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ADHD/ADD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder / Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD/ADD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), also known as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), is a common neurobehavioral disorder. The causes of ADHD are not fully known. The condition often comes about because of genetic or environmental factors. Additionally, premature birth, low birth weight, and complications during pregnancy can also predispose someone to ADHD.
ADHD occurs in approximately 3% to 7%, or in about 1 in 20 school age children. Boys are much more
likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls, usually at a ratio of 2 to 1. Among those diagnosed with ADHD as children, approximately 30% will continue to exhibit symptoms in adulthood. It is estimated that approximately 3% of adults meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, although ADHD is believed to be underdiagnosed in adults.1
Although ADHD may look different in males and females, common symptoms of ADHD include:
- Poor attention/concentration
- Easily distracted
- Impulsivity
- Hyperactivity / fidgetiness or talkativeness
- Disorganization
- Poor time management
- Procrastination
- Failure to complete tasks
- Forgetfulness
These symptoms can cause significant distress with failed classes and poor grades in students and missed deadlines and missed career/ job opportunities in adults.
Treatment Considerations
Medication is generally considered the treatment of choice for managing ADHD. However, a combination of medication and therapeutic interventions is considered the most effective strategy for managing symptoms of ADHD. This combination improves the likelihood of decreased academic frustration and improved academic performance because while medication can help manage the core symptoms of ADHD such as poor attention, poor concentration, and distractibility, it does not help with time management, disorganization, poor planning or motivation. These symptoms of ADHD generally respond best to non-medication treatments, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT looks at the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behavior. It helps bring about enduring change behavior by reversing negative thought patterns and dismantling harmful self-beliefs that interfere with staying on task or getting things done, serious challenges for individuals with ADHD. Therapeutic intervention also helps resolve the emotional issues that often go hand in hand with ADHD (e.g., anxiety, depressed mood, low self-esteem, or feelings of failure). At SBS Psychological Associates we can easily help you find the help that manage the symptoms of ADHD effectively, as well as those comorbid concerns like anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues. Contact our office today at 678-205-0838 to schedule an appointment. We provide psychotherapy in our office by video.
ADHD in the Life of WomenOctober 24, 2022 - 3:11 amOctober is ADHD month. A month dedicated to informing and educating the public about this disorder. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), also known as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), is a common neurobehavioral disorder. The causes of ADHD are not fully known. The condition often comes about because of genetic or environmental factors. Additionally, premature birth, […]
