ADHD

ADHD VS. ADD

Attention deficit disorder, or ADD, is a term that is outdated. In 2013, the disorder became more commonly known to the public as ADHD which is an attention disorder of hyperactivity. Around 6.4 million diagnoses have been made in children diagnosed just within the US. Though some will outgrow it, about 5% of United States adults will carry the disorder into adulthood.

If You Think You Have ADHD: ADHD Symptoms

If you or your childcare living with ADHD, you know, firsthand, the difficulties that arise. It can be near impossible to focus on the smallest of tasks at hand. Forgetfulness is a common occurrence. You very well may also have a tendency to become distracted very easily and it may take a heavy toll on you. Symptoms do vary from person to person but they fall into three common categories: hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.Below you will learn more about each.

1. Inattention

Having difficulty in focusing is often a serious matter for children who are in school. Adults can also face severe issues with focus when they are unable to perform at the workplace, experience interference in relationships, and encounter friction in social situations. Those with the condition often tend to procrastinate and frequently jump from one uncompleted task to another.

Symptoms of Adult ADHD that are related to inattention often include:

• Lack of focus
• Forgetfulness in regard to simple daily activities
• Disorganization
• Easy distraction
• Difficulty keeping on topic
• Trouble following any social rules
• A tendency to make careless errors and mistakes.

Inattentive children might:

• Appear to not be listening when they are spoken to.
• Have problems giving attention where details are concerned.
• Experience trouble when following directions.
• Frequently loose and misplace things such as homework and toys.
• Become bored very easily and experience great difficulty when attempting to complete tasks.

2. Hyperactivity

It is more common for children with ADHD to experience hyperactivity than adults. Preschoolers and toddlers who have ADHD have a tendency to have problems engaging in group play or taking part in activities which require sitting still or being quiet. Adults and even teens exhibit nervous, restless symptoms and may find stimulating activities to be calming them.

Symptoms of adult hyperactivity include:

• Often moving or jumping from one project or task to the next
• Feelings of being restless while things are actually quiet or calm
• Frequently find substances that are known to stimulate, such as caffeine, to be calming instead

Kids who are hyperactive might:

• Have a lot of difficulty staying still or quiet
• Squirm while they are seated
• Experience great difficulty staying seated
• Climb or run when doing so is not appropriate
• Have considerable trouble when they are supposed to play quietly
• Talk excessively
• Be quick-tempered

3. Impulsivity

Adults, teens, and children with ADHD experience impulsivity which can spur such behaviors as risky behavior or inappropriate behavior that causes more and greater issues. These behaviors are done without thinking about the consequences they might bring.

Adult Impulsivity may include:

• Impulse buying
• Impatience
• Talking out of turn,causing problems at work or in social settings
• Talking during inappropriate times
• Starting conversations without completing them
• Blurting answers out prior to someone even completing the question
• Making rash or poorly thought out decisions

Kids who are impulsive might:

• Emotionally overreact
• Ask inappropriate personal questions or invade people’s space
• Have difficulty waiting patiently
• Frequently interrupt while others are talking
• Interrupt games other children are playing
• Guess, rather than solve, problems

Life with ADHD symptoms can be chaotic and you may feel completely overwhelmed. Counseling can help you be victorious in the challenges you face.

It May Not Even Be ADHD

Diagnosing ADHD, when it comes to children, can be tricky.Many things must be considered. If your child exhibits symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, or inattention, realize that those could be caused by something else. Some psychological disorders and medical problems can manifest themselves in much the same way. Prior to a diagnosis being made, a professional in the mental health field will check to see if some things can be ruled out including:

• Learning based disabilities
• Stresses in life like a death or a major move
• Psychological disorders like depression, behavior disorders, anxiety, and mood disorders
• Sleep disorders, epilepsy, thyroid disease, and other medical issues

Adults who go through testing for the condition will first be considered for:

• Autism
• Bipolar disorder
• Disorders of sensory processing

How Is ADHD Diagnosed?

Many things must be considered in the evaluation of ADHD since there exists no one standardized test for it. By taking a look at the issues you are facing, though, you can possibly rule other problems out such as:

• A reoccurring pattern of hyperactive and/or inattentive and/or symptoms of an impulsive nature that have a negative impact on you academically, occupationally, and/or socially
• The experience of several symptoms prior to the age of 12
• Experiencing symptoms that are not accounted for by another cause

Never be afraid to seek help in the event you think you or your child may have ADHD. At LA Christian Counseling, we have a safe place to offer you so you can express your concerns and be evaluated for issues other than ADHD that might be at the root. Be assured that you are in compassionate and skilled professional hands with us.

Medications for ADHD

There are many different medications that are commonly used for the treatment of ADHD. There are two main classes of medications: non-stimulants and stimulants. Here is more information about each:

Stimulants: The most popular of the prescribed medications in treating ADHD are stimulants. They tend to improve concentration and decrease hyperactivity. While Ritalin, Adder all, and Dexedrine are commonly prescribed, a number of parents are worried they might cause dependency, overuse, abuse. These are things you can talk to your counselor about.

Non-stimulants: Many adults who have ADHD actually benefit from non-stimulant medicines like Catapres and Strattera. Intuniv has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of children who are 6 to 17 years of age. An antidepressant like Effexor sometimes works successfully in adults.

Psychological Therapy Treatment for ADHD

There are times medications aren’t enough to battle ADHD symptoms. For twenty years now, there has been progress in treatment through interventions of psycho social methods like cognitive-behavioral therapy, behavioral modification therapy, and parent counseling. Christ-focused ADHD Counseling may include:

• Assistance for parents of children with ADHD – It can be overwhelming and trying for a parent to try to guess how to deal and cope with an impulsive, hyperactive, or inattentive child. There are often problems where academics and society are concerned. You want your youngster to do well and thrive in all situations but that is often not the case. There are many things you try to embrace such as your child’s enthusiasm, energy,and creative nature. Still, things don’t go as planned. It is vital for you to know that bad parenting doesn’t cause ADHD. The Christ-focused counselors at our center are available to help you, as a parent, learn to assist your child in controlling the symptoms of their condition without interfering with their natural creativity and playfulness.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy for ADHD – Children and adults with the condition can greatly benefit from CBT. Using these techniques will help you get a better understanding of how you see yourself and the surroundings you are in. It can assist you in identifying how you (or your child) can become more efficient, focused, and organized. It can also improve the ability you have to focus and complete tasks.
• Behavior modification therapy – The technique of behavior therapy for children who suffer from ADHD tends to be the most successful and is the most popular method that is used. The counselor, parents, and child all work together to make changes in behavior. Skills are taught that assist in successfully controlling impulses and the inability to pay attention.

Regardless of whether you are seeking counseling for your child or for yourself, it is imperative to find a counselor you can trust. LA Christian Counseling center offers:

• Trusted and Reliable Options for ADHD Treatment – We have many treatments available for the condition which include family counseling and group therapy.
• Reliable Testing of ADHD – The highly skilled and compassionate professionals at our center will provide the latest techniques and technology to you in psychological testing.
• The focus of Faith First – At Los Angeles Christian Counseling, we offer you more than mere science-based therapy.It has been our experience that Christ-centered therapy triumphs where traditional techniques don’t. We offer those of faith the solace of somewhere they can go for recovery where the focus in on the promises, grace, and wisdom of Jesus.
• Christian Psychiatry – People are first at our center. While medications tend to be used by many to treat ADHD, there are exceptions to the rule. We allow you to seek treatment and hold true to your individual values.

Those who suffer from ADHD are fearfully and wonderfully made by our Heavenly Father. Our goal is to nurture the qualities you possess as a unique individual so you can live a full and productive, successful happy life in Jesus.

Does your center test for ADHD?

No and Yes. In the event you have the suspicion your child one has the condition, testing is vital. Adults, however, often reach out for treatment without needing formal testing. A meeting can be set up with a Licensed Clinical Psychologist at our center or an ANRP so you can be evaluated to see if the symptoms you are experiencing are, in fact, indicative of ADHD.

Is it possible to treat ADHD without medications?

Generally, ADHD is treatment is more successful when therapy and medications are combined but some have the ability to learn control over their symptoms and are able to succeed with counseling only.

If ADHD wasn’t diagnosed when I was a child is it possible I have it as an adult?

Definitely. Many times, ADHD goes without being diagnosed as a child. At LA Christian Counseling, we can work with you to find out.

How long does ADHD Christian Counseling last?

Many times, ADHD is chronic, requiring continual treatment in one form or another. There are some cases, however, where individuals outgrow ADHD. It is imperative to have your situation re-evaluated regularly.

Get In Touch Today To Find Out More On Christian Counseling For ADHD.

If your child, or you, are in a struggle to manage ADHD symptoms, the skilled and compassionate professionals of Los Angeles Christian Counseling are available to help.