ADD - ADHD: Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder

Malibu Horizon treats ADD, ADHD in clients with an alcohol or substance abuse problem

Dr. Brooke Molina, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology at Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic, discussed her research using a longitudinal study concerning the use of the Multi modal Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Method to assess the risk of substance abuse in persons with ADHD.
Researchers found that children with ADHD reported higher levels of alcohol consumption and drug experimentation than their peers in the control group. Dr. Molina stated that ADHD is a risk factor for substance abuse, but substance abuse does not occur in all children with ADHD, as behavioral therapy and parental involvement in treatment often function as positive protective factors. More information on Dr. Molina's research can be found at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/press/mtafollowup.cfm.

Harvard Study Suggests Significant Prevalence of ADHD Symptoms among Adults

ADHD is difficult to diagnose in adults. Adult ADHD symptoms often coexist with other mental and emotional disorders, such as Depression or anxiety, and can significantly impair a person's ability to function productively. The researchers also note that because ADHD assessments have been traditionally targeted to children.
A recent NIMH-funded survey tracking the prevalence of attention deficit/hyperactivity symptoms found that an estimated 4.4 percent of adults ages 18-44 in the United States experience symptoms and some disability. The survey is known is part of a series of tracking surveys supported by NIMH and conducted by researchers at Harvard Medical School to assess the state of mental health of the nation.
In the survey, those with attention deficit/hyperactivity symptoms were more likely to be white males who were divorced and unemployed or unable to work. They also tended to have more problems with alcohol and drug abuse problems that are known to be associated with ADHD. In addition, the study found that while many people with ADHD problems are in treatment for other mental disorders and substance abuse, a smaller proportion receive treatment for their ADHD symptoms.
Moreover, the symptoms tend to be more varied and subtler in adults than in children, suggesting that clinicians may need to consider a wider variety of possible symptoms for the condition to allow for better assessment in adults. Until biomarkers for ADHD are identified that will allow clinicians to differentiate between ADHD and non-ADHD conditions with similar symptoms, diagnosis must depend on careful and comprehensive clinical evaluation. Treatment decisions are best left to individual patients and their doctors, taking into account the potential risks and benefits posed by the various treatment options.

ADD - ADHD Treatment

Currently, available treatments focus on reducing the symptoms of ADHD and improving functioning. Treatments include medication, various types of psychotherapy, education or training, or a combination of treatments.

Psychotherapy

Different types of psychotherapy are used for ADHD. Behavioral therapy aims to help a person change his or her behavior. It might involve practical assistance, such as help organizing tasks or completing work, or working through emotionally difficult events.
Behavioral therapy also teaches the client how to monitor his or her own behavior. Learning to give oneself praise or rewards for acting in a desired way, such as controlling anger or thinking before acting, is another goal of behavioral therapy.

Medications

ADHD medications, including extended-release forms, often are prescribed for adults with ADHD, but not all of these medications are approved for adults. However, those not approved for adults still may be prescribed by a doctor on an "off-label" basis. Although not FDA-approved specifically for the treatment of ADHD, antidepressants are sometimes used to treat adults with ADHD. Older antidepressants, called tricyclics, sometimes are used because they, like stimulants, affect the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine.

ADHD Rehab and Treatment Center

A newer antidepressant, venlafaxine (Effexor), also may be prescribed for its effect on the brain chemical norepinephrine. And in recent clinical trials, the antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin), which affects the brain chemical dopamine, showed benefits for adults with ADHD.
Adult prescriptions for stimulants and other medications require special considerations. For example, adults often require other medications for physical problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, or for anxiety and depression. Some of these medications may interact badly with stimulants. An adult with ADHD should discuss potential medication options with his or her doctor. These and other issues must be taken into account when a medication is prescribed.

Symptoms of ADHD

Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the key behaviors of ADHD. It is normal for all children to be inattentive, hyperactive, or impulsive sometimes, but for children with ADHD, these behaviors are more severe and occur more often. To be diagnosed with the disorder, a child must have symptoms for 6 or more months. Be easily distracted, miss details, forget things, and frequently switch from one activity to another
Have difficulty focusing on one thing
Become bored with a task after only a few minutes, unless they are doing something enjoyable
Have difficulty focusing attention on organizing and completing a task or learning something new
Have trouble completing assignments
Not seem to listen when spoken to
Daydream, become easily confused, and move slowly
Have difficulty processing information as quickly and accurately as others
Struggle to follow instructions

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ADD ADHD Drug Alcohol Rehab Treatment Center