CHILDREN & ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD/ADD​)

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD), can be a bit of a confusing diagnosis.  There is both under-diagnosis, as well as over-diagnosis, and concerns about medication, and whether a diagnosis is too early.  Research has found that pediatricians only spend an average of 15 min making a diagnosis of ADHD/ADD, and the symptoms of the inattentive symptoms of ADHD can be caused by many different issues such as depression, trauma, learning disorders, sleep problems, medical problems, and a multitude of other issues.  This is why it is important to do a good assessment to determine the best treatment.  In my practice, I conduct assessments to diagnose ADHD/ADD, as well as work with children that have already received a diagnosis by another professional.  

Assessment/Diagnosis - When considering the best way to determine whether or not your child has ADHD/ADD, you don't have to spend thousands of dollars and hours of testing.  Instead, a good clinical interview (obtaining history of symptoms and ruling out other diagnoses), assessments that compare your child's symptoms to others of their age and gender, and reviewing school records can lead us to determine the diagnosis in a few sessions.  Unfortunately, there are no blood tests, brain scans, EEGs, genetic tests, or machines that can determine whether a child has ADHD or not, despite the expensive options out there.  I provide full psycho-educational evaluations with neuropsychological measures, but these are only needed when documentation of learning differences is required for accommodations, to assess for a learning disability, and/or to assess for developmental disability.  Generally, I encouraged clients to take advantage of the free testing through their school district (whether the child is in a public or private school).  A clear assessment can help us determine the next steps for treatment, whether the issues the child and family are struggling with are due to ADHD/ADD or another issue.  

Inattentive Symptoms: 

1. Making careless mistakes
2. Difficulty sustaining attention
3. Difficulty listening
4. Difficulty Following through or finishing work or projects
5. Difficulty keeping organized
6. Avoiding boring tasks like paying bills or homework
7. Losing things like keys, pens, homework, or phone
8. Being distracted by noises or people
9. Forgetfulness

​Hyperactivity Symptoms

1. Fidgeting with hands or feet, or squirming in the seat
2. Getting out of the seat when   supposed to be sitting
3. Feeling restless
4. Difficulty playing or working quietly
5. Acting as if "on the go" or "driven by a motor"
​6. Talking excessively

Impulsivity Symptoms

1. Blurting out answers before the question is completed
2. Difficulty waiting for a turn 
3. Interrupting conversations or games

​Treatment - the most effective treatment for children diagnosed with ADHD/ADD is a combination of medication, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Family Therapy, although I work with many families that wish to wait before trying medication, and/or decide that they would like to take a non-mediation approach.  Therapy for ADHD/ADD tends to help most with the family's function (less conflict), anxiety, self-esteem/depression, and academic success, while the medication has the most effect on the symptoms of ADHD/ADD.  Ultimately, the goal of therapy for children with ADHD/ADD is to help make it through their childhood without a great deal of shame, and instead develop their resilience, so they can learn how to compensate and overcome ADHD/ADD.  I often work with parents, psychiatrists, schools, doctors, educational therapists, tutors, coaches, and others helping a child with ADHD/ADD to succeed.  Together we can get them on track for success!

To make an appointment for an assessment and/or discuss recommendations for treatment, call  (415) 686-9544 or email [email protected]  I have offices in San Francisco and Corte Madera and provide phone and/or web sessions for clients who can not come to the office. ​

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please call (415) 686-9544 or click the contact now button to send me an email.

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