Attention Disorder

What is an attention disorder?

Attention disorder is a condition where you find it hard to focus for any length of time. You might struggle to concentrate at work, quickly lose interest in books and other forms of entertainment, and find it challenging to complete tasks.

Children with attention disorders often have problems keeping up at school. Their focus shifts quickly to other thoughts, and everything around them tends to be distracting. As a result, they may get into trouble with their teachers and receive poor grades below their abilities.

Attention disorders frequently feature additional symptoms like poor memory and behavioral problems.

What kind of attention disorder might affect my child or me?

The most widespread type of attention disorder is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Within the umbrella of ADHD are three sub-types:

Predominantly inattentive ADHD

You might come across this type of ADHD under its old name of attention deficit disorder (ADD). Typical symptoms include difficulties concentrating, disorganization, forgetfulness, not taking in instructions, failing to respond, and making silly mistakes.

Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD

Symptoms of this type of ADHD include finding it hard to sit still for long, an inability to do anything quietly, talking excessively, frequently interrupting or not waiting their turn, and a desire to be constantly physically active.

Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive ADHD

Combined ADHD is the most common ADHD type, where you or your child has characteristics of both the other forms.

ADHD Institute of Michigan uses sophisticated diagnostic tools like the Cambridge Brain Sciences psychological assessments to accurately identify attention disorders.

How are attention disorders treated?

The team at ADHD Institute of Michigan adapts each patient’s attention disorder therapy plan to their individual needs. The two main branches of treatment are:

Talk therapies

There are various types of talk therapies. For example, psychoanalysis uncovers memories you’ve been suppressing over many years and helps you deal with them. Other methods, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), focus more on showing you how to adjust negative thoughts in everyday situations so you’re better able to function.

Behavioral therapy techniques like CBT are typically the most helpful for anyone with an attention disorder. However, other types of psychotherapy may help if a patient has mental health problems like depression or anxiety as well as an attention disorder.

Medications

The ADHD Institute of Michigan team might prescribe medications including stimulants, antidepressants (of which there are many different types), or anti-anxiety medicines. 

Stimulants treat attention disorders by increasing the chemicals in your brain that help with concentration.

To get a timely, accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for an attention disorder, call the ADHD Institute of Michigan or book an appointment online today.