| Do you get distracted easily? Is it impossible for you to focus for any length of time? Do you have a hard time concentrating on one task? Is it difficult for you to sit still? Do have trouble with organization? What about your child? If you or your child answered yes to any of these questions, you (or your child) might have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition that affects your ability to pay attention and concentrate. If you have ADHD, you are probably unable to plan ahead, sit still, finish tasks, concentrate, and remember things. ADHD may disrupt your performance at work or school and even your relationships. But, don’t worry, you are not alone. ADHD affects millions of Americans.
What is ADHD?
ADHD symptoms are unique to each person. Therefore, ADHD is different from another person’s ADHD. You might even have different symptoms at different times. The symptoms for ADHD are placed into three categories – inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Your ADHD is classified according to your symptoms. There are three types of ADHD—predominantly inattentive type, impulsive-hyperactive type, and combined type.
Do you have the inattentive type of ADHD?
If you are inattentive, you have a hard time concentrating, focusing or keeping your mind on any one thing and get bored with a task after only a few minutes. If you are inattentive, you find that it is extremely difficult to focus, pay attention, organize, memorize, and complete a task or learn something new.
The following are symptoms used by DSM-IV (Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Psychiatric Disorders) to diagnose ADHD:
- 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
- 6 (or more) of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level
Do you have type of ADHD classified as impulsive?
If you are impulsive, you are often unable to control your immediate reactions or think before you act.
The following are symptoms used by DSM-IV (Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Psychiatric Disorders) to diagnose ADHD:
- often blurts out answers before questions have been completed.
- often has difficulty awaiting turn.
- often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g. butts into conversations or games)
Do you have the hyperactive type of ADHD?
If you are hyperactive, you are restless and always in motion. You might fidget a lot, try to do several things at once, or are often jumping from one activity to the next.
The following are symptoms used by DSM-IV (Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Psychiatric Disorders) to diagnose ADHD:
- often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
- often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
- often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)
- often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
- is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"
- often talks excessively
Do you have the combined type of ADHD?
If you have symptoms of both the inattentive type and hyperactive type, then you have the combined type of ADHD.
Not everyone who is inattentive, hyperactive, or impulsive has an attention deficit disorder. In a child, it is often difficult to distinguish between an attention deficit disorder, an oppositional disorder, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. To determine whether you have ADHD, your therapist considers many factors. Things your therapist will consider are the situations in which your symptoms appear, how long the symptoms last, how often they appear, and how disruptive they are to your life. Since countless situations or conditions can produce the same symptoms as ADHD, you should have a mental health professional assess the symptoms.
A psychologist, child psychiatrist, or pediatric neurologist can diagnose of ADHD. Psychologists can also diagnose ADHD, but cannot prescribe medications. Psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, child neurologists, and pediatricians can all prescribe medications for ADHD. Psychologists, psychotherapists, counselors, and psychiatric nurse practitioners can provide counseling and psychotherapy for the child with ADHD, the adult with ADHD, and their families.
How is ADHD treated?
There is no cure for ADHD, but there are many treatment options available that will help you live with your ADHD. Medications such as Ritalin, Dexedrine, Adderol, Concerta, and Cylert can help you concentrate, focus, and reduce hyperactivity. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, behavioral training, counseling, or psychotherapy can help you learn to control your symptoms and improve your functioning. Often, a combination of medication and therapy is the best treatment for ADHD.
If you or a family member has ADHD, your family may also benefit from therapy. Family members can learn how best to interact with the family member who has ADHD, and each other, to minimize conflict and provide a more supportive environment.
In a confidential, supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere, psychotherapy or counseling with a licensed psychologist, counselor, psychotherapist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, social worker, or psychiatrist can help the individual with the disorder to gain awareness, achieve positive behavioral change, and improve functioning in school, work, and relationships.
If this sounds like you or someone you know, and you’d like more information about the treatment of ADHD, call our office at 212-996-3939 to speak to someone today.
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