Attention Deficit Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder  Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are often characterized by developmentally inappropriate degrees of inattention, overactivity, and impulsivity. Symptoms are neurologically-based, arise in early childhood, and tend to be chronic in nature. It is important to note that symptoms are not due to neurological impairment, sensory impairment, language or motor impairment, mental retardation, or emotional disturbance.
Three main traits characterize ADD/ADHD: (1) poor sustained attention or vigilance; (2) impulsivity or difficulty delaying gratification; and (3) hyperactivity or poorly regulated activity. Increased variability of task performance and problems complying with rules are often key features.
Signs of inattention:
Difficulty following instructions Difficulty sustaining attention Loses things necessary for tasks Insufficient attention to details Appears disorganized Makes careless mistakes Appears sluggish / drowsy Appears forgetful Often engages in daydreaming rather than attending Appears apathetic, unmotivated to complete tasks Appears "spacey," preoccupied Appears confused, lost in thought
Signs of overactivity - impulsivity: Difficulty awaiting turn Interrupts / intrudes Blurts out answers Difficulty playing quietly Difficulty remaining seated Excessive writhing or squirming Fidgeting Excessive talking
Attention-deficit disorders affect approximately 3-5% of the childhood population. It has been estimated that 50-80% continue some degree of symptomatology into adulthood.
Children
ADD with and without hyperactivity are separate and unique childhood disorders. They are not subtypes of an identical attention disturbance. It has been noted that children with ADD/-H are more frequently described as depressed, learning disabled, or "lazy" while children with ADD/+H are more frequently labeled as conduct or behavior disordered.
The average age of children referred for evaluations for attention-deficit disorders is middle to late childhood, ages seven to twelve. Children are usually referred because they are having behavior problems at home or at school or are underachieving academically. The primary area of difficulty - inconsistent control over attention and impulses - often results in failure experiences academically, socially, and within the family. As a result, children with ADD/ADHD often begin to feel demoralized, and problems with self-esteem frequently emerge.
After struggling with their own inability to perform up to the expectations of their families and their teachers, children with ADD/ADHD often develop "myths" to explain their difficulties for themselves. These "myths" often contain elements such as: "I am a bad person"; "I never know what kind of trouble I'm going to get into next"; "I'm bad at school work"; "I cause trouble for my family"; "There is something wrong with my mind"; or "I cannot be trusted". Children with ADD/ADHD become accustomed to hearing phrases such as: "If you would only try harder . . ." ; "Why don't you calm down . . ."; and "You're driving me crazy . . .".
Children with ADD/ADHD often report they are unhappy. It may be hard for them to make friends. They may believe they are causing trouble for their families as they often believe it is their fault when something goes wrong. They tend to think they do not have good ideas. They may worry a lot and feel left out of things. They may wish they were different and believe their families are disappointed in them.
These concerns cannot be addressed by a treatment plan that only includes medication. Medication, when effective, significantly improves control over behavior and increases attention. Medication, however, does not erase the negative feelings which may have developed as a result of feeling like a failure. Education and counseling to rebuild self-esteem should be an essential component of treatment so that children with ADD/ADHD can truly believe that they have control over their lives.
Adults
Most children with ADD/ADHD don’t outgrow their disorders. Rather, they become disorganized, inattentive adults. If you’re an adult with ADD/ADHD, your symptoms may be holding you back at work, impacting your relationships, and keeping you from accomplishing your goals. Happily, once you recognize the signs and symptoms of adult ADD/ADHD, you can begin to address your areas of weakness and make your strengths work for you.
Many people have a stereotypical picture in their head of what someone with attention deficit disorder looks like: hyperactive, loud, a whirlwind of energy and unchecked impulses. However, ADD/ADHD is not just a childhood disorder. Kids don’t simply grow out of ADD/ADHD, as if it’s a phase. In fact, the symptoms of ADD/ADHD typically get worse as children grow into adulthood and face life’s increasing pressures and demands.
Adults with ADD/ADHD struggle daily with self-regulation: regulating their attention, regulating their impulses in talking and action, and regulating their emotions. If you have trouble staying focused, getting organized, starting and completing your work, managing your time and money, and remembering all the little things in your daily life, you may very well be one of these people.
The chaos of living with unrecognized and untreated ADD/ADHD can take its toll: never-ending to-do lists, the stress of missed deadlines and forgotten appointments, aggravated friends and family members who just don’t understand why you can’t pull it together and self-recrimination over your lack of accomplishments.
The good news: life doesn’t have to be this way. Treatment can go a long way toward getting ADD/ADHD in check. However, before you can manage the problem, you have to be able to identify it, starting with a thorough understanding of what ADD/ADHD looks like in adults.
 If you, or your child, are currently struggling with ADD/ADHD, we are here to help. Please contact us today for a free consultation and ask to speak with Kimberley Harris, Ray Robinson, Jennifer Reed, or Chris Berger.
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