Attention Deficit Disorder / Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Treatment
ADD/ADHD
Short and Simple Symptoms: Inattention
• Frequently loses important items
• Makes careless mistakes
• Difficulty organizing tasks and activities
• Avoids and dislikes mental work (homework, paperwork, etc.)
• Easily affected by distractions
Short and Simple Symptoms: Hyperactivity
• Often “on to go”, or “driven by a motor”
• Very difficult to sit still
• Hard to wait one’s turn
• Complains of being bored
• Interrupts others frequently
• May talk excessively
ADD and ADHD are frustrating conditions for both adults and children.They are also frustrating for loved ones such as parents, children, spouses, friends, etc. Children with these conditions are often misdiagnosed, unaccommodated, and rarely fully appreciated, particularly in our culture. They can hold crippling feelings about themselves, such as “I’m dumb,” or “I’m lazy,” while the truth is that people with ADD or ADHD are usually not just bright, but brilliant. A few examples of famous people with ADD or ADHD are Albert Einstein, Emily Dickinson, Robin Williams, Whoopi Goldberg, Beethoven, the Wright Brothers, Walt Disney, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Susanne Sommers, Galileo, Winston Churchill, and Leonardo da Vinci.
Originally diagnosed only in children, we now know that ADD is seen in adults as well. Some adults are not diagnosed until adulthood, and can experience relief to get a proper diagnosis and the helps to maximizing their potential. For more detailed information, we suggest starting with Dr. Daniel G. Amen’s book: “Change Your Brain, Change Your Life” for more information about the conditions, and a well-balanced approach to solutions and choices. He describes, as well, how medications or supplements can help with ADD/ADHD.
ADD and ADHD as yet have no known cure. These conditions are somewhat like diabetes, which also does not have a cure, but can be managed well enough that the person can live a healthy life.
With treatment focused on processing discouraging experiences and traumas, the brain can actually be calmed to a certain extent. On occasion, a person’s ADD/ADHD is masking PTSD. EMDR can help either way, with major traumas or with “small t” traumas. It can also help in learning and rehearsing new self-care and life skills.
Positive change is possible. Children and adults with ADD/ADHD can process hurtful feelings around self-esteem and discover a new experience of emotional strength and strategies for success in school and at work. Teens, children, and adults who have ADD/ADHD can and do become successful. With caring, qualified help they are able to manage and overcome many of the effects of these disorders. Like the success stories above, they can find, develop, and celebrate their own passions.
Our EMDRIA-Certified EMDR Therapists specializing in ADD/ADHD look forward to hearing from you, so you can get going on your hopes and goals for success. Please find a therapist with this specialty on this page.
