Ask the Experts Blog

Has it been suggested that ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) could be causing yours or your child’s lack of focus, restlessness, or hyperactivity? If left untreated, ADHD can deprive a person of self-esteem and limit success both at school and in the workforce.

The brain controls your body, thoughts, and feelings. It does so with the help of neurotransmitters. These chemicals help the brain send and receive messages. With ADHD, chemicals in certain parts of the brain can be in short supply. Because of this, some messages do not travel between nerve cells. Messages that signal a person to control behavior or pay attention aren’t passed along. As a result, traits common to ADHD may occur.

“ADHD is not diagnosed in one session, instead it takes a team of professionals to understand the history of a person and what is going on in their life,” said licensed professional counselor, Rich Watson, MA, LPP, LPC. “Often if patients are presenting with three or four symptoms which are impacting their life in more than one area, such as school and work, we are able to make a much more accurate diagnosis.”

Some key factors in diagnosing ADHD include:

Inattentive type:

• Fails to pay close attention to details
• Trouble sustaining attention
• Doesn’t seem to listen when spoken to directly
• Fails to follow through on instructions and fails to finish school work or chores
• Difficulty getting organized
• Avoids or dislikes doing things that require sustained focus or thinking
• Loses things frequently
• Easily distracted

Hyperactivity and impulsivity

• Fidgets with hands and feet
• Frequently leaves seat
• Runs or climbs excessively
• Trouble playing/engaging in activities quietly
• Acts “on the go” as if driven by a motor
• Talks excessively
• Blurts out answers before questions are completed
• Trouble waiting or taking turns
• Interrupts or intrudes on what others are doing

Licensed psychologist, Mary Frank, LLP, shares tips that her ADHD clients and their families have found helpful:

• Children with ADHD need a lot of encouragement from family because they are probably hearing a lot of negative remarks from others
• Get lots of healthy exercise.
• Appetite might be affected by those on stimulants. Thus, try and eat a good breakfast before you take your stimulant and a good dinner at night when it is wearing off.
• Use cell phones to set alarms for important things you must do one day ahead, a half-hour ahead, and at the time.
• Keep a white board somewhere that is easily visible and write several tasks you want to complete that day. Star it when you start the task and don’t start another until you finish the first one. Reward yourself with something enjoyable when you complete the task.
• Older students and parents should request a list of any uncompleted homework at the end of every week. This is done automatically in many schools electronically.
• Parents of younger students can request verbally (or put in writing through a 504 meeting or an IEP) that the teacher checks to see that homework assignments and needed textbooks, etc. are in child’s backpack at the end of each day. Parents check that homework is completed and in backpack prior to a child’s bedtime. Teach reminds student to hand in homework the following day. Eventually, this will become a habit.
• Choose jobs and classes that allow for the maximum amount of movement.
• Parents, only give privileges as responsibility is shown. Children with ADHD are often two years behind kids without ADHD in maturity levels.
• Parents should give active consequences (wash windows, sweep floor, etc.) as opposed to sitting in a time out.
• Older students learn to take good notes when reading a textbook or listening to a lecture. Study with one friend who is a good student rather than a group of students who can more easily lead to distractions.
• Sit away from friends and in the front of the class or lecture.
• Some people with ADHD find that focusing with their mind is easier if they are moving something in their body such as writing, coloring, or touching something like a key in their pocket.
• Eliminate any unnecessary stimuli when trying to focus such as bright lights or loud music.

“Most importantly remember to celebrate yours or a loved one’s ADHD,” said Mary. “While it may appear like a negative people with ADHD also possess many positive traits – they are spontaneous, fun, and full of energy.” 

If you or a loved one struggles with ADHD or any of the symptoms listed above, counseling may be an effective treatment option. For more information, or to schedule an appointment with licensed professionals at Southwestern Medical Clinic Christian Counseling, visit www.swmc.org or call (269) 429-7727