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ADHD

If you find yourself constantly disorganized, late, forgetful, and overwhelmed by daily activities, you may be suffering from ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). ADHD affects the prefrontal cortex of the brain, where all of our planning and decision-making functions occur. Left untreated, ADHD can hinder everything we do in our daily lives, from school to career to relationships. With Clarity Clinic, you can speak to expert clinicians and receive treatment and ADHD medications in Illinois.
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ADHD Overview

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder identified by a pervasive pattern of inattention, lack of focus, and impulsivity/hyperactivity that affects executive functioning — basic functions of the brain that includes memory, organization, time management, and concentration. While it is typical for individuals – particularly children – to exhibit hyperactive, energetic behaviors at times, those with ADHD display intense, more consistent symptoms that interrupt daily life and can cause significant impairment in all areas of their life, affecting family dynamics and social interactions. ADHD was originally believed to be a childhood disorder that kids would eventually grow out of, but more research has shown that ADHD can last a lifetime and change from hyperactivity/impulsivity behaviors in kids to more inattention, lack of focus, and disorganization in adults. While more than 16 million Americans suffer from ADHD-related symptoms, many go undiagnosed and struggle with schoolwork, workplace functioning, and relationships. ADHD symptoms can manifest as early as 6 years old and symptoms must be present and consistent for at least six months for a clinical diagnosis. Clarity Clinic specializes in ADHD assessment and treatment, including medication evaluation and management, as well as psychotherapy.

What is the Difference Between ADHD and ADD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference. ADD is a type of ADHD, that doesn’t include the hyperactivity component – constant movement or fidgeting. However, ADD is no longer considered a separate disorder in the medical community and is lumped under ADHD with the subtype “Predominantly Inattentive.” Those with this subtype typically struggle with focus and concentration, and struggle with organizational issues but lack hyperactivity or impulsivity traits.

What are Executive Functions?

Executive functions are a set of mental processes that help you achieve your goals and manage yourself. Executing functioning skills taps into the frontal lobe part of your brain that is responsible for organization, memory, impulse control, concentration, focus, and detail orientation. When executive function skills aren’t working correctly, it can affect major life functions including learning, interactions with others, and being able to take initiative and work independently. Because ADHD affects executive functioning skills, those struggling with ADHD symptoms often have trouble with:

  • Keeping track of details and/or day-to-day appointments
  • Initiating goal-oriented behavior, such as finishing a project or cleaning your room
  • Maintaining focus, such as being able to watch a movie or read a book
  • Regulating emotions often lashing out at others and without mindful responses.
  • Difficulty with recall or short-term memory, often time forgetting what they wanted to say or misplacing things.

 

Signs and Symptoms of ADHD

Those with ADHD have a persistent pattern of symptoms that include:

  • Difficulty paying attention (Inattention)
  • Overly active (Hyperactivity)
  • Acting or doing without thinking things through (Impulsivity)

 

Testing for ADHD

A diagnosis of ADHD requires an evaluation by a licensed clinician such as a psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in ADHD. At Clarity Clinic, we offer ADHD diagnosis and treatment for children, teens, and adults aimed at understanding issues of inattention, impaired concentration, hyperactivity, and restlessness. These problems are not by definition a sign of ADHD but instead can indicate depression, anxiety, or some other mental health condition entirely. Sometimes these symptoms may be altogether subclinical and simply reflect normative shifts in cognitive functioning.

Additionally, Clarity Clinic offers comprehensive educational and psychological testing to assess a variety of functions – social development, memory, and cognitive – to rule out any other medical or psychiatric conditions before diagnosing ADHD.

Treatment for ADHD

Pharmacological and psychotherapy treatments have been shown to reduce symptoms and improve overall functioning. Clarity Clinic clinicians ensure a proper diagnosis to determine the source and nature of the attention deficits that kids and adults experience and guide them toward the proper treatments, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.

Our psychotherapists work in conjunction with the treatment team to individually tailor the treatments and therapies, which may include cognitive-behavioral psychotherapies, learning time-management strategies, and learning appropriate self-care. Our therapists also include psychoeducational training with parents and caregivers to provide at-home strategies to reduce maladaptive behavior and provide structure and routine to those struggling with ADHD symptoms. ADHD can also affect the overall family system, causing conflict and secondary family issues, we provide family therapy to identify skills to strengthen the unit as a whole.

Parents play an important role in providing structure, routine and teaching, and modeling skills to help children achieve their highest potential. Additionally, because ADHD can affect relationships in adults, causing conflict and turmoil, Clarity Clinic’s marriage and family therapists can work with couples to identify and recognize how ADHD symptoms can contribute to destructive cycles and negative interactions and find more constructive ways to manage those negative interactions.

Medication Management for ADHD

Medication management coupled with psychotherapy has proven to be an effective treatment in reducing symptoms of ADHD and improving overall functioning.

Medications to treat ADHD include stimulants and non-stimulants.

Stimulants

In general, stimulant medicines improve symptoms in about 70 out of 100 people who have ADHD. There are often quick and dramatic improvements in behavior. Stimulants are the most common type of medication prescribed for ADHD. While many people have concerns about these medications, they have the longest track record with the most research to back up their effectiveness.

Adderall – known by the generic name Dextroamphetamine-Amphetamine, is a stimulant used to treat ADHD. Adderall improves the part of the brain that controls executive functioning, helping those struggling with ADHD symptoms increase focus and concentration, reduce impulsive behaviors and help with organization and task completion.

Vyvanse – is also used to treat ADHD. Vyvanse has been shown to restore neurotransmitters in the brain to help increase focus and concentration, reduce restlessness, and improve organization skills.

Concerta – is also part of the stimulant class of drugs used to treat ADHD. Known by the generic name methylphenidate, Concerta works by changing certain types of chemicals in the brain that can improve executive functioning skills including focus and concentration, listening skills, and reduction in impulsive behavior. can also improve improves brain functioning

Non-Stimulants

Non-stimulants have been proven successful in the treatment of ADHD and are designed for children and teens or those who do not want stimulants to treat their symptoms.

Strattera – known by the generic name atomoxetine, is a non-stimulant medication used to treat ADHD. -Straterra has been approved for children and teens, as well as adults, and has been shown to improve attention and focus and reduce impulsive behavior and hyperactivity.

Clonidine –is also a non-stimulant ADHD medication approved for children and teens. Clonidine has also been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms, including distractibility, restlessness, and hyperactivity, as well as improve focus and concentration.

Antidepressants – Certain antidepressants are sometimes also recommended as many times those struggling with ADHD have co-existing disorders, such as depression.

According to studies, taking medicine for ADHD doesn’t increase the risk of substance abuse later. Many studies have found less alcohol and drug abuse in children and teens with ADHD who had taken stimulant medicines than in those who didn’t receive medicine. But because ADHD medications aren’t a cure, they must be taken continually, otherwise, the symptoms will return.

Family Therapy for ADHD

ADHD can impact not only the individual but also their family and social relationships. We understand the importance of a supportive environment and offer family therapy to help loved ones better understand ADHD and learn effective ways to provide support. By fostering a holistic approach, we aim to strengthen family bonds and create a more harmonious living environment.

Managing and Thriving with ADHD

At Clarity Clinic, we specialize in providing comprehensive support and effective strategies for managing and thriving with ADHD. Our dedicated team of professionals is here to help you understand your unique strengths and challenges, empowering you to lead a fulfilling life. Don't let ADHD hold you back any longer – take the important step towards a more focused and successful future by reaching out to schedule an appointment. Your journey to unlocking your full potential begins right here.

ADHD Providers

Elizabeth
Elizabeth Black, LCPC
Director of Clinical Therapy- Lakeview
Jessica
Jessica Selk, LPC
Therapy
Bellah
Bellah Kiteki, LPC
Therapy
Eldina
Eldina Okic, LCPC
Therapy
Rebecca
Rebecca Helm, LSW
Therapy
Peri
Peri Drury, Clinical Intern
Therapy
Ryan
Ryan Atkins, PA
Psychiatry
Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn Ehler, LSW
Therapy
Cesar
Cesar Feijoo, PA-C
PA-C
Hannah
Hannah Wychocki, PA-C
PA-C
Maisha
Maisha Lowery, LCPC
Therapy
Lauren
Lauren Isdale, NP
Nurse Practitioner
Hope
Hope Hirsch, LPC
Therapist
Nathaniel
Nathaniel Epstein, MA
Therapist
Gabriella
Gabriella Lerner, PA-C
PA-C
Cyrus
Cyrus Ma, PA-C
PA-C
Maggie
Maggie Semprevivo, LSW
Therapy
Kamille
Kamille Haywood, LSW
Therapy
Michelle
Michelle Augoustatos, LCSW
Therapy
Zachary
Zachary Delgado, LSW
Therapy
Nicholas
Nicholas Zaris, MA
Therapy
Jordyn
Jordyn Pope, MA
Therapist
Laurel
Laurel Meiborg, LSW
Therapy
Haley
Haley Tarling, LPC
Therapist
Debby
Debby Fox, MA
Therapist
Raul
Raul Andrade, MA
Therapist
Sarah
Sarah Tarabey, LCPC
Therapist
Kumail
Kumail Hussain, MD
Young Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist
Kyla
Kyla Goggin, LCSW
Therapist
Michele
Michele Sitorus, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Jaimee
Jaimee Jaucian, LCPC, BC-DMT
Therapy
Yenisis
Yenisis De Los Santos, LSW
Therapy
Sloan
Sloan Kodroff, LCPC
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Rahael
Rahael Mathew, LCPC
Therapist
Megan
Megan Becker, PA-C
PA-C
Emma
Emma Arsic, PA-C
PA-C
Paul
Paul Bamberger, PA-C
PA-C
Tonie
Tonie White, LCSW
Therapy
Jason
Jason Brescia, LCPC
Therapy
Sankrant
Sankrant Reddy, MD
Psychiatrist
Virginia
Virginia Harren, LCPC
Clinical Supervisor
Stephanie
Stephanie Osborne, PA-C
Psychiatry
Ashley
Ashley Seredynski, PA-C
PA-C
Christine
Christine Lantin, PA-C
PA-C
Brittney
Brittney Segoviano, LCPC
Therapist
Callie
Callie Perlman, LPC, NCC
Therapist
Maria
Maria Vasilopoulos, LPC, NCC
Therapy
Chad
Chad Gaynier, LCPC
Therapist
Bianca
Bianca Miller, LCPC
Therapist
Sean
Sean Saltzberg, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Victoria
Victoria Nieman, LCPC
Therapist
Timothy
Timothy Kaatman, MD
Psychiatry
Sudhakar
Sudhakar Shenoy, MD
Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist
Tara
Tara Ufer, LCPC, CADC
Therapist
Sharon
Sharon Koys, PA-C
PA-C
Sara
Sara Fakhri, MA
Therapy
Veronika
Veronika Schroeder, Clinical Intern
Therapy Clinical Intern
Sarah
Sarah Smith, MA
Therapy Clinical Intern
Sean
Sean Saltzberg, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Shanta
Shanta Gomez, LSW
Therapy
Reggie
Reggie Pacheco, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Sarah
Sarah Beerman, LCSW, CADC
Therapist
Renie
Renie Stoller-Zak, LCPC
Therapy
Sahar
Sahar Eftekhar, DO
General & Addiction Psychiatrist
Rebecca
Rebecca Gilfillan, MD
Psychiatrist
Rebecca
Rebecca Kuhn, PA-C
PA-C
Rachael
Rachael Pettinicchi, MA
Therapy Clinical Intern
Shelby
Shelby Gordon, LCSW
Therapy
Sonnie
Sonnie Cousins, MA
Therapy
Nicole
Nicole Ortiz, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Raymond
Raymond Monge, LPC, NCC
Therapy
Elana
Elana Horowitz, PA-C
PA-C
Pavan
Pavan Prasad, MD
Psychiatrist
Melissa
Melissa Melzer, LPC
Therapy
Mary
Mary Leighton, LPC
Therapy
Raymond
Raymond Myles, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Michael
Michael Colombatto, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Michela
Michela Stevenson, MA
Therapy
Lovea
Lovea Smith, LCPC
Director of Therapy– Loop
Mariyah
Mariyah Hussain, MD
Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist
Leslie
Leslie Wolf, LCPC
Therapist
Marc
Marc Sandrolini, MD
Psychiatry
Maddie
Maddie Barnes, LCSW, PMH-C
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Lindsey
Lindsey Ashamalla, PsyD (PD)
Therapist
Khrystyna
Khrystyna Helner, LPC, MBA
Therapist
Laura
Laura Schroeder, LCPC
Therapist
Katerina
Katerina Fager, LCPC
Clinical Specialist
Kelli
Kelli Lo, LSW
Therapy
Kiran Binal
Kiran Binal Maharaja, MD
Psychiatrist
Karen
Karen Richardson, LCSW, ICDVP
Therapy
Keri
Keri Perillo, LCPC, CADC
Therapy
Lizzie
Lizzie Ausland, LCPC, CADC
Therapist
Kimberlie
Kimberlie Kuehne, LCPC
Therapy
Katherine
Katherine Evans, LCPC
Therapist
Kalyan
Kalyan Rao, MD
Psychiatrist
Jonathan
Jonathan Kolakowski, MD
Psychiatrist
Karla
Karla Avila-Polanco, Clinical Intern
Therapy Clinical Intern
Judy
Judy Bitzer, LCPC
Therapist
Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn Delaney, MA, ATR-P
Therapy
James
James Histed, Clinical Intern
Therapy Clinical Intern
Keith
Keith Merrifield, LCSW, CCTP, ADHD-CCSP
Therapist
Julia
Julia Ray, Clinical Intern
Therapy
Kayleen
Kayleen Bare, LPC
Therapy
Jessica
Jessica Masbaum, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Erika
Erika Bielenstein, LCPC
Therapist
Janel
Janel Wenger, AMFT
Therapist
Ivy
Ivy Poma, PA-C
PA-C
Jeanette
Jeanette Marinier, PA-C
PA-C
Jamie
Jamie Schubert, PA-C
PA-C
Sherita
Sherita Hernton, PA-C
PA-C
Julie
Julie Daley, MSW
Therapy Clinical Intern
Hattie
Hattie Awe, Clinical Intern
Therapy Clinical Intern
Jodi
Jodi Randle, LCPC, CADC
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Emily
Emily Schaffer, PA-C
PA-C
Emily
Emily Maurer, LCPC
Therapist
Frank
Frank Sassetti, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Emily
Emily Street, PA-C
PA-C
Emily
Emily Shelton, LCPC, LMHC, CADC, CAGCS, CRSS
Therapy
Eric
Eric Buchkoe, PsyD (PD)
Therapy
Tyler
Tyler Basham, Intern
Therapy Clinical Intern
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Russell, Clinical Intern
Therapy Clinical Intern
Thomas
Thomas Thurlow, NP
Psychiatry
Dawn
Dawn Leatherman-Kulis, LCPC
Therapy
Savannah
Savannah Sullivan, PA-C
PA-C
Kathryn
Kathryn Ross, PA-C
Psychiatry
Summer
Summer Slininger, PA-C
PA-C
Irena
Irena Markova, PMHNP
Psychiatry
Ravali
Ravali Poreddy, MD
Psychiatrist
Ariella
Ariella Panos, PA-C
PA-C
James
James Ham, PA-C
Psychiatry
Rayna
Rayna Gorstein, PA-C
PA-C
Daniel
Daniel Shuter, LSW
Therapist
Victoria
Victoria Akhteebo, LPC
Therapy
Sierra
Sierra Purcell, PA-C
PA-C
Darian
Darian Carter, LPC
Therapy
Emily
Emily Hoag, MD
Psychiatrist
Ali
Ali Sheikha, PA-C
PA-C
Grace
Grace Starrs, PA-C
Psychiatry
Cassie
Cassie Donahue, PA-C
Psychiatry
Gayathri
Gayathri Ganesh, PA-C
PA-C
Stella
Stella Tantillo, LSW
Therapy
Samuel
Samuel Budyszewick, LCSW
Director of Therapy- Evanston
Sydney
Sydney Means, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Sara
Sara Pickens, LSW
Therapy
Ryan
Ryan Watters, LSW, CADC
Therapy
Samuel
Samuel Eckert, PA-C
PA-C
Cindy
Cindy Meraz, LPC
Therapy
Chloe
Chloe Wesley, Clinical Intern
Therapy
Nayeli
Nayeli Cruz-Castillo, LCPC
Therapy
Rafael
Rafael Lopez, MD
Psychiatrist
Nicholas
Nicholas Little, PA-C
PA-C
Samantha
Samantha Espinosa, MA
Therapy
Randi
Randi Schulman, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Savanna
Savanna Murphy, LSW
Therapy
Kaitlin
Kaitlin Digrispino, LPC
Therapy
Madison
Madison Gunter,
Therapy Clinical Intern
Scott
Scott Shadrick, PA-C
PA-C
Khadija
Khadija Manzoor, LPC, CRC
Therapy
Mira
Mira Ebalo, PA-C
PA-C
Lauren
Lauren Stanley, LCSW
Therapy
Meredith
Meredith Henry, LSW
Therapy
Mark
Mark Bey, LPC
Therapy
Samantha
Samantha Adjekum, LCPC
Therapy
Miriam
Miriam Mixon, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Joel
Joel Muller, Ph.D.
Director of Clinical Therapy- River North
Mary
Mary Ivory, LCPC
Therapy
Cynthia
Cynthia Sodini, LCSW
Therapy
Jessica
Jessica Baran, LCPC
Therapy
Justin
Justin Lee, PA-C
PA-C
Jacqueline
Jacqueline Campagna, MA, EdS
Therapy
Jordan
Jordan Valentic-Holden, MA
Therapy
Jerri
Jerri Ganz, LCSW
Therapy
Katherine
Katherine Cunningham, LPC, CADC
Therapy
Elia
Elia Narvaez-Mushtaq, LPC
Therapy
Heather
Heather Holmes, PA-C
PA-C
Sam
Sam Donham, LCPC
Therapy
Carol
Carol Briggs, LPC, NCC
Therapy
Emily
Emily Filip, PA-C
PA-C
Gloria
Gloria Aguilar, LPC
Therapy
Cristina
Cristina From, LPC, MS
Therapy
Emily
Emily Mathews, MA, ATR-P
Therapy
Autumn
Autumn Holtschlag, ALMFT, LPC
Therapy
Liz
Liz Hand, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Jenna
Jenna Jacobson, PA-C
PA-C
Dane
Dane Davlantis, LCPC
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Carolyn
Carolyn Tatar, AMFT
Therapist
Caitlin
Caitlin Daughtry, PA-C
PA-C
Camryn
Camryn Schmidt, PA-C
PA-C
Dillon
Dillon Pfau, LSW
Therapy
Bridget
Bridget Brodlo, MA
Therapy
Courtney
Courtney Daly, LPC, CADC
Therapy
Candace
Candace Clark, LCSW
Therapy
Christopher
Christopher Edwards, LCSW
Therapist
Carolyn
Carolyn Klinkert, LCPC
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Angelina
Angelina Wheeler, LCPC
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Abbey
Abbey DeBaene, LCSW, CADC
Therapy
Brittany
Brittany Wilson, LPC
Therapy
Brent
Brent Hope, LCSW
Therapy
Carleigh
Carleigh Joseph, Clinical Intern
Therapy Clinical Intern
Corrin
Corrin Bogan, Intern
Therapy Clinical Intern
Alexandra
Alexandra Gregor, PA-C
PA-C
Allegria
Allegria Knouse, PA-C
PA-C
Bakhtawar
Bakhtawar Usman, PA-C
Psychiatry
Antonina
Antonina Lunetta, LCPC
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Alyssa
Alyssa Bobak, PA-C
PA-C
Aimee
Aimee Daramus, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Anita
Anita Weber, LSW
Therapy
Alice
Alice Davies, Clinical Intern
Therapy Clinical Intern
Anakaren
Anakaren Galarza, Clinical Intern
Therapy Clinical Intern

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