Directions Counseling Group offers testing and therapy for adults and children
with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit
Disorder (ADD).
ADHD is the most
common behavior disorder diagnosed in children and teens.
ADHD refers to a group of symptoms that begin in early
childhood and can continue into adulthood. Difficulties often occur in the
following settings:
- Home
- School
- Work
- Community
The three groups of ADHD symptoms are:
- Inattention
This is the most common symptom. In addition to
having difficulty paying attention, people with this ADHD symptom often
are unable to consistently focus, remember, and organize. They may be
careless and have a hard time starting and completing tasks that are
boring, repetitive, or challenging.
- Impulsiveness
People who frequently act before thinking may
not make sound judgments or solve problems well. They may also have
trouble developing and maintaining personal relationships. An adult may
not keep the same job for long or spend money wisely.
- Hyperactivity
A hyperactive child may squirm, fidget, and
climb or run when it is not appropriate. These children often have
difficulty playing with others. They may talk a great deal and not be
able to sit still for even a short time. Teenagers and adults who are
hyperactive don't usually have the more obvious physical behaviors seen
in children. Rather, they often feel restless and fidgety, and are not
able to enjoy reading or other quiet activities. Symptoms vary by
individual and range from mild to severe.
The exact cause of ADD/ADHD is not clear. However, it is known that
chemical balances in the brain affect temperament and behavior.
The
condition runs in families, although many adults do not recognize their own
ADHD symptoms until their child is diagnosed with the condition.
ADHD is usually diagnosed when a child is 6 to 12 years of age. Children in
this age group are most easily diagnosed because symptoms caused by ADHD
become more noticeable in a school setting. It is more difficult to diagnose
ADHD in a child younger than age 6 because the symptoms can also occur
periodically during normal development.
ADHD is diagnosed by having an evaluation by a physician, psychologist,
child and adolescent psychiatrist, or counselor using specific criteria established by the
American Psychiatric Association (APA). Observations of a child's behavior
documented by parents, classroom teachers, and others who have regular
contact with the child are evaluated.
Directions Counseling Group may use the following therapy and treatment
approaches to help manage symptoms:
- Interactive Metronome
- Family counseling
- Socialization training and behavior management, especially if they
also have other emotional or mental health conditions along with ADHD.
When a child has ADHD, it adds extra stress to a household. All family
members can help adapt to additional pressures by learning about ADHD,
monitoring the child's medications, taking care of themselves, and working
together. Consistent and solid family support helps a child behave
appropriately both inside and outside the home.
See also Psychological Testing
Interactive Metronome
The information on this page is general in nature and not
intended as a substitute for a professional clinical evaluation.
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