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Identifying the Myths of ADD/ADHD and Finding the Solutions
Myth 1: ADD/ADHD is over diagnosed.
Myth 2: ADD toward/ADHD can be alleviated with medication.
Myth 3: ADD/ADHD can be resolved with therapy and training.
Myth 4: Persons with ADD/ADHD just need to work harder.
Myth 5: ADD/ADHD causes academic or professional failure.
Myth 6: You are not a good enough parent or teacher.
Myth 7: My son or daughter will be a success and is special... We just need to wait for people to realize who he or she really is.
Myth 8: Things will work out.
In understanding these myths and the truth about ADD/ADHD its important to know that mental health researchers and professionals do not know the actual cause or genesis of ADD/ADHD. Though the molecular, emotional, behavioral causes are unknown, there is treatment! We can address the symptoms and make improvements with psychotherapy, nutritional/supplement treatment and as needed pharmacological intervention. Generally, when all three approaches are used there is a much greater likelihood of success. But sometimes all three approaches may not be needed. We are thankful many qualified professionals can offer these avenues so people may have more fulfilling lives.
Let us address the myths and the truths.
Myth 1: ADD/ADHD is over diagnosed.
Whether ADD/ADHD is over or under diagnosed is largely dependent upon the professional performing the evaluation. Dr. Steward and Dr. Klindt are committed to arriving at the correct diagnosis for children, teens and adults. Generally speaking, ADD/ADHD is frequently misunderstood by people unfamiliar with the ADHD/ADD diagnostic nuances. The symptomatology of ADHD/ADD have multitudinous constellations depending on the presence and severity of symptoms. Most importantly, some disorders appear to be ADD/ADHD but are actually something quite different.
Myth 2: ADD/ADHD can be alleviated with medication.
ADD/ADHD is manifested by a very broad symptom picture with various levels of severity, from miniscule to moderate to severe. Depending upon where one may fall along this continuum and each persons biochemistry, some individuals may have their symptoms ameliorated by nutritional supplements, psychological counseling and dietary changes. Other individuals may need only mild medication intervention, psychological counseling and dietary/supplement changes. For patients who have more severe symptoms, it is necessary to consider an adequate trial of medication, dietary/supplement intervention and psychotherapy.
Myth 3: ADD/ADHD can be resolved with therapy and training.
As alluded to above their may be some who only need some counseling and psycho-education. But it is usually beneficial and advantageous to apply dietary and supplement interventions which may be included with the psycho-educational component of treatment.
Myth 4: Persons with ADD/ADHD just need to work harder.
The significant aspect of this myth is in the word "just." Frequently, persons with ADD/ADHD need to develop well-defined, structured deliberate approaches to school, homework and job performance. In this way, one with ADD/ADHD needs to put more effort into their task to be successful. But it is usually not adequate to "just" apply new and creative efforts to learn, to manage impulses, to concentrate and to improve memory performance. Children, teens and adults who have ADD/ADHD usually need to receive counseling to discover the techniques that are most effective for them. The very mild cases of ADD/ADHD may be efficiently helped with only counseling. However, those with moderate to severe symptoms are likely to be greatly assisted by medication which will enable them to more effectively apply the techniques acquired through counseling/therapy.
Myth 5: ADD/ADHD causes academic or professional failure.
ADD/ADHD does not preclude success in life. People with ADD/ADHD can be successful. However, symptoms make success more difficult in some fields of endeavor where organizational skills, planning and focus are a premium. However, giving one's unique innate talent for an academic or professional specialty, ADD/ADHD may not have extensive adverse effects because one is able to compensate since they are working an area of their strengths. (Examples may be the creative professions: cinema, marketing, art, sales...) But even in such instances that this organization are poor planning may threaten their careers despite their giftedness. It is also important to recognize children, teens and young adults with ADD/ADHD who are earning degrees do not have the luxury of only focusing on their areas of interest in giftedness. The contrast ADD/ADHD symptoms will likely create a immediate problems for them.
Myth 6: you are not a good enough parent or teacher.
Let us put this myth to rest immediately! Your capability, goodness, and competence as a parent or teacher is not defined or dependent upon how well a child, teen or adult with ADD/ADHD responds to you. In fact, regarding the person with ADD/ADHD, even they cannot be considered a bad person just because they have a biological condition which impedes their behavior, performance and ability to relate well to others. There is no one to blame. But there is a responsibility to understand and to cooperatively find solutions. However, there will be times that you all will lose your temper... This is human. The person with ADD/ADHD must take responsibility for doing everything they can cope successfully. Excuses are not an option... And self-awareness is a necessity.
Myth 7: My son or daughter will be a success and is special... We just need to wait for people to realize who he or she really is.
Your child is a very special person, but waiting for someone to realize this so your child's quality of life improves is like sitting them in your living room when they are on fire, hoping someone, who does not have any idea the problem, will call the fire department. We need to be proactive in seeking help for ourselves and our children.
Myth 8: Things will work out.
Unfortunately, many issues cannot take care of themselves. However, we have found when our adult patients and the parent's of our child patients incorporate the directions we suggest and allow therapy/counseling to work, often there is tangible improvement.
Dr. John Steward
Dr. Steward is a psychologist with Silicon Valley Brain SPECT Imaging and Christian counseling center. He specializes in ADD and treats depression, anxiety, Asperger's, behavior problems and other disorders. He provides marital, family and teen, child therapy and school consultation.
Dr. Steward may be reached at: (408) 881-0710
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NeuroSPECT Rounds
Hello, and welcome to the "Success and Family" newsletter, written by Dr. John Steward, PsyD. NeuroSPECT Rounds, written by Dr. Klindt, is a column in "Success and Family" that will explore topics related to Brain SPECT Imaging(BSI).
| Brain SPECT Image
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The image on the top illustrates how the brain is divided so we may see
the view on the bottom where the brain will usually be seen from the Top
Superior View. |
Brain SPECT imaging is a nuclear medicine procedure whereby
a special
medication
injected into the patient, goes to the brain, and sends out a little "beacons
of light." These beacons of light are caught by a gamma camera rendering
a three-dimensional representation of the brain. This imaging shows the areas
of the brain that are normally active, over-active, and under-active. With
BSI we can see every square inch of the brain and how it is functioning. When
interpreted by an experienced clinician, this physiological information is
extremely valuable in the patients clinical assessment. The images in today's
column are normal Brain SPECT Images ( BSI ). In coming issues, we will look at the
BSI's is associated with clinical conditions covered in "Success and Family," i.e.
anxiety, depression, OCD, Tourette's Syndrome, Asperger's Syndrome, ADD, Bipolar
Disorder and others.
William C. Klindt, M. D.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Dr. Bill Klindt is the medical director of Silicon Valley Brain SPECT Imaging
and a child psychiatrist specializing in SPECT imaging and medical treatment
of ADD, bipolar, depression, anxiety and more severe disorders. |
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