Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that affects both children and adults. ADHD in children is characterized by inattentiveness, distractibility, hyperactivity,
and impulsivity. ADHD makes it difficult for children to manage their behavior, pay attention, regulate their mood, stay organized, concentrate on tasks at school, follow directions,
and sit still. If ADHD is not treated, many children continue to experience these problems into adulthood.
Children with ADHD are more likely than other children to have additional problems such as:
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Low self-esteem
• Learning disorders and academic underachievement
• Oppositional and defiant behavior
• Sleep issues
• Trouble with social and interpersonal relationships
• Irritability and problems tolerating frustration
• Risky and impulsive behaviors
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
How is ADHD Diagnosed?
ADHD in children causes significant problems at home and in school on an ongoing basis. While there is no specific test for ADHD, making a diagnosis will often include the following:
• The gathering of information, such as current medical issues, personal and family medical history, and school records
• Interviews or questionnaires for family members, your child’s teachers, and other people who know your child well
• ADHD rating scales that help collect and evaluate information about your child
• Psychological and Neuropsychological Testing and Evaluation
• Behavioral criteria described in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association
How is ADHD Treated?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and the behavioral problems that often accompany ADHD, are treated with a several therapeutic approaches, including the following:
Behavior Therapy
Behavior Therapy is a learning-based approach that has been found to be helpful in addressing the behavioral issues that are frequently seen in children with ADHD. Problem
behaviors such as noncompliance and defiance are replaced by more appropriate behavior. Behavior Therapy teaches children more desirable ways of getting what they want.
Parent Training
Parenting Training is a type of behavior therapy that teaches parents and other caregivers specific techniques for changing their child’s problem behavior. It is especially
useful in dealing with tantrums, defiance, aggressive behavior, poor organizational skills, and school avoidance.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is based on the idea that the way a child thinks and feels affects the way they behave. The goal of treatment is to help your child identify
and change maladaptive thought patterns to they can cope more effectively with difficult situations. This approach may be especially helpful for older children with ADHD.
Supportive Psychotherapy
Supportive Psychotherapy focuses on providing emotional support to your child. The therapist will encourage your child to talk about their feelings, concerns, and problems.
Parents of children with ADHD also can benefit from supportive psychotherapy.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding why children behave the way they do. ABA is a specialized type of behavior therapy that is used to
replace maladaptive patterns of behavior with skills that are necessary for success in life.
Life Skills Training
Life Skills Training uses methods of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to teach children to cope effectively with the demands and challenges of life. Specific techniques of learning
and training are used to help children determine and achieve personal goals. Life skills include decision-making and problem-solving, coping with difficult emotions and stress,
creative thinking, and self-awareness.
Social and Interpersonal Skills Training
Social and Interpersonal Skills Training is a type of Life Skills Training that helps children with ADHD learn conversational skills, as well as non-verbal communication through
facial expressions, eye contact, and body language. Additional skills that children learn include active listening, behavioral self-control, and the development of empathy.
Behavioral Self-Management Training
Behavioral Self-Management Training uses specific methods of instruction and practice to increase independence and teach new skills. In schools, behavioral self-management
enables children to control their own academic and social behavior, enabling teachers to devote more time to teaching. This training is also used to reduce anxiety, manage anger,
improve relationships, and develop more effective organizational skills.
Medication
A number of medications are used in the treatment of ADHD. These medications are provided by a physician, or under the supervision of a physician.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults is characterized by a combination of persistent behavioral problems that interfere with daily functioning. These issues may include:
• Impulsiveness
• Difficulty focusing on a task
• Hyperactivity
• Poor time management skills
• Restlessness
• Poor planning
• Low frustration tolerance
• Trouble coping with stress
• Frequent mood swings
• Engaging in high risk behaviors
ADHD in adulthood is often associated with:
• Problems in the workplace
• Unemployment
• Financial difficulties
• Legal problems
• Unstable relationships
• Frequent car accidents and other injuries
• Learning disabilities
• Sleep issues
• Poor physical health
Mental health problems that accompany ADHD in adults may include:
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Low self-esteem
• Problems managing anger and other emotions
• Alcohol or other substance abuse
How is ADHD in Adults Diagnosed?
There is no specific test for ADHD in adults. As with ADHD in children, making a diagnosis will often include the following:
• The gathering of information, such as current medical issues, and personal and family medical history
• Interviews or questionnaires for family members, and other people who know the person well
• ADHD rating scales or psychological tests that help collect and evaluate information
• Psychological and Neuropsychological Testing and Evaluation
• Behavioral criteria described in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association
How is ADHD in Adults Treated?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and the significant problems that often accompany ADHD in adults, are treated with a number of therapeutic approaches, including the following:
Behavior Therapy
Behavior Therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing problematic or maladaptive patterns of behavior. This approach is based on the idea that most
behavioral problems are learned and can be unlearned and replaced by more adaptive patterns of behavior that enable people to get what they want out of life. Behavior
Therapy has been found to be helpful in adults with ADHD, as well as in the treatment of problems that often accompany ADHD, such as anxiety, depression, anger, stress, and relationship issues.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is based on the idea that the way a person thinks and feels affects the way they behave. The goal of treatment is to help identify and
change maladaptive thought patterns in order to cope more effectively with difficult situations. In addition to the treatment of ADHD, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used in
the treatment of the mental health issues that often accompany ADHD in adults.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding why people behave the way they do. ABA consists of learning-based methods that are helpful in
teaching adults how to reduce or eliminate maladaptive patterns of behavior and learn important social and interpersonal skills. ABA may be of benefit in managing stress, anger,
depression, anxiety, sleep issues, and many other behavioral problems.
Life Skills Training
Life skills are behaviors that enable people to cope effectively with the demands and challenges of life. Specific techniques of learning and training are used to teach people how to
determine and achieve personal goals. Life skills include social skills, decision-making, problem-solving, coping with difficult emotions and stress, self-awareness, empathy, and interpersonal
skills that are necessary for success in the workplace.
Behavioral Self-Management Training
Behavioral Self-Management Training is especially useful in the treatment of ADHD in both children and adults. Specific methods of instruction and practice are used to develop
more effective organizational, time management, and coping skills.
Relaxation Training
Relaxation Training is a type of behavior therapy that helps people reach a state of calmness. It can reduce stress and lower blood pressure. Examples of relaxation training
include learning how to relax muscles throughout the body, focusing the mind on positive images, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.
Marriage or Couples Counseling
ADHD in adults often leads to significant relationship problems. Marriage or couples counseling helps couples understand the nature of ADHD and the problems it causes.
Couples learn to communicate more effectively, resolve conflicts, and provide emotional support to the adult with ADHD.
Family Therapy
ADHD in adults can affect the entire family. In Family Therapy, problems related to ADHD are explained, and family members are taught specific ways of helping the adult with ADHD.
Medication
A number of medications are used in the treatment of adults with ADHD. These medications are provided by a physician, or under the supervision of a physician.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that affects both children and adults. ADHD in children is characterized by inattentiveness, distractibility, hyperactivity,
and impulsivity. ADHD makes it difficult for children to manage their behavior, pay attention, regulate their mood, stay organized, concentrate on tasks at school, follow directions,
and sit still. If ADHD is not treated, many children continue to experience these problems into adulthood.
Children with ADHD are more likely than other children to have additional problems such as:
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Low self-esteem
• Learning disorders and academic underachievement
• Oppositional and defiant behavior
• Sleep issues
• Trouble with social and interpersonal relationships
• Irritability and problems tolerating frustration
• Risky and impulsive behaviors
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
How is ADHD Diagnosed?
ADHD in children causes significant problems at home and in school on an ongoing basis. While there is no specific test for ADHD, making a diagnosis will often include the following:
• The gathering of information, such as current medical issues, personal and family medical history, and school records
• Interviews or questionnaires for family members, your child’s teachers, and other people who know your child well
• ADHD rating scales that help collect and evaluate information about your child
• Psychological and Neuropsychological Testing and Evaluation
• Behavioral criteria described in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association
How is ADHD Treated?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and the behavioral problems that often accompany ADHD, are treated with a several therapeutic approaches, including the following:
Behavior Therapy
Behavior Therapy is a learning-based approach that has been found to be helpful in addressing the behavioral issues that are frequently seen in children with ADHD. Problem
behaviors such as noncompliance and defiance are replaced by more appropriate behavior. Behavior Therapy teaches children more desirable ways of getting what they want.
Parent Training
Parenting Training is a type of behavior therapy that teaches parents and other caregivers specific techniques for changing their child’s problem behavior. It is especially
useful in dealing with tantrums, defiance, aggressive behavior, poor organizational skills, and school avoidance.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is based on the idea that the way a child thinks and feels affects the way they behave. The goal of treatment is to help your child identify
and change maladaptive thought patterns to they can cope more effectively with difficult situations. This approach may be especially helpful for older children with ADHD.
Supportive Psychotherapy
Supportive Psychotherapy focuses on providing emotional support to your child. The therapist will encourage your child to talk about their feelings, concerns, and problems.
Parents of children with ADHD also can benefit from supportive psychotherapy.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding why children behave the way they do. ABA is a specialized type of behavior therapy that is used to
replace maladaptive patterns of behavior with skills that are necessary for success in life.
Life Skills Training
Life Skills Training uses methods of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to teach children to cope effectively with the demands and challenges of life. Specific techniques of learning
and training are used to help children determine and achieve personal goals. Life skills include decision-making and problem-solving, coping with difficult emotions and stress,
creative thinking, and self-awareness.
Social and Interpersonal Skills Training
Social and Interpersonal Skills Training is a type of Life Skills Training that helps children with ADHD learn conversational skills, as well as non-verbal communication through
facial expressions, eye contact, and body language. Additional skills that children learn include active listening, behavioral self-control, and the development of empathy.
Behavioral Self-Management Training
Behavioral Self-Management Training uses specific methods of instruction and practice to increase independence and teach new skills. In schools, behavioral self-management
enables children to control their own academic and social behavior, enabling teachers to devote more time to teaching. This training is also used to reduce anxiety, manage anger,
improve relationships, and develop more effective organizational skills.
Medication
A number of medications are used in the treatment of ADHD. These medications are provided by a physician, or under the supervision of a physician.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults is characterized by a combination of persistent behavioral problems that interfere with daily functioning. These issues may include:
• Impulsiveness
• Difficulty focusing on a task
• Hyperactivity
• Poor time management skills
• Restlessness
• Poor planning
• Low frustration tolerance
• Trouble coping with stress
• Frequent mood swings
• Engaging in high risk behaviors
ADHD in adulthood is often associated with:
• Problems in the workplace
• Unemployment
• Financial difficulties
• Legal problems
• Unstable relationships
• Frequent car accidents and other injuries
• Learning disabilities
• Sleep issues
• Poor physical health
Mental health problems that accompany ADHD in adults may include:
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Low self-esteem
• Problems managing anger and other emotions
• Alcohol or other substance abuse
How is ADHD in Adults Diagnosed?
There is no specific test for ADHD in adults. As with ADHD in children, making a diagnosis will often include the following:
• The gathering of information, such as current medical issues, and personal and family medical history
• Interviews or questionnaires for family members, and other people who know the person well
• ADHD rating scales or psychological tests that help collect and evaluate information
• Psychological and Neuropsychological Testing and Evaluation
• Behavioral criteria described in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association
How is ADHD in Adults Treated?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and the significant problems that often accompany ADHD in adults, are treated with a number of therapeutic approaches, including the following:
Behavior Therapy
Behavior Therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing problematic or maladaptive patterns of behavior. This approach is based on the idea that most
behavioral problems are learned and can be unlearned and replaced by more adaptive patterns of behavior that enable people to get what they want out of life. Behavior
Therapy has been found to be helpful in adults with ADHD, as well as in the treatment of problems that often accompany ADHD, such as anxiety, depression, anger, stress, and relationship issues.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is based on the idea that the way a person thinks and feels affects the way they behave. The goal of treatment is to help identify and
change maladaptive thought patterns in order to cope more effectively with difficult situations. In addition to the treatment of ADHD, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used in
the treatment of the mental health issues that often accompany ADHD in adults.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding why people behave the way they do. ABA consists of learning-based methods that are helpful in
teaching adults how to reduce or eliminate maladaptive patterns of behavior and learn important social and interpersonal skills. ABA may be of benefit in managing stress, anger,
depression, anxiety, sleep issues, and many other behavioral problems.
Life Skills Training
Life skills are behaviors that enable people to cope effectively with the demands and challenges of life. Specific techniques of learning and training are used to teach people how to
determine and achieve personal goals. Life skills include social skills, decision-making, problem-solving, coping with difficult emotions and stress, self-awareness, empathy, and interpersonal
skills that are necessary for success in the workplace.
Behavioral Self-Management Training
Behavioral Self-Management Training is especially useful in the treatment of ADHD in both children and adults. Specific methods of instruction and practice are used to develop
more effective organizational, time management, and coping skills.
Relaxation Training
Relaxation Training is a type of behavior therapy that helps people reach a state of calmness. It can reduce stress and lower blood pressure. Examples of relaxation training
include learning how to relax muscles throughout the body, focusing the mind on positive images, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.
Marriage or Couples Counseling
ADHD in adults often leads to significant relationship problems. Marriage or couples counseling helps couples understand the nature of ADHD and the problems it causes.
Couples learn to communicate more effectively, resolve conflicts, and provide emotional support to the adult with ADHD.
Family Therapy
ADHD in adults can affect the entire family. In Family Therapy, problems related to ADHD are explained, and family members are taught specific ways of helping the adult with ADHD.
Medication
A number of medications are used in the treatment of adults with ADHD. These medications are provided by a physician, or under the supervision of a physician.