Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Symptoms in at least one or more of the following four areas:
Attention
Impulsiveness
Hyperactivity
Executive Functioning
Difficulties must have been present in childhood even if not treated, although phases of life with fewer responsibilities may not be affected as much by symptoms so that the person can “get by.”
Attention
- Difficulty maintaining attention to boring or repetitive tasks
- Making careless mistakes with boring or difficult tasks
- Trouble wrapping up details once the major parts of a project are completed
- Problems concentrating during conversations, even when someone is speaking directly to you
- Being easily distracted by activity or noise
- Frequently losing or misplacing things
- Problems with remembering appointments or obligations
Impulsiveness
- Trouble waiting your turn in situations where taking a turn is necessary
- Finishing others’ sentences during a conversation
- Interrupting others when they are busy
- Spending money without thinking
- Making commitments before considering the feasibility of doing the task
Hyperactivity
- Feeling restless or fidgety
- Leaving your seat in meetings or other situations when you are expected to remain seated
- Difficulty unwinding or relaxing when you have free time
Executive Functioning
- Trouble getting organized to do tasks that require even minor planning
- Procrastination with projects or tasks that require a lot of thought or steps
- Difficulty with time management (trying to fit too many things into a limited amount of time, always running late)
Difficulties must have been present in childhood even if not treated, although phases of life with fewer responsibilities may not be affected as much by symptoms so that the person can “get by.”
Treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Medications may be a part of the treatment and can be especially helpful with attention problems. Stimulants, such as Adderall and Ritalin, are usually first line treatments if there are no problems with addictive behavior. Other medications that are not controlled substances and have no addictive potential are often quite effective as well. Medication is not always indicated, especially in milder cases.
Therapy to teach skills for managing symptoms is highly effective, especially for difficulties with executive functioning. For women who have a child with ADHD, learning to use the skills themselves, then teaching the child the same skills can diminish the chaos in a household drastically. Some people prefer to take medication temporarily to “buy time” while they learn ADHD management skills then wean off the medication. For others continuing the medication indefinitely can be an option.
Treatment sessions are similar to individual tutoring as skills are taught. Progress can be rapid with weekly sessions, but follow-up appointments less frequently can still accomplish the same goals, just at a slower pace. Dr. LaGrone rarely uses medication treatment without the skills teaching.
Therapy to teach skills for managing symptoms is highly effective, especially for difficulties with executive functioning. For women who have a child with ADHD, learning to use the skills themselves, then teaching the child the same skills can diminish the chaos in a household drastically. Some people prefer to take medication temporarily to “buy time” while they learn ADHD management skills then wean off the medication. For others continuing the medication indefinitely can be an option.
Treatment sessions are similar to individual tutoring as skills are taught. Progress can be rapid with weekly sessions, but follow-up appointments less frequently can still accomplish the same goals, just at a slower pace. Dr. LaGrone rarely uses medication treatment without the skills teaching.