Barriers to Attention

What is AD/HD?

Attention Deficit /Hyperactivity Disorder

AD/HD is generally considered to be a neurobiologically based disorder which is both diagnosable and treatable. It often occurs within the same family, so there appears to be a strong genetic link for the disorder. The primary symptoms include some combination of inattentiveness and distractibility, impulsivity, and in some people physical restlessness or hyperactive behavior. Researchers believe that these symptoms of AD/HD are caused by chemicals in the brain not functioning properly.

There are three basic types of AD/HD according to the latest diagnostic criteria from the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fourth Edition)

1. AD/HD with the combined characteristics of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.
2. AD/HD with inattention as the primary characteristic.
3. AD/HD with hyperactivity and impulsivity as primary characteristics.

The symptoms of the first and third types are highly noticeable in children which makes them easily identified. These are the AD/HD children who are loud, aggressive, always on the go, take risks, engage in dangerous behavior, and talk back to adults. The second group (more commonly found in females) are the quiet daydreamers. They often misplace things, have difficulty working alone, don't finish tasks, and are often lost in their own thoughts.

Researchers estimate that AD/HD occurs in as few as one percent and as many as 20 percent of children under 18 years of age. The most accepted estimate is three to five percent. That translates into one to three children in any classroom of thirty students.

Although AD/HD is considered a disorder, it is not all bad. Many people with ADHD attribute their creativity, energy, and exciting unpredictability directly to the ADHD.

What part do Mood Disorders play in AD/HD?

Over the last several years, there has been an explosion in the field of psychiatry around the term Bipolar Disorder. Like AD/HD, Mood Disorders can be quite complicated and the typical television, radio programs, or magazine intended for the lay public will probably not provide enough information to be much help.

So, what is the straight talk about this Bipolar stuff? We, Affinites have been struggling with this diagnostic dilemma for some time. Our struggle is not about finding another label to use, but rather to identify an additional piece of the diagnostic puzzle that may help to ease many folk's suffering. Much of what we have called AD/HD is what others are calling Bipolar Disorder. There is definitely an overlapping of symptoms, but to misdiagnose the primary problem leads to greater frustration and poorer functioning in life, whether the misdiagnosis is AD/HD, a Mood Disorder, or both.

AD/HD is a disorder of cognitive disturbance, or what is referred to as Executive function, that process by which we are able to plan, organize, and successfully execute a task. Sounds simple you say, but how many times have you forgotten to bring home the information that you needed to study for the test the next day? Or, how many times have you planned a dinner and midway through the process you realize you do not have the main ingredient for the recipe?

If your life is anything like most of us with AD/HD, it doesn't take a genius to wonder why we may feel depressed or elated more often than our non-AD/HD counterparts who do not struggle with these tasks as frequently as we do. However, genetics are amazing, (not always fun, but amazing). Along with our AD/HD we may also suffer from depression, not because we have AD/HD, but just because it is part of the package with which we were wired.

When asked by someone, "when should I have my AD/HD treated?". I respond, "when it hurts you". In other words when your AD/HD is interfering with your ability to have the life you deserve, then it should be treated. The same goes for a mood disorder. If you or your loved ones feel your moods are a problem, get it treated. Look at all your options for treatment. Is this something that talking therapy would help? If so, then do it. Maybe talking helps, but like your AD/HD it is just not enough and you find yourself living life on a sort of emotional roller coaster, then get medication to help with it.

How we understand our mood, the role it plays in our AD/HD, and our life overall is critical to getting the most out of treatment. At The Affinity Center we believe that as consumers we must listen to ourselves, and expect that our caregivers in the healthcare system will listen with us, and together we can develop ways to lessen our pain, and increase the joy in our lives.

What else can affect attention?

Many times people have come to Affinity to get their AD/HD treated and through the course of an evaluation we have found a serious life threatening issue that was the source of their "attention" problem. For many, after their years of searching, it is gratifying to finally help them get to the right source to resolve their problem. There are so many things other than AD/HD or Mood Disorders that can affect attention. Head trauma, metabolic disturbance, hormone imbalance, allergies, auto-immune disorders and addictions, just to name a few, can all create difficulty with our attention. That is why we feel it is important to have a comprehensive assessment before a diagnosis is made. The staff at Affinity is trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of mental, emotional and physical disorders.

Doesn't everyone have the symptoms of AD/HD from time to time?

Certainly we all get restless or distracted at times, get disorganized, act impulsively, etc. The difference is that for most people these behaviors are relatively infrequent and relatively mild. For people who have AD/HD these behaviors can become very severe and consistent, so much so that it causes an impairment in the person's ability to function. This could cause serious problems at school, at home, on the job, in relationships, etc.

What is the difference between ADD & ADHD?

The medical diagnosis is AD/HD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). "ADD" is sometimes used to mean "ADHD" without the hyperactive component, however ADD is not an official medical diagnosis. Also, "ADD" is often used as a more generic term, to represent all types of AD/HD.

Do I have AD/HD?

You may have Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) if you experience several of the following:

Inattention

• chronic forgetfulness
• difficulty with transitions
• problems planning ahead
• difficulty organizing time, space
• many unfinished chores and projects