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Dr. Heather C. Forkey, MD is a pediatrician in Boston, MA specializing in general pediatrics. She graduated from SUNY, University at Buffalo School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences in 1993 and has 32 years of experience. Dr. Heather C. Forkey, MD is affiliated with UMass Memorial Medical Center, Boston Medical Center and UMass Memorial Health.
1 Boston Medical Center Place
Boston, MA 02118
55 Lake Avenue North
Worcester, MA 01655
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. Heather C. Forkey, MD graduated from SUNY, University at Buffalo School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences in 1993. She completed residency at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. She is certified by the Pediatrics - General Pediatrics and has a state license in Massachusetts.
Medical School: SUNY, University at Buffalo School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (1993)
Residency: The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Board Certification: Pediatrics - General Pediatrics
Licensed In: Massachusetts
Dr. Heather C. Forkey, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
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Dr. Heather Forkey practices general pediatrics in Worcester, MA and Boston, MA. She is a graduate of SUNY, University at Buffalo School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences and a graduate of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's residency program. She has a special interest in primary care, attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD), and advocacy. Dr. Forkey speaks Spanish. Dr. Forkey's professional affiliations include Boston Medical Center and UMass Memorial Medical Center.
