. What should be an easy task can often become difficult to focus on and complete. The diagnosis of ADHD is characterized by inattention and hyperactivity or impulsivity that causes some form of interference in functioning.

Other signs of ADHD in children may include:

• Excessive daydreaming
• Forgetfulness
• Losing things
• Squirming or fidgeting
• Excessive talking
• Taking unnecessary risks
• Difficulty resisting temptation
• Difficulty working with others
• Trouble sustaining attention on a topic or conversation

Sometimes ADHD is not diagnosed in children. People may not realize until later that they are struggling with it. If you are an adult wondering whether you have ADHD, some symptoms include:

• Impulsiveness
• Disorganization
• Poor time management
• Excessive activity
• Mood swings
• Problems following through on commitments
• Inability to cope with stress

Our clients receive individualized treatment plans catering to their specific symptoms of ADHD, preexisting conditions, and underlying disorders. While we have several treatment options, each person’s care ultimately depends on their needs. 

Medication Management

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapies and counseling. MAT is safe and effective under the care of qualified professionals. MAT is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The specific type of medication used and the span of treatment varies depending on your particular needs.

Family Therapy

Family therapy is useful for treating ADHD. It provides understanding, support, and education for family members. It strengthens relationships by addressing the impact of ADHD on family dynamics.

A therapist leads the session with your loved ones. Family therapy intends to recognize the often complicated nature of family systems. This method can help individuals in recovery rebuild trust with their loved ones. This format works well with other evidence-based treatments.

Individual Therapy

One-on-one therapy focuses on each person’s unique needs. This therapeutic approach recognizes specific concerns, and therapists develop specialized goals for each individual. You work collaboratively with a therapist to create a plan that goes beyond the one-size-fits-all model, leading to greater self-awareness for our clients. 

Group Therapy

Group therapy involves two or more individuals working in a session together with a therapist. Having a support system of peers is essential to recovery. During group therapy, each participant takes turns expressing their struggles, feelings, experiences, and goals to maintain long-term recovery.

Our therapists tailor the sessions to specific topics that benefit each person. Those topics include understanding ADHD triggers, strategies for approaching social settings, and building healthy relationships.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychological treatment effective for various disorders, including ADHD. Research shows that CBT significantly improves functioning and quality of life.  

CBT effectively treats individuals with ADHD. CBT focuses on problem-solving and changing negative thought patterns. In addition, it is a goal-oriented approach. This sets our clients up for success because they work with their therapists to set realistic benchmarks for recovery.

If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, treatment is the first step in changing the behaviors associated with a disruptive life. Individuals need medical support from professionals who understand their specific concerns. 

The treatment team can develop individualized goals. Working collaboratively with each individual, treatment facilities can develop a plan beyond a standard model and create a personable and actionable set of guidelines instead.

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) benefits individuals struggling with ADHD. The program is ideal for patients needing more than outpatient care without 24/7 inpatient treatment. PHPs help individuals by providing a safe and structured environment with access to medical supervision, including therapy with family members and one-on-one and group therapy with individuals with the same disorder. 

PHP is also ideal for addressing the symptoms of ADHD and co-occurring substance mental health disorders because it includes individual and group therapy, medication management, and other experiential therapies. Individuals can access care during the day and return home in the evenings to continue their routines. They can practice new behaviors and build social connections in a supportive community. 

The Summit Wellness Group provides a supportive environment with our client’s needs in mind. Our treatment team has combined decades of experience in the mental health field. We have expertise in ADHD.

Our facility has current accreditation, licensing, and qualified staff. We understand your needs and provide the care you need. Our wide range of services provides the resources you need to overcome ADHD symptoms.

While our clients receive treatment, our clinicians ensure they are comfortable and in a calming environment. We support each person’s physical, emotional, and mental recovery. Therefore, we want our clients to know they are well cared for. Our amenities promote relaxation and privacy as needed.

At Summit Wellness Group, we practice core values for our clients to work toward improving their behavioral health.

• We treat everyone with dignity and respect.
• We are committed to integrity through ethical and quality care.
• We value honest and open communication.
• We give clients the tools to practice self-care and personal growth.

We have two locations in metro Atlanta.

• Our Midtown location is at 996 Huff Rd NW, Suite C, Atlanta, GA 30318.
• Our Roswell location is 745 Hembree Pl., Roswell, GA 30076.

Every aspect of our gorgeous treatment facility has been painstakingly crafted and designed to create the ideal environment for healing. Our Atlanta rehab centers are truly one-of-a-kind environments for our clients to heal.

Securing professional treatment for ADHD is a critical step towards a better quality of life. With help, symptoms are completely manageable. At The Summit Wellness Group, our compassionate and experienced therapists, counselors, and medical professionals are dedicated to helping you regain your life.

The level of care and treatment we provide can help someone throughout their life and is not limited to the time they spend with us. Our care extends into long-term recovery.

Overcoming ADHD is a major achievement. While we share clients’ pain as they enter our facility, we also share their happiness as they move on to the next chapter of their lives.

Make the first step and call 770-299-1677 to begin your treatment.