Ask the Experts: Janet Reed, PhD, MHA
Q: What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
A: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a developmentally inappropriate level of any combination of three hallmark symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
ADHD can occur without hyperactivity (ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type); with hyperactivity and impulsivity (ADHD, Hyperactive-Impulsive Type); or with all three symptoms (ADHD, Combined Type). From a neuropsychological perspective, ADHD has been found to be related to delayed developmental and neurochemical processes in the frontal brain regions, affecting "executive" functions such as organizing, prioritizing, initiating, focused attention, sustained attention, rapid processing, working memory and recall, multi-tasking, and impulse control.
Those with ADHD may also experience significant anxiety disorders, tic disorders, and learning disabilities. The long-term impact can include low self-esteem, underachievement, poor interpersonal relationships, and depression. Approximately 50% of those with ADHD will outgrow it, while another 50% will continue to experience significant inattention and life disruption as a result.
Who can diagnose an Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
Medical professionals such as pediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists, neurologists, and neuropsychologists may diagnose an ADHD. Symptoms must be present and interfere with a patient's functioning in one or more settings, and it is important to evaluate for the presence of learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral difficulties, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
How are ADHDs treated?
ADHD has been found to be effectively treated with stimulant medication, behavioral therapy, and a combination of these approaches. Strategies for addressing problems with executive functioning are recommended; and there are commercially available computer-based intervention programs that have promising efficacy in improving working memory and attention.
Resources
Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders (ChADD)
http://www.chaddonline.org/
Dr. Russell Barkley
http://www.russellbarkley.org/
The ADHD Medication Guide is a resource for parents considering medication for their child with ADHD. See http://www.parentsmedguide.org/ParentGuide%20-%20English.pdf
Dr. Reed is a pediatric neuropsychologist and clinical child psychologist with over 20 years of experience and a member of The Family Center's Association of Professionals. She is a Senior Staff Neuropsychologist at Henry Ford Behavioral Health Division of Neuropsychology and Director of Clinical Programs in the multidisciplinary Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities. She sees patients at four locations in Detroit and West Bloomfield. Dr. Reed can be reached at 313-876-2526. To learn more about services visit http://www.henryford.com/body.cfm?xyzpdqabc=0&id=47822&action=detail&ref=155 or just www.henryford.com.
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