ADHD

What is ADHD? One of the most controversial pediatric disorders, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been classified as a developmental disorder, a neurological disorder and a behavior disorder.

It's very difficult to classify a particular disorder when there isn't a true, objective test that can define it with absolute certainty. This is the case for ADHD. Behavior modifications for ADHD can help in the positive reinforcement of bad behaviors that are an unfortunate aspect of the signs, symptoms and behaviors categorized as ADHD/ADD:

  • Inattentiveness: a person who daydreams or seems to be in another world.
  • Impulsiveness: a person who acts quickly without thinking things through.
  • Hyperactivity: a person who is unable to sit still.

Ordinary people can experience these feelings to a certain degree, but for someone with ADHD, it can significantly interfere with their life. Along with the devastating effects that the above may cause, there are some associated conditions. These conditions include oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder which lead to anti-social behaviors like aggression, lying and deceitfulness, as well as bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. We offer proven treatments for ADHD ADD that can improve a child's wellbeing in the Los Angeles, California area.

To illustrate how challenging it is to classify who has ADHD, below lists some of the criteria used by the American Psychiatric Associate in their Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders:

A. Six or more of the following symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months to a point that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:

  1. Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
  2. Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.
  3. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
  4. Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).
  5. Often has trouble organizing activities.
  6. Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
  7. Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
  8. Is often easily distracted.
  9. Often forgetful in daily activities.

If these symptoms seem familiar, contact us today to see how we can help your child.