Robert Young Center opens first in the area ADHD clinic January 28, 2010

Parents seeking answers about their child’s inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity now have a new resource in the community to help diagnose, treat and provide support for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, also commonly known as ADHD. The Robert Young Center for Community Mental Health has opened the first-of-its-kind ADHD clinic at its outpatient center at 4600 3rd St., Moline. Those referred to the ADHD clinic will receive an initial evaluation by a therapist, followed by a psychiatric evaluation with a psychiatrist. Board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrists Drs. Dewat Chaudhry and Julie Zude will provide clinical oversight for the four-week program that includes both a medication and behavioral therapy component. Children will be divided into two separate therapy groups depending on age, including one for 5- to 8-year-olds, and one for 9- to 12-year-olds. “Studies have shown that combining medication therapy with socialization training and/or behavior management is more effective in treating this disorder than just through medication alone,” Dr. Zude said. Parents will also be required to attend their own separate group sessions that focus on learning about the diagnosis as well as skills and strategies to manage behavioral issues of the disorder. “Many parents with an ADHD child are struggling with how to manage their child’s behavior, and it can cause conflicts both at home and at school,” Dr. Chaudhry said. “The adult therapy group will give parents tools and techniques to develop behavioral modification systems that will help them manage symptoms like self and impulse control as well as improve social skills.” ADHD affects approximately 3 to 5 percent of school-age children. While the disorder is found primarily in children and teens, it is also present in about 1 to 5 percent of adults. Problems often faced by those with ADHD include poorer educational performance and underachievement, more frequent school disciplinary actions, higher incidence of having to repeat a grade, low self-esteem and a higher school drop-out rate. For information or to schedule an appointment, call the Robert Young Center Access Center at (309) 779-2800. -#-

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