Attention Deficit Disorder
When an individual is struggling in school or work with choosing the right task to focus on; has difficulty staying focused on the task overtime; can’t disregarding extraneous factors going on not relevant to the task; and then doesn’t know when its time to shift to another activity, a problem with inattention is the culprit. Sometimes the inattention is accompanied by a failure to stop and think. Children might blurt out answers in the classroom without regard for raising a hand and waiting. Adults might forget to stop and look both ways when backing out of the driveway. Some individuals just talk too much.
Attention Deficit Disorder is the diagnostic term to described these individuals struggling with inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity. Actually, the official diagnostic term is Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder with the addition of Inattentive Type, Hyperactive Type or Combined Type. The use of these terms has been confusing and it is likely that we will see refinements in the conceptualization of these problems with new diagnostic terms. In fact, many professionals believe that we will discover that inattention and impulsivity/hyperactivity are actually two different disorders even though they sometimes occur in one individual.
Dr. Luz has trained with Dr. Russell Barkley of the University of North Carolina and Dr. Thomas Brown of Yale University. Dr. Luz's current evaluation procedure closely follows that of Dr. Thomas Brown which emphasizes a cognitive evaluation of the four domains to intellectual functioning, memory testing, evaluation of the six executive functions with self/other rating scales and a good clinical interview. Dr. Luz adds other testing as deemed appropriate. It is not uncommon that individuals with ADD also have other conditions including depression or anxiety. Almost all have problems in their marriage and/or their family life. ADD can be quite a challenge for a parent or a spouse.
For more information consider visiting Dr. Brown’s website at www.drthomasebrown.com