#ADHD

 What is ADHD?

There are three types of ADHD:
1. Hyperactive Impulse ADHD which is characterized with hyperactivity without inattentiveness
2. Inattentive ADHD (formally ADD) marked by impared concentration and attention
3. Combined ADHD which includes symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity and Impulsivity. This is the most common type. 

• Inattention is categorized as difficulty paying attention and often details are overlooked. An individial with attention difficulty may get easily distracted, procrastinate, not finish what they started, unable to stay focused on tasks and appear disorganized. Often, I have seen individuals "trail off" in the middle of a conversation with someone.
• Hyperactivity is marked by LOTS of activity. Individuals with hyperactivity may fidgit, jump out of their seat, unable to play quitely (children), talking excessively, "the bouncing off the walls syndrome". Often times, hyperactivity is seen before age 7. 
• Impulsivity includes blurting out answers, impatience, not being able to wait turn, and interrupting at inappropriate times.  

What treatment is available?

Behavioral therapy for ADHD has several steps from behavioral modification, skills intervention  and parent child interactive therapy (pcit: ages 2-7) which helps with relational skills and communication at home. 

The behavioral modification addresses the maladaptive behaviors ie impulsive behaviors (screaming, calling out, jumping out of seat, etc) and does a great job at reining in those behaviors and teach new, appropriate behaviors. 

Skills training helps with school work and concentration and any opposition defiant behavior at home i.e. Ignoring parents. Often times, the issue with learning is with executive functioning:  their motivation to do their homework is high but they just can't start or finish. 

A  licensed child therapist with specific cbt training can work with the child. Mindfulness based therapies can also be effective in helping to bring self awareness. Acceptance skills can also help improve self esteem basically rather than beating yourself up and feeling angry, bad, that you are having a hard time in school, finding ways to accept (all the while implement changing behaviors). 

It's once a week sessions generally.

Any questions? Should I clarify or "add" (no pun intended!) anything? Please let me know!