Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the most commonly diagnosed illness among children, affecting 2 to 5 percent of kids.(1) ADHD is characterized by inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
ADHD is most often found in children, but many adults suffer from the illness and children often carry the symptoms into adulthood. Early detection and proper diagnosis are paramount to the child succeeding in both school and life.
ADHD is diagnosed if the client displays six or more of the following symptoms over an extended period of time while in multiple settings: inability to focus, fidgety, forgetful, easily distracted, talk excessively, interrupt others, erratic movements, impatience, restlessness or trouble following simple instructions.
The two most effective ways to treat ADHD are through medication and behavior modification counseling. The most common medications used for ADHD patients are stimulants. While it may seem counterintuitive to use a stimulant for a hyperactive child, the clinically tested medications increase activity in parts of the brain that are inactive and causing the child to act out.
1. Prevalence of Diagnosed and Medicated Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: a study by the Center for Disease Control, United States, 2003.
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For more information about ADHD, see Health Education Answers
ADD/ADHD or attention hyperactivity disorder is a biological, brain-based condition that is characterized by poor attention and distractibility and/or hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. It is one of the most common mental disorders that develop in children. If left untreated, ADHD can lead to poor school/work performance, poor social relationships and a general feeling of low self-esteem.
The diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders identifies three major symptoms for the diagnosis of ADHD: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Inattention
Individuals who are inattentive have difficulty staying focused and attending to mundane tasks. They are easily distracted by irrelevant sights and sounds, shift from one activity to another, and seem to get bored easily. They may appear forgetful and even spacey or confused as if “in a fog”. Organizing and completing tasks is often extremely difficult.
Hyperactivity
Individuals who are hyperactive have excessively high levels of activity, which may present as physical and/or verbal over-activity. They may appear to be in constant motion, perpetually “on the go” as if driven by a motor. Individuals who are hyperactive often feel restless, may talk excessively, interrupt others, and monopolize conversations.
Impulsivity
Individuals who are impulsive have trouble inhibiting their behaviors and responses. They often act and speak before thinking, reacting in a rapid way without considering the consequences. They may interrupt others, blurt out responses, and rush through assignments without carefully reading or listening to instructions.
Three types of ADHD are:
- Combined Type: Displays inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms.
- Predominantly Inattentive Type: Symptoms are primarily related to inattention. Individual does not display significant hyperactive or impulsive behaviors.
- Predominantly Hyperactive – Impulsive type: Symptoms are primarily related to hyperactivity and impulsivity. No significant attention problems.
Counseling and ADD
Counseling and/or psychotherapy provides an individual with ADD/ADHD a place to process feelings and develop strategies for dealing with the effects of ADHD. AspenPointe has fully trained, experience licensed professional therapists to help your child through this.
Family Counseling
ADHD has a profound effect on the family. Getting the family together with a family counselor at AspenPointe Counseling is a safe way to gain more insight into ADHD and its impact on the family.
Group Counseling
A group can help an individual feel understood and accepted. It can provide a powerful support system, in addition to processing feelings, interpersonal relationships, and coping strategies.
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