Find expert answers to your health questions

Douglas Severance

Bio

Dr. Severance, a Sharecare Editorial Advisory Board member, is a family practice physician with a private medical practice in San Ramon, California. He is board certified by both the American Board of Family Medicine and the American Board of Addiction Medicine. He has been medical director for several detoxification and rehabilitation programs, both inpatient and outpatient, since the 1980's, and has practiced family medicine since 1979.

Education:
• MD: Loma Linda University

Residency:
• Glendale Adventist Medical Center

Internship:
• Glendale Adventist Medical Center

Certification:
• American Board of Family Practice
• American Board of Addiction Medicine
• American Society of Addiction Medicine

Specialties:

  • family medicine

Location:

Activity

  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    Are any alternative treatments proven to help ADHD?
    Many miracle cures and products promise to treat and eliminate attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Among the alternative treatments considered by parents are diet manipulation, megavitamins, attention training, visual training, psychotherapy, chiropractic treatments, and treatments for...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    Is depression related to ADHD?
    Many individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience symptoms of depression with a low mood. Often, the depression results from years of relationship problems, failed attempts at school or work, and low self-esteem caused by ADHD behaviors. Some people with ADHD...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    Can grown-ups have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
    Many adults have symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, adults are less likely than children to have a significant amount of trouble with ADHD. About 5% to 8% of children and adolescents struggle with ADHD, while only 4% of adults are diagnosed with ADHD. Thus, about...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    How do doctors treat people with oppositional defiant disorder and ADHD?
    Living with both attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is challenging for the individual and those around them. Treatment of ODD and ADHD may include therapy to learn new ways of communication, family psychotherapy to increase understanding, parenting...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    How can adults with ADHD deal with frustrations of daily life?
    Life with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be very difficult for many adults. Symptoms of ADHD can impact family relationships, friendships, job, and daily routines. To help you live a more fulfilling life, seek professional help for ADHD.

    You may be advised to participate in m...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    Can I outgrow learning disabilities when I have ADHD?
    Learning disabilities are a permanent fact of life. And, whether or not you have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you will not outgrow these disabilities. However, people of all ages can find the help and support they need to live happily. In fact, most men and women can learn to...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    What can I do at home to help my child with ADHD?
    Kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often do best when they have very clear guidelines. They need to know exactly what they have to do and what is expected of them. Help your child with ADHD at home by setting clear limits, giving precise directions, and setting realistic ex...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    Why do children with ADHD have trouble with social skills?
    Kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have trouble with social skills because they can be impulsive, inattentive, and hyperactive. All three problems can lead to inappropriate behavior that other kids may find rude, disturbing, or even frightening. Kids with ADHD may have trouble...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    How can I help my child with ADHD reduce stress?
    Kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can easily become overloaded by stress. You can help reduce their stress by teaching stress management skills, such as eating nutritious meals, exercising regularly, and learning relaxation techniques.

    Help your child cope with stressful tasks...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    What are some specific social skills interventions for children?
    Kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are often helped by specific social skills interventions. Training in social skills can help kids learn to behave in ways that lead to social acceptance. Without such training, many kids with ADHD cannot interact well with their peers. They...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    Do young people with ADHD commonly have mood disorders?
    It is not uncommon for children and teenagers with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to also have mood disorders. In fact, statistics show that 20% to 30% of adolescents with ADHD have a mood disorder. Common mood disorders with ADHD include depression, dysthymia (a milder form of d...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    How can divorced parents work together to help a child with ADHD?
    It is critical to have consistent routines and behavior expectations for successful treatment plans for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Especially for children, it helps to constantly reinforce positive coping skills. It is important to involve both parents in the process, from ADHD...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    How can I get more information on ADHD?
    Information on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is available through national organizations such as the Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA), Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), and the National Resource Center on ADHD. Support and in...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    When adults are tested for ADHD, does a doctor screen for other problems?
    In many cases, more than one specific psychiatric disorder can coexist with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). That is why it is important for the diagnosing clinician to screen for other psychiatric disorders, such as learning disabilities, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders,...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    How do doctors treat those with Tourette syndrome and ADHD?
    In individuals with both attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Tourette syndrome, medications are used to help manage the symptoms. For example, clonidine can be administered through a pill or skin patch to help manage mild symptoms. Clonidine has been found to treat many different...  Full Post