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Attention
Deficit Disorder (ADD) &
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD) define chronic neurological impairments within the brain
functions of attention and executive control. Symptoms begin in
childhood and continue throughout adolescence and adulthood. It is
characterized by inattentive or impulsive and hyperactive behavior,
persisting for at least six months and present in two environments such
as home, work or school. There are many psychological and cognitive
disorders that can mimic symptoms of ADHD, including anxiety,
depression, learning disorders and other cognitive disorders.
The problems and challenges associated with ADHD change with age. In
childhood, inattentive children are often less disruptive, making early
diagnosis easy to miss. Hyperactive children have different problems,
often including problems in early social skills development.
As children with ADD or ADHD mature, the consequences of the condition
change. During adolescence, problems in attention span or impulse
control can contribute to difficulties in adjusting to increased social
and academic demands in middle and high school. Pressure increases often
triggering problems with self-esteem and mood. Proper assessment and
diagnosis during the developmental years are strongly beneficial to
long-term emotional and intellectual development.
Attention problems continue to have significant impact on the work and
lives of adults. Individuals who went undiagnosed in school have a new
opportunity for assessment and treatment as they reach college or enter
the work force. Recent improvements in cultural understanding and legal
support of those with ADD/ADHD allow individuals to pursue vocational
and educational goals in ways that were not possible in past decades.
If you suspect that you or a loved one may have ADD or ADHD, it is
recommended that a neuropsychological evaluation is done PRIOR to
pharmaceutical treatment. Following evaluation and testing, feedback
sessions provide a more thorough understanding of the person’s
behavioral, interpersonal, and cognitive strengths and weakness. Helpful
recommendations will be made for treatment. These can include formal
requests for school or work accommodations, counseling for cognitive
skills development, and/or informed referrals to prescribing
professionals. Often with an accurate diagnosis, the proper treatment
can be implemented and the desired academic, behavioral and
interpersonal goals achieved.
Excellent resources for those affected by ADD/ADHD:
C.H.A.D.D - Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders -
http://www.chadd.org
A.D.D.A. - Attention Deficit Disorder Association -
http://www.add.org
WebMD – ADD/ADHD -
http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/default.htm |
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