E120: Understanding ADHD in Kids–Diagnosis, Treatment, and Parenting Support with Dr. Sadek.

Welcome to the Get Healthy Tampa Bay Podcast with Dr. Kerry Reller! This week, I’m joined by Dr. Reham Sadek, a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist based in Tampa and the author of Parenting Kids with ADHD: From Frustration to Fulfillment.In this episode, Dr. Sadek explains what ADHD really is—a neurodevelopmental disorder of the brain—and how it differs from typical childhood behavior. We discuss how symptoms show up differently in boys vs. girls, the importance of early diagnosis, and why delaying treatment can actually cause more harm.Dr. Sadek shares evidence-based strategies to support children with ADHD, from medication and therapy to parenting tools and ADHD coaching. She also opens up about what inspired her to write her book and how adjusting the home environment can make a world of difference.Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or healthcare provider, this episode offers practical insights to better understand and support kids with ADHD.00:00 – Welcome and intro to Dr. Reham Sadek00:57 – Dr. Sadek’s background and training in psychiatry02:23 – What is ADHD and why do psychiatrists love treating it?03:44 – ADHD vs. ADD: what’s changed and why06:22 – Common signs and symptoms parents should know08:32 – Why ADHD must show up in multiple settings to diagnose10:32 – Differences in ADHD presentation between boys and girls11:29 – Why early treatment for ADHD is so critical15:14 – Risk factors for ADHD, including genetics and environment17:46 – Treatment options: meds, therapy, ADHD coaching, digital tools23:39 – Emotional toll on kids and families—and how treatment helps25:57 – Dr. Sadek’s book: Parenting Kids with ADHD28:27 – Helping parents handle guilt, burnout, and frustration30:59 – Dr. Sadek’s one big piece of advice: treat early32:24 – Her next book idea: childhood obesity and mental healthConnect with Dr. SadekWebsite: focuspsychiatryclinic.comPhone: (863) 843-6287Email: [email protected]: Dr. Reham Sadek​Connect with Dr. Kerry RellerPodcast website: https://gethealthytbpodcast.buzzsprou... My linktree: linktr.ee/kerryrellermdLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerryrellermd/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClearwaterFamilyMedicineInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearwaterfamilymedicine/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kerryrellermdClearwater Family Medicine and Allergy website: https://sites.google.com/view/clearwa...Podcast: https://gethealthytbpodcast.buzzsprou...Subscribe to the Get Healthy Tampa Bay Podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Amazon music, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Pandora.