Health

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ADHD

By Laura Hickman, MSN, RN, FPMHNP-BC of Centric Behavioral Health

We’ve all heard the term ADHD, but what is it really? ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a disorder that makes it difficult for a person to pay attention and control impulsive behaviors. If these issues are ongoing and you feel that they are negatively impacting your life, it could be a sign of ADHD.

People who have ADHD have combinations of these symptoms:

• Overlook or miss details, make careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or during other activities. • Have problems sustaining attention in tasks or play, including conversations, lectures, or lengthy reading. • Seem to not listen when spoken to directly. • Fail to not follow through on instructions, fail to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace, or start tasks but quickly lose focus and get easily sidetracked. ♫ • Have problems organizing tasks and activities, such as doing tasks in sequence, keeping materials and belongings in order, keeping work organized, Welcome to Centric Behavioral Health managing time, and meeting deadlines.Your Arizona Mental Health Fitness Clinic • Avoid or dislike tasks that require sustained

WE FOCUS ON HOPE mental effort, such as

AND EVOLVING CHANGE! schoolwork or homework, or for teens and

SPECIALTIES older adults, preparing

Anxiety reports, completing

Attention Deficit Disorder forms, or reviewing

Autism Bariatric Surgery Patients Bipolar Disorder Bulimia Depression lengthy papers. • Lose things necessary for tasks or activities, such as school supplies,

OCD wallets, keys, paperwork,

PTSD eyeglasses.

Schizoaffective Disorder • Become easily distracted by unrelated thoughts

WE SERVE ALL AGES: Children (Ages 6+), Adolescents, Adults and Senior Adults or stimuli. • Forgetful in daily activities, such as chores,

Spring Evaluation $249 errands, returning calls, and keeping appoint-

Normally $300. Use your FSA, HSA or super bill for your insurance. Valid thru 3/31/2019 ments. • Getting up and mov602-441-2778 ing around in situations when staying seated 11201 N. Tatum Blvd. Ste. 300, Phoenix, AZ 85028 is expected, such as in www.CentricBehavioralHealth.org the classroom or in the office. • Running or dashing around or climbing in situations where it is inappropriate, or, in teens and adults, often feeling restless. • Blurting out an answer before a question has been completed, finishing other people’s sentences, or speaking without waiting for a turn in conversation.

Showing these signs and symptoms does not necessarily mean a person has ADHD. Many other problems, like anxiety, depression, and certain types of learning disabilities, can have similar symptoms. It is important to find a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner or a Psychiatrist who will take the time to learn all about you or your child in order to correctly diagnose and provide the correct medications.

What should I do if I feel that my child or I have ADHD?

ADHD is commonly treated with medication, education or training, therapy, or a combination of treatments. There are many different types and brands of medications—all with potential benefits and side effects. Sometimes several different medications or dosages must be tried before finding the one that works most effectively. Anyone taking medications must be monitored closely by their prescribing psychiatric nurse practitioner or psychiatrist. For many people, ADHD medications reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and improve their ability to focus, work, and learn.

What do I do if my medications aren’t working?

It is important to have a provider who takes the time to look at the individualized struggles. One tool that should always be used is to obtain the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale (VADRS) from teachers. This allows the provider to determine if functioning changes throughout the day or with certain subjects. It also helps to determine the proper timing of medication administration. Nutrition, sleep, and gaming practices are also variables to consider and should be discussed.

What are the risks if I don’t treat ADHD?

It is imperative to treat ADHD and to treat it early on. The risks and benefits of treatment with medications should always be discussed, however, many times the risks of NOT treating ADHD can be much worse and are frequently overlooked. Examples are; academic challenges, social struggles, greater substance use risk, car accidents, and less likely to attend or graduate from college. For adults, untreated ADHD also affects job performance and lifetime earnings, marital satisfaction, and increases the likelihood of divorce.

Five Tips for Transitioning into Retirement

Retirement brings the end of a chapter in your career and the start of a new lifestyle. This unique transition can bring a myriad of emotions, most commonly ones of excitement and apprehension. If you’re pondering retirement in the next year or so, here are fi ve tips to help you transition smoothly into retirement.

1. KNOW THE TRANSITION COULD TAKE

WEEKS – OR MONTHS. Establishing your new normal of volunteer work, an encore career or helping family will take time. If you’re married, remember that your retired status may affect your spouse’s routine, too. Talk openly about how you’re feeling.

2. COMMUNICATE YOUR RETIREMENT

PLANS WITH FAMILY MEMBERS.

Will you be visiting grandkids more often? Starting a business you’ll want support with? Continuing to host family get-togethers? Planning to move or purchase a retirement home? Open communication reassures your kids that you’re fi nancially prepared; allows you to remind your family about your estate and legacy plans; and it establishes a safe space for both sides to discuss potentially challenging money topics.

4. EVALUATE YOUR FINANCES. It’s common to revise your spending and activities after experiencing the fi rst few weeks away from your primary job, so it’s okay if you need to adjust how much you withdraw from your accounts each month. If you want to increase your spending, calculate what that means for your later retirement years. Consult a fi nancial advisor for guidance on how to make your money last while living the lifestyle you desire.

5. RESET YOUR ATTITUDE. Retirement is not the ultimate fi nish line, even if it may feel like one at times. Experiencing a lot of emotions is common but try to focus on what you’re excited about in this next chapter. Talk to friends, family and professionals in your life for support along the way.

Renee A. Hanson, CFP®, ChFC®, CEP® , CDFATM, CFS®, is a Private Wealth Advisor with Affi nity Wealth Advisory Group, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Phoenix, Arizona. She specializes in fee-based fi nancial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 27 years. To contact her visit www.affi nitywealthadvisor.com or call (602) 923-9800. Her offi ce is located at 7010 E. Chauncey Lane, Suite #200, Phoenix, AZ 3. MAINTAIN HEALTHY HABITS. Prioritize 85054-3115. Putting the needs of clients first is the approach I believe in. I’ll work with you to find the right financial solutions to help you plan for your unique goals. And together, we’ll eating healthy, sleeping well, staying fi t and maintaining friendships in your new Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser track your progress over time, adjusting your plan along the way to help get you where routine. you want to go.

Renee A. Hanson CFP®, CEP®, CDFA®, CFS®, ChFC®, APMA®

Private Wealth Advisor

Affinity Wealth Advisory Group

A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

602.923.9800

7010 E. Chauncey Ln Ste 200 Phoenix, AZ 85054 renee.a.hanson@ampf.com affinitywealthadvisor.com

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.

Happy Hour | 7 Days 3pm-7pm 50% off cocktails, beer, wine by the Glass. 25% off all shared plates and discounted select sushi items

Teppanyaki | Voted Best of the Valley Let the excitement begin when you dine at one of our ten teppanyaki tables. 2 guests or 20+ guests, kasai asian grill teppanyaki is sure to amaze

private dining | special events Contact us today to discuss your private dining or special event needs

Come check us out ❱

Kasai Asian Grill 14344 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85254 kasaiscottsdale.com | (480)607-1114 Sun-Thurs 3pm-10pm | Fri-Sat 3pm-12am Ages 3-12 15% off your Teppanyaki Dinner

Kasai Asian Grill | kasaiscottsdale.com | (480)607-1114 Must present this coupon at time of order. Limit 1 coupon per table per visit. Must surrender coupon at time of redemption. Offer not valid and cannot be combined with any other coupon or offer. Coupon has no cash value. This offer is valid through Mar. 31, 2019. For more information please contact Kasai Asian Grill.

Ages 3-12 Summer Day Camps

May 28- August 2

day camps

Health day camps& fitness while having a blast!

Health & fitness while having a blast!

(480)596-3543 (480) 596-3543 xtremegymnastics.com xtremegymnastics.com 15821 N. 79th St #3, Scottsdale, AZ 5821 N. 79th St #3, Scottsdale, AZ