ADHD and Behavior Problems in Children and Adolescents
ADHD (Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder)
Symptoms of Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder may include difficulty concentrating, restlessness, high energy level, being impulsive, talkative, difficulty sitting still, being disorganized, loosing things, not completing tasks, failing to pay attention to details, forgetful in daily activities, appears not to listen to others, and prefers not to play quietly or engage in tasks where sustained attention and concentration is needed. These symptoms need to occur in a variety of different settings in order to be diagnosed and can only be diagnosed by a mental/ medical health professional. ADHD can look different based on the individual's age. Although the main cause of ADHD is unknown, research has shown that there are impairments within the prefrontal lobe of the brain which may explain some of their symptoms. Engaging in certain tasks with a person who struggles with symptoms of ADHD can improve their functioning by stimulating this area of their brain.
Behavior Problems
Behavior problems may be a result of many different psychological concerns. Some children are defiant because of family conflict in the home, others are defiant because of other underlying disorders (i.e. depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, ADHD), some act negatively as a way of gaining attention, and many other children and adolescents engage in negative behaviors for other reasons. A careful evaluation is needed in order to determine why your child or adolescent is behaving the way they are and to work to generate solutions to their behavior problems.