Attention Deficit Disorder

Attention Deficit Disorder is not, as its name implies, a disease condition. Everyone is distractible to some degree, and has difficulty focusing under certain conditions. Some people can study with a television on in the room, others can’t remember what they were doing when they were interrupted by a ringing telephone.

We all fall somewhere in the range of ability to maintain attention, and there may be a genetic component to where we fall on the continuum. People with lower ability to focus attention are usually more curious, spontaneous, and therefore often more creative than their steadily attentive counterparts. Society needs the strengths and talents of us all, but tends to structure its expectations with the less impulsive, more attentive in mind.

When does ADD become a problem? When either we or the people we live and work with continually frustrate each other with our (or their) difficulty remembering, paying attention, and following through. The person with ADD is likely to be far less frustrated than friends and family members whose expectations are not being met. ADD can be treated, and family members can learn to accommodate to the needs of the person with ADD. Medication is only one option that can be discussed and considered.

If you suspect that you or someone you love is excessively distractible, call Samantha (508-207-7149) to set up an introductory appointment. Then you can decide where to go from there.