ADHD (ADD) involves inattention (short attention span and being easily distracted), hyperactivity (being overly active) and impulsivity (doing things without considering the consequences). Some people with ADHD suffer from all three of these problems, while others only have inattention or hyperactivity.
Symptoms of ADHD (ADD) include:
- Failing to pay close attention to details
- Making careless mistakes
- Having difficulty sustaining attention in tasks
- Not seeming to listen when spoken to directly
- Often losing things
- Being forgetful
- Being disorganized
- Being overly active
- Often interrupting others
- Having trouble waiting for one’s turn
When hyperactivity is not present, ADHD is less obvious. ADHD may be suggested by poor grades or poor work performance (due to poor focus and being unorganized), being unpopular with peers (due to failing to recognize social cues, such as someone being bothered by one’s behavior), and poor self-esteem (due to peer rejection).
Many normal children merely have symptoms of ADHD, as opposed to a full blown medical condition that requires medication to get better. Therefore, it is important that you or your child receive a thorough examination by a well-qualified professional to determine the extent to which ADHD is present and whether or not medication is necessary.
A careful assessment of ADHD requires in-depth clinical interviews, testing, and gathering information from others, such as parents and teachers. Our psychologist, Dr. Lowery, examines the “big picture” and determines what factors are creating or contributing to the symptoms of ADHD, including: learning disabilities, intellectual limitations, anxiety or depression, parenting style, and academic or work environment.
If Dr. Lowery (or another psychologist) makes a diagnosis of ADHD, accomodations can be made at school (including college), such as having your child sit in the front of the class (perhaps close to a good student), extending time for tests, and providing a testing environment with fewer distractions (like testing away from other students). He can also help people with ADHD create detailed, routine schedules and systematic ways to prepare for bed and the next day of work or school.
If your child has ADHD, our child and adolescent psychiatrist, Dr. Patrick, Tapia, can help you determine which medication is best for your child. Dr. Tapia has a specialty in ADHD and children with behavioral problems.