ADD/ADHD is a genetic disorder affecting approximately 8 to 10 percent of the population. Additionally, between 30 and 80 percent of those diagnosed with ADD in childhood remain symptomatic as adults. The number of people, particularly children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD has risen dramatically and stimulant medication continues to be prescribed as the primary if not only, course of treatment.

Unfortunately, only a small percentage of those treated experience positive effects from stimulant medication beyond the initial six months of treatment. Stimulant medication as a form of treatment for ADD/ADHD addresses only some of the symptoms. In fact, those symptoms that stimulant medication does not affect are the most problematic for children, adolescents and adults.

These untreated symptoms in children arise primarily in the school setting. Many children and adolescents already diagnosed and under treatment for ADD/ADHD still have difficulties completing and turning in homework assignments as well as avoid or dislike reading. These acts of procrastination and avoidance are actually the result of anxiety and performance fears. Adults with diagnosed ADD/ADHD often feel overwhelmed by paperwork and incomplete projects both at home and on the job. Avoidance and procrastination are primary concerns for adults as they are for children in these circumstances.

A recently completed twenty year research project at United Psychological Services revealed long term effects of anxiety, depression and sleep disorders that increased over the life span from childhood to adolescence to adulthood. This suggests the need to treat ADD/ADHD as more than attention symptoms. We provide an additional and alternative means of treatment for ADD/ADHD once it has been accurately diagnosed to address attention and these additional symptoms. An accurate diagnosis is extremely important in assuring that the right course of treatment is prescribed. Often, the symptoms related to ADD/ADHD can be masking another disorder requiring a different treatment plan. It is in this crucial diagnostic step that United Psychological Services truly sets itself apart.

At United Psychological Services:

We conduct a complete battery of neuropsychological tests for ADD; we do not merely rely upon self-report measures or the patient’s description. While important, the clinical tests we conduct in addition to patient input give the true, complete picture.

• We obtain an accurate, thorough diagnosis. There is no such thing as borderline ADD.
• We separate out symptoms such as those that can be attributed to anxiety and sleep disorders from true symptoms resulting from attention problems.
• We provide an alternative on-site treatment program that does not rely upon medication and has proven a successful intervention for children, adolescents and adults. It has also proven effective in conjunction with those cases that do benefit from stimulant medication.This neurocognitive intervention program has produced significant improvement in key areas such as attention and organization after successful completion of the program. For more information, please see: Non-Medication Treatment for ADD/ADHD.

For more about ADD / ADHD, watch this video by Dr. Barbara Fisher, our Clinical Director.

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