Attention-Deficit Disorder
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD or ADD)
Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder is a syndrome characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and difficulty maintaining concentration, either with or without impulsivity. It is a disorder which is common in childhood (prevalence estimates vary from 3 to 5% of U.S. school-age children). It begins in childhood, with symptoms present essentially from birth. In fact, in order for a diagnosis of ADHD to be made, symptoms have to be present by age 12 (but not all cases are diagnosed by that age, many not being recognized until the individual is an adult). It was formerly thought that most people with ADHD outgrew it by the end of their teen years, but increasingly it is being recognized as persisting into adulthood in many cases. Hallowell estimates that 10 to 15 million Americans have ADHD.
Some symptoms of ADHD (from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition-DSM-5) (Partial List)
Symptoms of Inattention:
- Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities
- Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
- Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
- Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions)
- Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
- Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)
- Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools)
- Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
- Is often forgetful in daily activities
Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder is very treatable. People usually seek treatment utilizing behavior-modification (i.e. paying close attention to one's behavior and developing plans and systems for focusing and maximizing attention), supportive therapies (often in the form of a support group, or couples therapy when one or both members of the couple has ADHD), and/ or medication treatment. I employ all of these forms of treatment in my practice, and I treat both children and adults with ADHD.
If you think you or someone close to you has ADHD, a proper evaluation is the first step. This can be done whether the person is a child or an adult, and it involves:
- interviewing the client
- taking a thorough history, including school and work history
- reviewing current symptoms
- assessing for the presence of other conditions (such as anxiety, depression, and learning disorders)
- getting supporting history from significant others (parents, a friend or partner) and teachers
An assessment for ADHD in my practice typically takes two 45-minute sessions for adults, and from two to four sessions for children. If you have further questions regarding the assessment or treatment of ADHD, please contact me.