Home Attention Deficit Disorder / Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention defective hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are conditions in which a person has trouble focusing attention and maintaining attention, and tends to act impulsively. Male-to-female ration is 3:1 - 5:1, however since females tend to get the inattentive form and the boys tend to get the more easily and quickly identified hyperactive form more often, the gender ratio may actually be closer to 1:1. ADD/ADHD is often diagnosed when a child is between 6 and 12 years old. Teachers may be the first to notice symptoms. There is no cure for ADD/ADHD, but treatment (including medicine and behavior therapy) may control the symptoms. The exact cause is not clear, but ADD/ADHD tends to run in families. Often, counseling and extra support at home and at school help children succeed and feel better about themselves.

When hyperactivity is added to the diagnosis, the person may also have trouble sitting still. These disorders may begin in early childhood and can continue into adulthood. Without treatment, ADD/ADHD can cause problems at home, school, work, and with relationships.

Inattentive symptoms include:

• Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes,
• Has difficulty sustaining attention,
• Does not seem to listen,
• Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace,
• Has difficulty organizing tasks,
• Avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in sustained mental effort,
• Loses things,
• Is easily distracted,
• Is often forgetful.

Hyperactive symptoms include:

• Fidgets,
• Leaves seat inappropriately,
• Inappropriately runs about or climbs excessively,
• Has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly,
• Is often on the go or often acts as if driven by a motor.

Impulsive symptoms include:

• Blurting out answers before questions have been completed,
• Has difficulty awaiting their turn,
• Often interrupts or intrudes on others.

Some of the symptoms of ADD/ADHD listed above apply mostly to children and teens, however adults with ADHD engage in these and an "Adult ADHD" set of behaviors that are clearly "attention-deficit".

Please note: This office routinely evaluates for adult Attention Deficit Disorder using clinical interview, Connor’s Adult ADHD Rating Scales, and the computerized Connor’s Continuous Performance Test (CPT-II) a timed test of attention and impulsivity. ADHD is treated with medication and referrals to behavioral training.

If you or a family member has these symptoms and daily life is being compromised as a result, you may wish to contact Dr. Westerback’s psychiatric office for a consultation by calling (805) 497-1618.