Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders. It can continue through adolescence and adulthood. Symptoms include difficulty staying focused, paying attention, controlling behavior, and hyperactivity. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking help early will lead to better outcomes for affected children and adults and their families.

Three types of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:

Hyperactive-Impulsive

• Fidgets
• Has difficulty remaining seated.
• Runs about or climbs excessively in children; extreme restlessness in adults
• Difficulty engaging in activities quietly
• Acts as if driven by a motor
• Talks excessively
• Blurts out answers before questions have been completed.
• Difficulty waiting or taking turns.
• Interrupts or intrudes upon others.

Predominantly Inattentive

• Fails to pay close attention to details
• Makes careless mistakes
• Difficulty sustaining attention
• Does not appear to listen
• Struggles to follow through on instructions
• Has difficulty with organization
• Avoids or dislikes tasks requiring a lot of thinking
• Loses things
• Easily distracted
• Forgetful

Combined Hyperactive-Impulsive and Inattentive

Has symptoms from both hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive.

ADHD Treatment:

Currently available treatments focus on reducing symptoms and improving executive functioning skills. Treatments include psychotherapy, support groups, medication, education and training, or a combination of the before mentioned.

Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:

Different types of psychotherapy are used for treating ADHD. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help change one’s poor self-image by examining past experiences. A CWCSF therapist will work with an adult with ADHD in order to help them think before they act, resist the urge to take unnecessary risks, anger management, organizational skills, and time management.  Support Groups, Couples Counseling, Family Therapy, and Medical Family Therapy are also very successful in the treatment of Adult ADHD.

Childhood Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:

Behavioral therapy aims to help a child change and monitor their behaviors. Rules, chores, and structured routines can help a child control behavior. Therapists may work with children on their social skills, such as how to wait their turn, share toys, ask for help, or how to respond to teasing. Family Therapy, Medical Family Therapy, and Parent Support Groups are beneficial as well.

Read more about ADHD on our Blog.

Call 954-951-2929 to speak with one of our Therapists today.

CHADD

Please call 954-951-2929 to find out more information about the  South Broward/North Dade Chapter of CHADD. CHADD support groups occur monthly. Staci Lee Schnell, M.S.,C.S., LMFT is the Coordinator of the chapter and most of the current board members are CWCSF therapists.  If you would like to be inculded in email notifications from CHADD please email us broward-dade@chadd.net.  You can also follow us on Facebook.