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Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disrorder, also known as ADHD, disorder is common yet, it is complex and often misunderstood. Proper diagnosis is the foundation on which effective treatment and management is based.
Our psychologists in Gainesville and Ocala Florida provide quality consultation, comprehensive, psychodiagnostic assessment, and psychotheraputic services for children, adults & families who may suffer from (ADD or ADHD) Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder and other related disorders.
We specialize in comprehensive testing of ADHD. Since many of the symptoms are not specific to ADHD or unusual there is high risk for underdiagnosis, misdiagnosis or overdiagnosis with brief examinations. Thorough evaluation is critical in a disorder which is considered life-long and has a high rate of co-existing with behavior problems, learning disorder, coordination problems and other difficulties.
Children with Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may be described as immature, may tend to always be on the go “as driven by a motor”, may be impulsive, and frequently act before thinking. They may suffer frequent reprimands from parents and teachers. Self-esteem is at risk, and they may become rejected by peers.
Adolescents with the disorder may show less overactivity, but may have difficulty meeting the increased demands of middle school. Trouble with organization, planning, and meeting increased productivity requirements are common.
Adults with the disorder may continue to have difficulty tolerating routine types of work, may shift jobs more frequently, and may have difficulty attending to details and organizing. There is increased risk for marital difficulties and traffic accidents.
ADHD is commonly classified as predominantly hyperactive, predominantly inattentive, or combined type. Each has somewhat different characteristics.
Associated Disorders:
Proper identification and treatment of these disorders, when present, often improves the overall prognosis.
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Oppositional Defiant Disorder
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Motor Skill Deficit
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders
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Expressive or Receptive Language Difficulties
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Processing Deficits
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Anxiety
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Social Skills Deficits
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Understanding and Coping with Adult ADHD
Challenges of Returning the ADHD Child to School
ADHD and Teen Driving
ADHD Medications
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COMMON SYMPTOMS OF ADHD
- Disorganized or messy
- Trouble paying attention
- Easily distracted
- Inconsistent performance
- Difficulty completing tasks Impulsiveness
- Distractibility
- Frequent fidgeting
DSM-IV Criteria for ADHD
I. Either A or B:
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Six or more of the following symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months to a point that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:
Inattention
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Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
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Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.
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Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
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Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).
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Often has trouble organizing activities.
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Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
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Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
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Is often easily distracted.
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Is often forgetful in daily activities.
Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:
Hyperactivity
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Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
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Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.
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Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless).
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Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly.
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Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor".
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Often talks excessively.
Impulsivity
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Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.
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Often has trouble waiting one's turn.
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Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).
Based on these criteria, three types of ADHD are identified:
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ADHD, Combined Type: if both criteria 1A and 1B are met for the past 6 months
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ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type: if criterion 1A is met but criterion 1B is not met for the past six months
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ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: if Criterion 1B is met but Criterion 1A is not met for the past six months.
American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 2000.
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