Kevin Oldis of Rockville Centre is an ADDA volunteer and an ADHD coach with certification from the Attention Deficit Disorder Coaching Academy. On Sept. 14, Oldis went to Washington, D.C., to witness the signing of a Senate Bill recognizing ADHD. It was the result of a Senate resolution submitted by Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) that was referred to the Judiciary Committee on July 27.
It was resolved that the Senate encourage Americans to find out more about ADHD and supporting mental health services, and to seek the appropriate treatment. It was also expressed by the Senate that the federal government has the responsibility to both raise public awareness and consider ways to improve access to quality mental health services dedicated to improving the quality of life for those with ADHD.
ADHD is a neurobiological disorder that affects millions of Americans across racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic lines. According to ADDA's Web site (www.add.org), approximately 3 to 7 percent of children are affected, and between 30 and 70 percent of those children continue to exhibit symptoms in their adult life. Oldis says that ADHD does not disappear; rather, people learn to work with and around it.
With age, hyperactivity typically goes away, but what remain is an inability to focus and concentrate. Everyday activities such as staying organized, being productive in the workplace, and being on time to appointments can pose challenges to people with ADHD. Consequences can include poor academic performance, encounters with the justice system, interpersonal difficulties and substance abuse if ADHD is left untreated. There appears to be a strong relationship between ADHD and behavioral disorders that can emerge out of frustration and anger. There is not a cause-and-effect relationship, however.
Oldis says that he became active in ADDA because a member of his family has ADHD. He and the organization want to reach out to the community and demonstrate that the disorder does not make people "broken." He said, "Their brains are just wired differently." The Web site contains a wealth of information on ADHD, including answers to frequently asked questions on testing, medication, ways to get involved, tips on selecting a mental health professional, and links to other sources.
Laurie Kramer, Ph.D., of North Shore University Hospital, said, "Hospitals have group therapy sessions that teach people how to handle their own families and communities." Deciphering social cues and learning how to take turns are some of the common problems Kramer's clients deal with. Oldis said that "self-doubt is the most prevalent symptom, but this does not have to be the case. People can learn to cope."
Medication alone does not solve the problems of ADHD, and this is why behavioral therapy is a necessary part of treatment. Therapy programs are tailored to individual needs. Janet Khan-Scolaro, a social worker from South Nassau Communities Hospital, said, "Research shows that stimulant medication is effective in a large percentage of people [with ADHD], because they aid in controlling impulses and leads to noticeable behavioral changes. This percentage increases when behavioral therapy is added."
Khan-Scolaro does not want parents to think that using medication means they are simply drugging their children, and wants them to realize they are addressing the problem.
Therapists can work with adults in order to help them find an environment that fulfills their needs. Motivation, patience and rewards can help people feel connected and help them conquer interpersonal issues. A solid support system of friends and family, as well as a workplace that allows people with ADHD to work in a structured environment, can yield positive results. "It is not a disorder of knowing. It is a disorder of performance," said Khan-Scolaro.
For more information, contact Oldis at KevinO@aspects-ppm.com, or ADDA at (484) 945-2101. In order to help get the message out, South Nassau Community Hospital's Counseling Center (516-546-1370) has psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers who are trained to assist people and answer questions about ADHD.
Comments about this story? RVCeditor@liherald.com or(516) 569-4000 ext. 285.
