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Clinical Psychology Associates of North Central Florida    Gainesville-Ocala

ADHD Services - Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder 

CPANCF.COM  352 336-2888                                                            Email This Page

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as ADHD, is common (about 5% of children and 2.5% of adults) yet complex and often misunderstood. Proper diagnosis is the foundation on which effective treatment and management is based.

Dr. Bordini, a pediatric neuropsychologist with offices in Gainesville and Ocala Florida provide quality consultation, comprehensive psychodiagnostic assessments, and psychotheraputic services for children, adults & families who may suffer from (ADD or ADHD) Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder and other related disorders.

We are one of the most experienced providers of evaluation in the North Central Florida area and have specialized in comprehensive testing of ADHD for more than 30 years.  Since many of the symptoms are not specific to ADHD or unusual there is high risk for underdiagnosis, misdiagnosis or over-diagnosis 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.  It is also critical that ADHD not be confused with high-functioning Autism Spectrum disorders or bipolar disorders.



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 can be impulsive and may have low frustration tolerances.  Due to their difficulties in self-control the often suffer frequent reprimands for parents and teachers.  Their self-esteem can be undermined, and they often 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.  

While children, adolescents and adults with ADHD often exhibit social skills difficulties, they do not typically demonstrate the substantial impairments associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder Differential diagnosis by experienced clinicians with pediatric neuropsychological experience is often needed to avoid over-diagnosis.

Associated Disorders:

Proper identification and treatment of these disorders, when present, often improves the overall prognosis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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COMMON SYMPTOMS of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder -ADHD

  • Disorganized or messy
  • Trouble paying attention
  • Easily distracted
  • Inconsistent performance
  • Difficulty completing tasks Impulsiveness
  • Distractibility
  • Frequent fidgeting

DSM-5 Criterion for AD/HD have changed little from DSM-IV.

DSM-5 Criteria for ADHD (edited for space)

I. Either A or B:

  1. 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

  1. Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.

  2. Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.

  3. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.

  4. 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).

  5. Often has trouble organizing activities.

  6. 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).

  7. Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).

  8. Is often easily distracted.

  9. 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 and Impulsivity

  1. Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.

  2. Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.

  3. Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless).

  4. Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly.

  5. Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor".

  6. Often talks excessively.

  7. Often blurts out answers before questions are completed

  8. Often has difficulty waiting turn.

  9. Often interrupts or intrudes on others.

Based on these criteria, three types of ADHD are identified:

  1. ADHD, Combined Presentation if both criteria 1A and 1B are met for the past 6 months

  2. ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: if criterion 1A is met but criterion 1B is not met for the past six months 

  3. ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: if Criterion 1B is met but Criterion 1A is not met for the past six months.

Further specifiers include mild, moderate and severe.  and in partial remission.

DSM-5 now has categories for Other Specified Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Unspecified Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder.

American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 2013.

 

Please call (352) 336-2888 for information about this or any of our programs.    We are dedicated to providing quality psychological assessment, consultation, & treatment services to the North Central Florida Community.

 

 

 
 
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