What’s Really Going On? 

Welcome to my cozy downtown private practice office.  The sun has found openings through the clouds and streams through my window onto the carpet before us.  I’m sitting with a client in our first meeting, gathering history and evaluating a range of issues presented.  He is a bright, accomplished and energetic realtor with an “ultra-bright” smile and piercing blue eyes.  He describes a pattern of fatigue and exhaustion that sound like depression.  He’s anxious about his 16-year-old son who’s had trouble with poor grades and an expanding pot smoking habit.  His son has struggled academically throughout school and I suspect Attention Deficit Disorder, but it is early for that level of diagnostic thinking.  I’ll meet with the boy to get a better feel.  So, I keep listening intently.  If it is, indeed ADD/ADHD, there are strategies for managing it.

ADD/ADHD Runs in Families. 

Both the genetic predisposition and the social environment of families can result in “handing down” ADD/ADHD.  Not always present, the H stands for hyperactivity and is sometimes seen as a failure or inability to control impulses.  Attention darts around, the mind races and younger kids can’t seem to keep their seats.  Forgetfulness, incomplete assignments, excessive boredom, and perfectionism/procrastination can be markers for this way of thinking and behaving.  ADD can also express as “dreamy”, distracted or unfocused without impulsivity.

An Emotional Cost

Depression, anxiety and substance abuse often accompany this “un-quiet” condition in the struggle to for calm and focus.  Especially in middle and high school years, the emotional cost of not fitting in with peers and failed assignments can take a profound toll.  In my work with addiction and recovery, the correlation between early learning difficulties and substance abuse can be remarkable.  And sad.

Cure or Manage?

There are modern medications that can help.  A good psychiatrist can monitor mood and behavior as the effects of ADD/ADHD can change over time.  Many grow out of ADD/ADHD in early adulthood.  Others learn strategies for managing more skillfully.  Hugely helpful is to remove the stigma by defining it as a trait and a uniqueness, not a liability.  History is full of high functioning, brilliant people with ADD, including Albert Einstein and David Neeleman, founder of Jet Blue.

Help Far and Wide

Helping to make learning less stressful for busy-brained kids, Space of Mind is a non-traditional schoolhouse run by the indefatigable Ali Kaufman here in Delray.  I refer there often.  The Center for Children and Families at Florida International University is world-class clinical research center dedicated to improving the lives of children, especially those with ADD/ADHD.  Driven to Distraction, written by Ed Hallowell is a great primer in the basics of understanding the issues.  The monthly periodical “ADDitude” is a godsend.  If you or someone you love is struggling, I’m glad to help.  Call me, John Davis, LMHC at 561-213-8030.