ADHD Specialist
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Center for Integrative and Holistic Medicine
Rubina Azam, MD, FAAP, ABIHM
Integrative Holistic Medicine located in Panama City, FL
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common psychiatric disorder diagnosed in children. Traditional medical treatments aren’t always effective for all children with ADHD. At the Center for Integrative and Holistic Medicine, board-certified integrative and holistic medicine physician Rubina Azam, MD, and her team, utilize functional medicine for the management of ADHD. For a consultation, call the Panama City, Florida, office or click the online booking button.
ADHD Q & A
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder often diagnosed during childhood. The condition makes it difficult for children to pay attention, focus on tasks, and/or control behavior. Though ADHD was thought to be a condition that only affected children, doctors now know that the condition continues into adulthood.
What are ADHD symptoms?
ADHD symptoms can vary and some symptoms may be more predominant than others. Common symptoms of ADHD include:
- Difficulty completing tasks
- Overlooking details
- Disorganization
- Easily distracted
- Forgetful
- Talking nonstop
- Fidgety
- Difficulty engaging in quiet play activities
For some children, these symptoms can be severe and affect learning and social relationships.
How is ADHD managed?
Traditional medical management of ADHD includes medication and psychotherapy. The medications used to manage ADHD include:
Stimulants
Stimulants refer to medications that increase production of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain, which improves attention, focus, and behavior. These medications are the primary treatment for ADHD.
Nonstimulants
If stimulants cause unpleasant side effects, then doctors may prescribe a nonstimulant medication to improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy may not improve ADHD symptoms but can help you or your child better manage the day-to-day struggles of ADHD.
Not all children respond well to traditional medical treatments for ADHD and may benefit from a different approach, such as functional medicine.
What can I expect during a functional medicine consultation?
At the Center for Integrative and Holistic Medicine, Dr. Azam and her team conduct a comprehensive evaluation to identify the root cause of you or your child’s ADHD. Her philosophy is that every illness develops due to an imbalance in the body that’s triggered by an environmental agent. Finding and removing the trigger restores balance, alleviates symptoms, and improves disease.
During an ADHD evaluation, Dr. Azam obtains detailed information about symptoms, medical and family history, diet, lifestyle habits, and the various methods you’ve already tried to help manage ADHD.
Based on the information gathered during the evaluation, she orders cutting-edge laboratory tests to look for triggers and root causes of ADHD, such as:
- Impaired digestion
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Environmental toxins
- Fatty acid imbalances
- Food sensitivities
- Infection
Once identified, Dr. Azam uses a combination of diet, lifestyle changes, supplements, and/or conventional medical approaches to restore balance and improve ADHD symptoms.
To schedule a functional medicine evaluation for you or your child’s ADHD, call Center for Integrative and Holistic Medicine or request an appointment online today.
