What is Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder – commonly known as ADHD is characterized as having a pattern of inattention that interferes with an individual’s daily functioning (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).

Individuals who have ADHD may have trouble concentrating on details, miss deadlines, or have a hard time paying attention to activities they do not find interesting. However, these same individuals may be able to spend sustained periods engaging in activities, interests, and hobbies they do find enjoyable.

Additional symptoms of ADHD may include:

Additional symptoms of ADHD may include:

  • Fidgeting or squirming in one’s seat
  • In children, running around, leaving their seat, or climbing on things when not appropriate. (In adults, this can be more of a restless or fidgety type of feeling)
  • An inability to do things quietly, such as playing a quiet game
  • Excessive talking
  • Interrupting or answering questions before the question is even fully asked
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Fun Facts:

ADHD begins in childhood, with symptoms present before the age of 12 (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). Around the world, less than 10% of children and 3% of adults have ADHD.

Males are twice as likely as females to be diagnosed with ADHD.

ADHD is known to have a strong genetic component. Studies have shown that if one identical twin has ADHD, there is about a 75% chance that the other twin will also have it, indicating a high heritability rate (Faraone S.V. et al., 2005).

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Treatment Options:

Working with a clinician who practices behavioral interventions and social skills training can benefit clients with ADHD (Reichenburg & Seligman, 2016). For maximum effectiveness, it is recommended that these interventions be consistently employed across all areas of life, for example, home (to include both homes if parents are not living together,) childcare, work/school, relationships, and outside/inside activities.

Group therapy can provide clients an opportunity to practice and improve social and problem-solving skills. Parenting support is another key component of treatment. Lastly, some individuals may be prescribed medication in conjunction with psychotherapy to help manage symptoms. The use of multiple modalities can make a significant difference for the client with ADHD, their friends and their families.

Additional Resources:

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). DSM-5-TR. Washington: American Psychiatric Association Publishing.

Faraone, S. V., Perlis, R. H., Doyle, A. E., Smoller, J. W., Goralnick, J. J., Holmgren, M. A., & Sklar, P. (2005). Molecular genetics of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Biological Psychiatry, 57(11), 1313-1323. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2004.11.024

Lourie W. Reichenburg and Linda Seligman. (2016). Selecting Effective Treatments. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.

Our Location

Our office is conveniently located in Hunting Creek Pointe office park, just a half-mile from the Little Road/Hwy. 54 intersection in Trinity and within 10 miles of Odessa, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Palm Harbor, East Lake, Tarpon Springs, Bayonet Point, and Hudson.

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