What is ADHD?
ADHD is fundamentally a behavioral disorder (with Neuro-Chemical Influences) that usually leads to social/interpersonal and educational/work problems.
Three Types of ADHD
ADHD- Hyperactive-Impulsive Type, characterized by chronic symptoms of: Impulsivity, Inattentiveness, Emotionally Over-reactive, Anger-Temper Problems, Disorganized- Forgetful, Physically Overactive, Noncompliance/Oppositional
ADHD- Inattentive Type, characterized by chronic symptoms of: Concentration Problems, Disorganization, Motivation Difficulties/Procrastination, Difficulty Sustaining Energy, Short-Term Memory Problems, Daydreaming/Spacey Behaviors, Slow or Sluggishness, Forgetfulness
ADHD-Combined Type, characterized by chronic symptoms of both the Hyperactive-Impulsive and Inattentive Types.
Untreated ADHD Can Affect Someone’s Life:
- Emotionally (Greater Risk for depression)
- Socially (Peer & Relationship Problems)
- Educationally (Underachievement/Academic Problems)
- Vocationally (Job Losses, Job Difficulties)
- Family (Higher Conflict With Spouse & Children)
What can be done?
Assessment: The most effective treatment of ADHD is built on the foundation of a careful and accurate assessment. Just because it looks like ADHD does not mean it is! We are constantly striving to utilize the latest and most reliable instruments for assessing ADHD and related problems in children and adults.
Treatment for ADHD
Long standing research indicates that the successful treatment of ADHD includes “multi-modal” elements:
- Education
- Behavioral Strategies
- Counseling – couples, individual, family, group
- Parent Training
- Emotional/Interpersonal Support
- Academic or Job Interventions
- Vocational/career Counseling
- “Coaching” for Support & Direction
- Medication (when helpful & decided upon by the client, therapist & medical doctor)
- Resource Groups
Our Services
Assessments/Evaluations, Parent Training, Medical Referral, Adult, Individual & Couples Counseling, Child, Adolescent & Family Counseling, In-Service and School Consultation, Speaker’s Bureau, Vocational Testing & Counseling
ADHD Evaluations
The assessment for Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder is based on the input of multiple sources (child, adult, parent, teacher, spouse).
The evaluation often begins with an initial consultation to determine if a behavioral pattern consistent with ADHD is present. Since a diagnosis is based on more than the presence of symptoms, several factors must be considered:
- a behavioral pattern that is consistent with ADHD. We need to see more than attention problems
- behaviors must be long-term and chronic– nobody catches ADHD as an adult
- behaviors must be appearing to a greater degree than the norm
- behaviors are not better explained by something else– like emotional issues
- behaviors cause impairment in some area of functioning– they get in the way at home, school, work, etc.
We accomplish this through clinical interviews, gathering behavior rating scales & feedback, administering a Computerized Performance test, carefully gathering medical, social, developmental, family, and academic histories, and reviewing past reports and school records when possible.
Time is spent providing feedback, direction, answering questions, educating and treatment planning. A detailed report is provided summarizing the findings.
Our Staff
Evaluations are performed by:
Dr. Bradley Olson, Psy.D., M.Div.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Daniel Goff, Psy.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Jacob Hines, Psy.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
