Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is a developmental impairment of the brain’s executive functions. Clients with ADHD have difficulty with impulse-control, focusing, and organization. Children and adults can both be diagnosed with ADHD.
ADHD Diagnosis in Children:
A child may be diagnosed with ADHD if he or she exhibits at least 6 of 9 symptoms, and if the symptoms have been noticeable for at least 6 months in 2 or more settings such as: home, school, and or work.
ADHD Diagnosis in Adolescents and Adults:
Adolescents and adults need to consistently demonstrate 5 of the symptoms in multiple settings. For an adolescent or adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms need to have been present before the age of 12.
Subtypes and symptoms of ADHD:
Primarily Hyperactive-Impulsive Type:
- Fidgets hands and feet
- Squirms around while seated
- Leaves a seat in situations when remaining seated is expected
- Runs or climbs in situations where it is inappropriate.
- Unable to play or engage in leisure activities quietly
- Talks excessively
- Blurts out an answer before a question has been completed
- Difficulty waiting turns
- Interrupts or intrudes on others
Primarily Inattentive Type
- Fails to give close attention to details
- Makes careless mistakes
- Easily distracted and forgetfulness
- Does not follow through on given instructions
- Fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace
- Difficulty with organizing tasks and activities
- Loses or misplace things
- Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
Primarily Combined Type
Clients with ADHD combined-type display a mixture of all the symptoms outlined above for inattentive and hyperactive.
Treatment:
ADHD can be a combination of several different complementary approaches that work together to reduce symptoms. For one client, it may include medication, nutrition, exercise, and mental health therapy. For another client, it may include taking supplements/vitamins, practicing mindfulness, or spending lots of time outdoors in nature. Either way, we will find what is the best treatment regimen for you.
If you think you may suffer from any of the symptoms mentioned above, let’s work together to discuss your treatment options.