ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder
Cause
Decreased glucose metabolism.
Reduced brain metabolism effects attention, handwriting, motor control,
and inhibitions of responses.
What does this mean for the individual?
• ADHD is only a problem if it creates a problem in the person’s daily life
• Studies are not yet specific, nor thoroughly researched
• Everyone may feel as though they have ADHD at times, especially if over-stressed
ADHD Diagnosis
“Developmental disorder of behavioral inhibition that impairs the development of self-regulation (executive functioning) and is not, as its name implies, chiefly a disorder of attention.” Johnson, 2002
Pooh Type-Inattentive ADD
“Classic Daydreamer”• Nice, lives in a cloud• Easily distracted• Short attention span to a task that is not
interesting• Often late• Frequently misplaces items • Easily bored
Tigger Type-Classic ADD
“Tigger likes to bounce…cause bouncin’ is what Tiggers do best.”
• Easily distracted, inattentive• Has LOTS of energy• Can’t still still• Restless• Talks loudly and excessively• Very impulsive• Has trouble waiting
Eeyore-Type Limbic System ADD
“Thanks for noticin’ me.”
• Inattentive
• Chronic low-grade depression
• Often negative
• Low energy
• Hopeless and worthless feelings
Rabbit Type-Over Focused ADD
“Rabbit tend his garden…and don’t bother him.”• Trouble shifting attention• Inflexible• Oppositional and/or Argumentative• Frequently stuck in loops of negative
thoughts• Compulsive• Controlling, obsessive, perfectionistic
Piglet Type-ADD with Anxiety
“He is a great friend, but he sure scares easily…”
• Trouble shifting attention
• Excessively worried
• Easily startled
• Obsessive
• Extremely nervous and insecure
Common StrengthsThe “Hunters” (not the farmers) of the Worlds
• Constantly monitoring their environment• Able to change course on a moment’s notice• Flexible, ready to change strategy quickly• Tireless, capable of sustained drives when
focused on a goal• Visual/Concrete thinkers, clearly see a a
tangible goal even if not verbalized
Strengths Continued
• Independent
• Enjoys new ideas, excited
• Willing to take risks
• Decisive & straight forward
Meeting Needs
“When one improves performance and cognitive skills, they increase
the ability to manage their own behavior.” Stevens, 2006
Medication=Controversy
• Proponents-the brain needs medication to support the problem with focus
• Research by the National Institute of Mental Health concluded that combined treatment, including medication and behavior therapy resulted in significant improvement