Dr. Kristen Marie Aggerbeck Kessler, MD is a developmental pediatrician in Maplewood, MN specializing in developmental-behavioral pediatrics. She graduated from University of Arizona College of Medicine in 2011 and has 15 years of experience. Dr. Kristen Marie Aggerbeck Kessler, MD is affiliated with GROUP HEALTH PLAN INC.
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is one of the most common disorders diagnosed in children. Nine percent of children in the USA have been diagnosed with ADHD. Symptoms, which include hyperactivity and difficulty maintaining focus or paying attention, can last into adulthood for some patients. Boys are four times as likely to be diagnosed as girls, although experts don't know why this is.
There are three main types of ADHD:
When diagnosing ADHD, it is important to rule out other issues that may be causing the symptoms. Seizure disorders, hearing loss, anxiety, and domestic problems are some examples of problems that can cause behaviors similar to those seen with ADHD.
Treatment can include stimulant medications, behavioral therapy to teach patients ways to navigate their world and control symptoms better, and accommodations at school or work. A structured environment (with lots of organization and well-defined rules) seems to help most kids with ADHD function at their best.
ADHD is mainly thought of as a disorder that affects children, but symptoms can last into adulthood for a third to half of those diagnosed. In adults, ADHD has similar symptoms as when it is seen in children: impulsive behavior, difficulty maintaining focus, being easily distracted, or a tendency to fidget. These symptoms can cause problems in a patient's careers and relationships. Additionally, adults with ADHD are at increased risk for substance abuse. Medications can be an important part of treatment for adults, as well as stress reduction techniques and organization skills training. Specialized ADHD coaches can help adults with ADHD manage their symptoms and succeed in all areas of their life.
Dr. Kristen Marie Aggerbeck Kessler, MD graduated from University of Arizona College of Medicine in 2011. She completed residency at University of Minnesota Affiliated Hospitals. She is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics-Developmental-Behavioral Peds and has a state license in Minnesota.
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine (2011)
Residency: University of Minnesota Affiliated Hospitals (2014)
Board Certification: American Board of Pediatrics-Developmental-Behavioral Peds
Licensed In: Minnesota
Dr. Kristen Marie Aggerbeck Kessler, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Kristen Marie Aggerbeck Kessler, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.92 out of 5 stars based on 38 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Kristen Marie Aggerbeck Kessler, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Maplewood, MN.
Dr. Kristen Kessler practices developmental-behavioral pediatrics. Patients rated her highly, giving her an average of 5.0 stars (out of 5). She has indicated that her clinical interests include attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD), sleep problems, and autism spectrum disorders (pervasive developmental disorders). According to HealthPartners, Dr. Kessler is currently accepting new patients at her office in Lake Elmo, MN. She attended the University of Arizona College of Medicine and then went on to complete her residency at a hospital affiliated with the University of Minnesota. Dr. Kessler is conversant in Spanish.