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FAQs about ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a condition that can interfere with your child’s ability to learn in school and with their relationship both in school and at home. There are many misunderstandings about it and below we’ll cover some often asked questions, but if you have more or would like more in-depth answers you can always turn to your Chicago, IL, pediatrician Dr. Maria Staisz of the Pediatric Clinic LTD.

Who Has ADHD?

There is the misconception that children will simply grow out of ADHD. While for many the symptoms will subside as they get older, for more than half this is not the case and will tend to continue into adulthood. Diagnosing ADHD can be difficult since some of the signs are no different from common childhood behavior, so it’s important to turn to a professional if you’re concerned.

What Are the Symptoms of ADHD?

Symptoms of ADHD can include lack of focus, forgetfulness, and trouble sitting still, becoming easily distracted. Hyperactivity and impulsive behavior are also common symptoms. Not all of these symptoms have to be present as the lack of some can signify a specific type of ADHD.

What Are the Types of ADHD?

  • Predominantly Inattentive
  • Predominantly Hyper-Impulsive Type
  • Combined Hyperactive-Impulsive and Inattentive Type

How Is It Treated?

The type of ADHD will help greatly in guiding the treatment of ADHD. The condition cannot be cured but it is however treatable with medication. There are different types of medication used to address symptoms of ADHD and they typically fall into two categories, stimulants, and non-stimulants. Your doctor can adjust the type of medication and dosage depending on the results you’re seeing at home and school, or if there are any side effects.

What Causes ADHD?

The cause for ADHD is not known but is thought to be neurological in origin. With either the chemicals in our brains or perhaps the general structure of them. But what is known is that genetics are a factor so if you suffer or suffered from ADHD and are beginning to see symptoms in your child it’s a good idea to seek treatment.

ADHD Treatment in Chicago, IL

Untreated, ADHD can have several effects on your child’s schooling, and these problems may extend onto adulthood. So it’s important to come into the office for a consultation with Dr. Staisz of Pediatric Clinic LTD in Chicago, IL. Schedule an appointment by dialing (773) 725-5400.

Cathy Alvarez, MSN, CPNP-PC

Family Practice

Cathy Alvarez, MSN, CPNP-PC, is a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with over two decades of experience dedicated to nurturing the health and well-being of children from birth through adolescence. Known for her warm, individualized approach to care, Cathy is passionate about building lasting relationships with her patients and their families—many of whom she’s supported through every milestone of childhood.

Cathy began her nursing career after earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1999. She gained valuable experience working on the inpatient pediatric unit at Advocate Lutheran Children’s Hospital in Aurora. Driven to deepen her impact, she returned to UIC to complete the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program, earning her Master of Science in Nursing in 2005. She is certified by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) and has since devoted her career to providing expert care to diverse pediatric populations.

She is an active member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, always staying at the forefront of pediatric healthcare.
Fluent in English and Polish, with conversational Spanish skills, Cathy connects seamlessly with families from many cultural backgrounds.

Outside of work, you can find her cheering on her son at soccer games, exploring new destinations, and enjoying quality time with her family. Her caring spirit and clinical excellence make her a trusted partner in every child’s healthcare journey.” 

Marixa Alvarez, ARN, MSN, FNP-BC

Family Practice

Marixa Alvarez, ARN, MSN, FNP-BC, is a dedicated and compassionate Family Nurse Practitioner, board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Lewis University, where she cultivated her passion for holistic, patient-centered care.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Marixa connects deeply with diverse communities, ensuring every patient feels heard and supported. Outside of the clinic, you’ll likely find her in the kitchen—cooking, baking, and bringing people together over a homemade meal. A fun fact? Marixa has a knack for solving puzzles and putting things together—whether it’s a 1,000-piece jigsaw or helping patients piece together their path to better health.

Carlos Sian, PA

Physician Assistant

Carlos is a board-certified Physician Assistant who joined the IWS Family Health team in January 2024. He was born and raised in Antigua, Guatemala and is fluent in both English and Spanish.

His academic journey began at Saint Michael’s College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology alongside minors in Chemistry and Religious Studies. Driven by a commitment to service, he devoted a year to volunteering as a medical assistant at a health clinic in Albuquerque, NM, through the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. This experience solidified his interest in medicine, inspiring him to delve deeper into healthcare and ultimately leading Carlos to pursue a Master of Public Health in Community Health Sciences and Infectious Diseases from Boston University School of Public Health.

Following his MPH, Carlos dedicated several years to the public health sector, primarily serving as a linkage to care coordinator,  clinical research coordinator, and COVID-19 contact tracer. Moved by a need to help his community during the 2020 pandemic, he secured admission to and completed the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine PA program, earning his Master of Medical Science degree.

Carlos aims to integrate his public health training with his medical practice to bring culturally competent and inclusive medical services to all his patients, but specially the Hispanic/Latino and LGTBQ+ communities he serves. In his downtime, Carlos enjoys cooking, collecting plants, fostering dogs, playing video games, watching reality TV shows, and adding more stamps to his passport!

Dr. Tara Ioffe

Family Practice

Dr. Tara Ioffe is a dedicated and compassionate Board-Certified Family Medicine physician with a strong commitment to providing excellent care to her patients. She obtained her medical degree from Avalon University in Curacao and went on to complete her Family Medicine Residency at the University of Oklahoma. She has worked at the University of Chicago and most recently NorthShore University. She has since returned to Chicago and is thrilled to join the IWS Family Health team in 2023, where she will continue to provide excellent care to her patients.

Throughout her career, Dr. Ioffe has gained experience in diverse medical fields, such as immediate and urgent care medicine while working at NorthShore Immediate Care. She did clinical research at the University of Chicago. Dr. Ioffe strives to foster a secure and inclusive environment for all her patients. She believes in an integrated approach to medicine, dedicating her time to understand each patient’s unique needs.

During her leisure time, Dr. Ioffe indulges in reading a variety of books for pleasure, plays boardgames, and loves to explore Chicago with her spouse and young child.