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                                                                                 DR. Michael Shery, clinical psychology

                                                                                 2615 Three Oaks Rd, Ste 2A,  Cary, IL 60013

            www.carypsychology.com  847 516 0899 (24 Hrs);  drmike@carypsychology.com

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Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD) & its Symptoms-

the compelling need for ADHD treatment

                 But first, how to know if you or a family member have ADHD...?

 by: Dr. Mike Shery

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that is often characterized by behavioral and learning dysfunctions. ADHD is generally diagnosed in children and mostly affects more boys than girls. It not only occurs in childhood but also continues through adulthood in some cases. ADHD treatment is a "must" after diagnosis, because of the serious maladaptive effects it has on the sufferer's life, not to mention the effects on significant others.

Characteristics that are commonly cited among ADHD children are hyperactivity, distractibility and impulsivity. These children find it difficult to perform specific tasks in a sustained way and to maintain focus on certain aspects of conversations. Since these skills are crucial to life in our society, child ADHD treatment must be considered.

ADHD is a neurobiologically-based disability. Though the actual cause is unknown, research suggests that it may be due to a dysfunction in the sufferer's metabolism or a deficiency of certain neurochemicals or neurotransmitters in the brain; and in many cases it is likely to be genetically transmitted from parents and/or other relatives to a child. That's the reason ADHD treatment is so essential.

Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that influence the behavior of an individual. For example, a recent study has shown that the rate at which the brain uses glucose, its main energy source, is lower in individuals suffering from ADHD than in others.

The important features associated with ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Some of the symptoms due to inattention include making careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities, facing difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities, not listening when spoken to directly, facing difficulty in organizing tasks and activities, and becoming very forgetful regarding daily activities.

Some of the symptoms due to hyperactivity include fidgeting with hands or feet, squirming in the seat, socially inappropriate running about or excessive climbing, difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly and/or talking excessively. Some of the symptoms due to impulsivity include blurting out answers before questions have been completed, facing difficulty in waiting or manifesting any patience and frequent interrupting in conversations.

ADHD diagnosis and treatment is all the more compelling because of the outstanding success rate that ADHD treatment has in ameliorating the suffering. To learn about us click:  Individual Counseling and Therapy

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