Counseling for ADD and ADHD
Attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are related types of a brain disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.
Inattention means a person wanders off task, lacks persistence, has difficulty sustaining focus, and is disorganized. These problems are not due to defiance or lack of comprehension.
Hyperactivity means a person seems to move about constantly (including situations in which it is not appropriate), excessively fidgets, taps, or talks. In adults, it may be extreme restlessness or wearing others out with their activity.
Impulsivity means a person makes hasty actions that occur in the moment without first thinking about them and that may have high potential for harm. Or, they may exhibit strong desire for immediate rewards or show inability to delay gratification. An impulsive person may be socially intrusive and excessively interrupt others or make important decisions without considering the long-term consequences.
Inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity are the key behaviors of ADHD. Some people with ADHD only have problems with one of the behaviors, while others have both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.
While it is normal to have some inattention, unfocused motor activity and impulsivity, for people with ADHD, these behaviors are more severe, occur more often, and interfere with or reduce the quality of how they function socially, at school, or in a job.
Counseling for ADD or ADHD is an investment in your child's academic success and future security. Counseling for adults with ADD or ADHD can improve relationships and productivity on the job. If you or your child struggle to stay on task, get work done on time, and sit still in class or in meetings, counseling will really help you change challenging or disruptive behaviors.
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Diagnosis of ADHD requires a comprehensive evaluation by a licensed clinician, such as a pediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD.
For a person to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity must be chronic or long-lasting, impair the person’s functioning, and cause the person to fall behind normal development for his or her age.
The doctor will also ensure that any ADHD symptoms are not due to another medical or psychiatric condition.
ADHD symptoms can appear as early as between the ages of 3 and 6 and can continue through adolescence and adulthood. Symptoms of ADHD can be mistaken for emotional or disciplinary problems or missed entirely in quiet, well-behaved children, leading to a delay in diagnosis.
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD may have a history of poor academic performance, problems at work, or difficult or failed relationships.
ADHD symptoms can change over time as a person ages. In young children with ADHD, hyperactivity-impulsivity is the most predominant symptom. As a child reaches elementary school, the symptom of inattention may become more prominent and cause the child to struggle academically.
In adolescence, hyperactivity seems to lessen and may show more often as feelings of restlessness or fidgeting, but inattention and impulsivity may remain. Many adolescents with ADHD also struggle with relationships
and antisocial behaviors. Inattention, restlessness, and impulsivity tend to be aspects of ADHD that persist into adulthood.
Types of Treatments for ADD / ADHD
While there is no cure for ADHD, currently available treatments can help reduce symptoms and improve functioning. Along with possible medication treatment by a physician, psychotherapy at Highland Counseling Services can help individuals with ADHD and their families to better cope with everyday problems.
Behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that aims to help a person change his or her behavior. It might involve practical assistance, such as help organizing tasks or completing schoolwork, or working through emotionally difficult events.
Behavioral therapy also teaches a person how to monitor his or her own behavior and give oneself praise or rewards for acting in a desired way, such as controlling anger or thinking before acting. Therapists may also teach children social skills, such as how to wait their turn, share toys, ask for help, or respond to teasing. Learning to read facial expressions and the tone of voice in others, and how to respond appropriately can also be part of social skills training.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can teach a person mindfulness techniques, or meditation. A person learns how to be aware and accepting of one’s own thoughts and feelings to improve focus and concentration. The therapist also encourages the person with ADHD to adjust to the life changes that come with treatment, such as thinking before acting, or resisting the urge to take unnecessary risks.
Family and marital therapy can help family members and spouses find better ways to handle disruptive behaviors, to encourage behavior changes, and improve interactions with the patient.
Daily life doesn't have to be such a struggle.
Contact Highland Counseling Services today.
440-461-1255
You'll be surprised what a difference
counseling can make.