Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder manifests hyperactive or impulsive behavior. Sometimes children will exhibit both types of symptoms.

What causes ADHD?

Genetics appear to play a role in the cause of ADHD. A substantial percentage (between 30 to 40 percent) of those diagnosed as ADHD have family relations that are also ADHD. ADHD may be the result of an inherited inability to organize and control some patterns of thoughtand behavior. Ongoing research is under way to learn more about potential causes.

How do you know when someone has ADHD?

In order to be diagnosed as ADHD, a child must:

• Have six or more symptoms from one or each of the lists below
• Normal ability to function must be impaired
• Symptoms must be manifest in two different settings (for example, at home and at school)
• Duration of impairment must be at least six months
• Symptoms must be present by age 7

Symptoms for an inattentive child include:

• Failure to complete tasks or homework
• Difficulty in following instructions
• Difficulty in staying on task
• Loses things
• Forgetful
• Easily distracted or has difficult time listening
• Poor attention to detail, makes careless mistakes, or is disorganized

Symptoms for a hyperactive child include:

• Has trouble waiting his turn and Interrupts others
• Difficulty in playing quietly
• Runs or climbs excessively
• Fidgets
• Talks excessively
• Will blurt out answers
• Has difficulty in staying seated
• Always "going"

Just having some of these "high energy" symptoms does not mean a child has ADHD. The severity of the above symptoms in an ADHD child keeps him or her from functioning at the right age and intelligence level.

What can happen to people suffering from ADHD?

ADHD is very treatable with most children. Therapy and education help children with ADHD and their parents to live fairly normal and productive lives while improving family relationships. Medication can also be an important component in helping children with ADHD.

How CERTS helps those with ADHD

CERTS therapists have experience in successfully treating individuals with ADHD through appropriate medication, psychotherapy, and education. This is all part of the CERTS formula of balancing outstanding clinical therapy, experiential therapy, and education, with appropriate medical care.

Experiential therapy programs (such as equine therapy) offered at the facilities have also proven helpful. A fun and challenging academic education enhances self-esteem and encourages students to rediscover the joy of learning while they clinically stabilize. To learn more about which CERTS program can best offer the help you may require, please contact a CERTS admissions counselor at 801-755-8802.

Learn More About ADD/ADHD Here:

American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Attention Deficit Disorder Association
Kid's Health