Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – October is National ADHD Awareness Month, and Memorial Behavioral Health serves as a resource to those wanting to learn more about the mental health condition and those looking for information and support.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is one of the most commonly diagnosed disorders in children.

According to Memorial Behavioral Health Supervisor Caitlin Deady, there are three types of ADHD that patients are categorized into based on symptoms. Those types are inattentive, hyperactive/impulse, and combination.

Common symptoms of ADHD include difficulty organizing thoughts or things and the inability to sit still. Symptoms can interfere with daily life, which Deady says can lead to self-esteem issues and mood disorders.

The stigma surrounding mental health disorders has resulted in ADHD being underdiagnosed, which is why raising awareness is paramount.

Deady adds that children especially go undiagnosed.

“Oftentimes, it’s hard to differentiate between what might be the child’s behavior and what might be typical child development,” she says, and also points out how the treatment for ADHD–therapy and medication–can be daunting to parents.

If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD, talk with your primary care physician.

Memorial Behavioral Health has 2 locations in Springfield, 1 location in Lincoln, and 1 location in Jacksonville. Call them directly at 217-525-1064 or visit their website to learn more about diagnoses, treatments, and support.