This weekend as we remember the heroes who gave their lives to defend our freedom, it is worth noting that ADHD neurology has been called "a warrior’s brain". What the algebra teacher calls distractible in the classroom turns out to be vigilance on the battle field. We always tell kids with ADHD that they have awesome brains: just not the pay attention kind but the notice everything kind! This is an asset in the high adrenaline environment of battle. Today we call the leaping-then-looking characteristic of ADHD impulsivity, however, in battlefield the same trait could be called decisive, quick thinking. Those snap decisions made by warriors over the centuries have no doubt saved and cost a lot of lives. We always say if you take a vigilant brain, give it the ability to act freely without over thinking in times… Read More »

Focus-MD is proud to announce the opening of a Richmond, VA office at 9137 Chamberlayne Road, Suite 107, Richmond, VA 23116.  Located just outside Richmond in Mechanicsville, VA, the doctor at this Focus-MD clinic provides diagnosis and treatment for ADHD in children age 5 and up, and adolescents through college age. Focus MD is a medical practice for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD. We at Focus-MD try to find the best solution for the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD by looking at the whole patient, rather than just writing a prescription based on various symptoms that may or may not indicate ADHD. Our clinics are staffed by practicing medical doctors who take time to listen to the patient, then use their experience and cutting edge technology to correctly diagnose and treat ADHD. Dr. Stephanie Smith, MD, FAAP, is the… Read More »

Deciphering ADHD treatment and medication can be confusing. People with ADHD can receive different information from many different sources. For example, when patients, parents or teachers are asked to provide quantitative information using behavior-rating forms, the results can be confusing. Often rating forms from two parents living in the same home with the child vary significantly in the number or frequency of symptoms reported. One parent may suggest significant problems with impairment while the other thinks the child is fine. This is only compounded for kids sharing time between two households. It may be harder for the non-custodial parent to see impairment while the parent supervising homework night after night is frustrated to the point of tears. For kids with multiple teachers, symptom rating form results can be variable and affected by many things such as: personality conflict teacher bias… Read More »

A recent article in USA Today, “Using ADHD Drugs as Study Aid Isn’t Smart,” by Kim Painter, was right on target to underscore the need for the Focus-MD approach to diagnose and treat attention problems. Thirteen to 25-year-olds are more and more overusing, misusing and abusing ADHD stimulants. Teens, young adults and even parents are increasingly seeking stimulants for performance enhancement- and obtaining medication is no problem for most of them. The symptoms of ADHD are widely known, the DSM 5 are readily available to anyone with Internet access, and too many physicians rush to prescribe these stimulants without adequate information. The USA Today article points out that the American Academy of Neurology, the Child Neurology Society and the American Neurological Association have joined the American Academy of Pediatrics to warn patients and physicians about the dangers of neuroenhancement with stimulants in… Read More »

Dr. Tanikqua Moore, MD of Focus-MD Birmingham Dr. Moore joined Focus to have the opportunity to have more time for treatment and diagnosis of ADHD and availability for these patients.  First Job: Wendy's What advice would you give your High School self? Enjoy yourself and disregard people's opinions about you Have you always planned to go into medicine? If not, what did you want to do? Yes, either as a Pediatrician or Veterinarian Who has helped you the most during your career? The Lord. What is your philosophy on patient care? The patient comes first. If you remember to do this with every patient you can ensure that you deliver appropriate, caring and beneficial medical care. What do you think is the future of ADD/ADHD and treatments? More specific diagnosing and genetic identification Personal Life Dr. Moore is married with 2 children: Elizabeth… Read More »