Symptoms
Testing
Treatments
What does it mean to have ADD or ADHD?
ADD and ADHD arise from a brain disorder that affects your ability to control impulses, organize activities, and focus your attention. The emotional and behavioral symptoms caused by ADD and ADHD are grouped into two categories: hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattentiveness.
If you have ADD, you struggle with regulating attention. Patients diagnosed with ADHD have attention challenges and problems with hyperactivity and impulsivity.
The symptoms of ADD and ADHD are noticeable by the age of 12 years. However, many patients aren’t diagnosed until adulthood. The symptoms or patterns of behavior are severe enough to interfere with each patient’s ability to socialize and to succeed at home, school, and work.
Examples of inattentive behavior include:
- Being easily distracted
- Having trouble managing time
- Making reckless mistakes
- Frequently losing items
- Finding it hard to follow instructions
Examples of hyperactivity and impulsivity include:
- Being hyperactive and constantly on the go
- Having difficulty taking turns
- Fidgeting or squirming when seated
- Talking excessively or interrupting often
- Starting but seldom finishing projects
People with ADD and ADHD also have a weak working memory, which affects their ability to store and organize new information.
How are ADD and ADHD diagnosed?
During your initial clinical interview, Dr. Asif learns about challenging behaviors and how you engage with others. This basic information is needed to determine whether the diagnosis is ADD, ADHD, or another mental health issue.
Dr. Asif is an expert in cutting-edge neurotechnology, such as quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG), which precisely identifies areas of the brain that are underperforming. QEEG records brain waves using electrodes attached to your scalp. Then an advanced computer produces a map showing your brain activity.
The first QEEG establishes your baseline performance, then subsequent QEEGs taken during your treatment reveal exactly how your brain function is improving. Dr. Asif may also recommend other advanced diagnostic testings, such as cognitive and biostress tests.
How are ADD and ADHD treated?
ADD and ADHD require a multimodal treatment plan that addresses all the complex factors contributing to each patient’s problems. As a mental health wellness physician, Dr. Asif develops customized treatment that improves brain function, using therapies such as:
Neuropsychotherapy
Dr. Asif offers several types of psychotherapy to help patients with ADD or ADHD learn to manage behaviors and organize their time, but he adds another innovative dimension that improves results: QEEG. As a specialist in neuropsychotherapy, Dr. Asif measures your brain waves throughout your therapy, allowing him to see brain changes and adjust your treatment in real-time.
Psychopharmacology
Many patients with ADD and ADHD are treated with stimulant medications that improve their attention. Medications, however, are only a temporary fix for symptoms. Once you stop taking the medication, your symptoms return. Dr. Asif may prescribe medication in the short term, but he offers a better option: treatment that physically improves your brain function so you won’t need medication.
Neuroenhancing therapies
As a pioneer in the field of neuroenhancement, Dr. Asif offers several effective neuroenhancing therapies in the office, including:
Neurofeedback therapy
Using the revolutionary Brain Master AVATAR™, a neurofeedback system that combines QEEG with neurofeedback software, Dr. Asif can target a precise brain area and display its brain wave activity on a monitor.
Patients of all ages can learn to change their brain waves by watching real-time brain wave changes on the monitor. As they continue to engage in neurofeedback, their brain rebuilds connections and improves the under-functioning areas that contribute to ADD and ADHD.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
This is a safe treatment that treats a targeted area of your brain with magnetic impulses. The impulses increase nerve activity, which in turn improves ADD and ADHD.
Photobiomodulation
Photobiomodulation is another advanced technology that uses infrared light to safely stimulate structures inside each nerve, promoting better function and healing within your brain.
If you or your child suffers from attention or hyperactivity problems, call Brain Wellness Center or schedule an appointment online. While they don’t accept insurance, you receive an itemized bill with CPT codes that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.
