ask dr. read      Idaho Statesman columns      new articles      biography      formal resume      philosophy      services offered      contact dr. read      psychology links      other links      forms      pictures		Living with ADHD: It's a Challenge, but Survivable by James M. Read, Ph.D. ADHD. It stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Twenty years ago when I was in graduate school we called it "Minimal Brain Dysfunction" (MBD) or "MBD with Hyperactivity." In any case it stands for a relatively common problem that occurs more often in boys than girls, and can last a lifetime. We used to think kids got over it in adolescence. We were wrong. Now ADHD has become a "popular" diagnosis for adults too. Some clinicians call it "residual type" when it occurs in adults, suggesting that perhaps it is what is "left over" from childhood ADHD. In any case people often refer loosely to "ADD" when they really mean "ADHD." The "H" stands for "Hyperactivity" which is an obvious characteristic of the most common form of attention deficit disorder. The easily observed main feature, from which the disorder gets its name, is a problem with paying attention. Children with ADHD are highly distractible, easily sidetracked, and can't pay attention. So are the adults who have it. They jump from one unfinished activity or task to another, are impulsive, often pester others, talk too much, can't sit still, interrupt constantly, can't follow the rules, and can't remember what they are supposed to be doing. They often are oblivious to danger and get hurt a lot. As they get older, the hyperactivity often becomes less obvious. Adults with ADHD don't usually fidget is much as the kids. They can sit still longer. They may have learned more ways to cope with the problem. They often choose occupations that allow more physical activity and more frequent change from one thing to another. Some studies report that many successful adults with ADHD have chosen self-employment and run their own businesses. There is much that can be done, for both children and adults. Reducing distraction is vital. Structuring time, materials, tools, and activities helps. Parents need to have a close cooperative relationship with teachers and frequent communication regarding classroom behavior and completion of assignments. Medication helps a lot and often makes a vital contribution to the success of other behavioral measures which are always necessary. Behavioral coaching (and counseling) for both the child and the parent(s) can be very helpful. There is a lot of good material written on how to cope with this problem. Ask your school counselor for guidance. Adults can benefit from medication and behavioral coaching as well. Getting help early, and staying on top of this problem is important. ADHD is not a death sentence, but the socio-economic and educational outcome can be devastating. One local resource for help with this problem is at the Idaho Elks Rehabilitation Hospital in Boise. James M. Read, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist  Originally published in The Idaho Stateman newspaper (Boise, Idaho) February 24, 1994 For more information, or to contact the author (that's me!), write to James M. Read, Ph.D., jread@jread.com