ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition which reflects an inactivity of the prefrontal cortex (pfc) of the brain. In Healing ADD (page 87), Dr. Daniel Amen, he defines the functions of the pfc as:
The pfc is the part of the brain that watches, supervises, guides, directs, and focuses your behavior. It contains “executive functions”: time management, judgment, impulse control, planning, organization, and critical thinking. Our ability as a species to think, plan ahead, use time wisely, and communicate with others is heavily influenced by this part of the brain. The pfc is responsible for behaviors that are necessary for you to act appropriately, focus on goals, maintain social responsibility, and be effective.
People with ADHD show indications in three primary areas: Inattentiveness (includes memory), Impulsivity, and Hyperactivity. We see these symptoms as on a spectrum and some people may have a lot of one symptom, or a combination of two, or some of all three. We all have some of the symptoms of ADHD some of the time. Anyone can lose their keys or be late to an appointment or forget a name once in a while. A person is diagnosed with ADHD if they are experiencing symptoms frequently which are interfering with their functioning in two or more areas of their life.
It is worthwhile to know that other conditions can look similar to ADHD at times, so it is best to have a professional who specializes in ADHD for diagnosis and treatment. As an example, Depression, Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other conditions can cause memory loss, distractibility, or racing thoughts.
Skosh Jacobsen specializes in care of children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD, with an integrated and holistic approach to treatment. Research indicates that the optimal treatment of choice for the most favorable outcome consists of a combination of medication and therapeutic intervention. For those who prefer to avoid medication, there are natural supplements that may be helpful. Skosh does not prescribe medication but can inform you about the options so that you can make an informed decision about how you want to move forward with your treatment. Counseling can help with adjusting to lifestyle changes for successful living.
ADD Resources provides support groups for parents of children and teens with ADHD on Mercer Island and in Tacoma . There are excellent speakers presenting each month on a variety of topics. Many of these parents are well-informed and represent a wide variety of experiences, some having children with co-occuring conditions such as: depression, anxiety, Asperger’s Syndrome, eating disorders and othe conditions. It is an enlightening experience to attend. Mark your calendars and check their website here. (Here is the link to connect to their webpage.) http://add.obrienbusinessgroup.com/?q=node/25
Eastside Parents Support Group Meeting
in the conference room of the Mercer Island Fire Station
3030 78th Avenue SE , Mercer Island
(Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for those who wish to look over resources,
check out books from the library, or just chat)
This group is facilitated by Jayne Carlin
DIRECTIONS
Mercer Island Fire Station
3030 78th Avenue SE
Mercer Island , WA 98040
From Kent , Renton , Bellevue :
From 405, Take Exit 11 which is I-90 W toward Seattle/Mercer Island; Take Exit 7 Island Crest Way; Turn left on Island Crest Way ; Turn Right on SE 28th; Turn left on 78th Ave SE
From Seattle: Take I-90 East; Take Exit 7B Island Crest Way; Take right on 30th St SE; Take left on 78th Ave SE.
Tacoma Parents' Support Group Meeting
The Third Monday of each month
7:00 p.m-9:00 p.m.
Tacoma General Hospital, Wing J, Conference Room 3, by Atrium Gift Shop, 315 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Tacoma, WA 98405. Parking is free after 6 pm in the Baker Center Garage across the street at 310 Martin Luther King Jr. Way .
This group is facilitated by Kathy Engle
For adults with ADHD, ADD Resources offers groups in Seattle and Olympia .
Tacoma Adults' Support Group Meeting
The Second Wednesday of each month
7:00 p.m-9:00 p.m.
Jackson Hall, 314 Martin Luther King Jr Way
Tacoma, WA 98405
Olympia Adult Support Group Meeting
Third Wednesday of the month
7 pm to 9 pm
Providence Professional Building , 525 Lilly Road NE, Olympia , WA 98506
ADHD therapist, Linda Van Hook Briganti, MS, LMHC,
is the facilitator of this group.
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