Disorders of interest,
nifty links, etc.
This is a disorder that begins in early childhood, before
the age of 7, and is probably seen in about 5% of all children (That is about 1
child in 20, or 1 child in a classroom). ADHD
is characterized by problems in school, with teachers remarking that your child
has problems with excessive talking, organization, concentration, paying attention,
and completing his
work. The teachers may also note
that your child has trouble sitting still, but this really isn’t the main
problem.
There is some
good research that suggests that ADHD is actually a problem with impulse
control, or the inability to inhibit responses that are verbal, physical or
emotional. Another way of looking
at this is to say that your child has difficulties with rule-governed behavior,
or with following any kind of rules. Some
researchers believe that ADHD children do not have internal dialogs with
themselves, no “self-talk” which helps them stop and think before they act
(Russell Barkley, 1998). For more about his theory, go to the Scientific
American website, www.sciam.com, and look for
the September, 1998, article by Dr. Barkley (you may have to order it online
from the archives). You can also check out Dr. Barkley's book on ADHD, Taking
Charge of ADHD.
These children are also likely to have problems at home with finishing their homework, following directions, keeping track of
their toys, shoes, socks, homework. Again,
they may or may not be seen as overactive or fidgety—remember, this is not
really the root of the problem.
Treatment depends on the severity of the disorder.
Medication and behavioral interventions, at home and at school, are
important in treating more serious cases. In
other, more moderate cases of ADHD, the behavioral interventions may all that
are necessary to help the child get along with what may be a lifelong
disability. Psychologists and
physicians work together in coordinating treatment for ADHD folks.
ADHD can continue into adulthood, and the same treatments
work for them as well as for kids. ADHD
adults are at higher risk for problems in relationships, career,
finances and are more likely to have difficulty with alcohol or other
substance abuse.
links: www.myadhd.com
www.chadd.org www.schwablearning.com
www.adhd.com
Anorexia Nervosa is a disorder characterized by
self-starvation and an irrational fear of being fat.
It usually begins in the preteen to young adult years and strikes ten
times more females than males. These individuals appear to have taken a normal
desire to be thin and dieting to an extreme, and continue to lose weight until
they are 20% lower than normal for their age and height. Often there is
excessive exercise and extreme preoccupation with body size, calories, and fat
grams. This is one of the few
psychological disorders that can be fatal.
It is estimated that 6% of all victims die from medical complications,
and many more suffer serious effects of malnutrition.
Individuals with Bulimia Nervosa also have an extreme fear
of being fat and use extreme and unhealthy means to avoid it. This disorder is
characterized by cycles of compulsive eating of large amounts of food in short
periods of time (bingeing), followed by either self-induced vomiting or use of
laxatives, diuretics, over-exercising or fasting (purging). The bulimic usually
hides both bingeing and purging behavior, is filled with shame and guilt and is
often depressed. They may
experience rapid weight gains and loses, and will usually either be near normal
weight or slightly overweight. Medical problems are likely but not obvious, are
usually due to the purging behavior, and can
include cardiac arrest from acute dehydration. Chronic constipation from laxative abuse, and deteriorating
dental health are also common.
Eating Disorders strike more than 1 in every 10 high school
students, and the incidence has increased over the last decade. If untreated,
the symptoms usually continue and worsen over a period of years.
Early treatment is the most effective, and may
be accomplished in office visits, without the need for hospitalization.
The goals of treatment include anxiety management, development of more realistic and positive body
image, and more normal and healthy eating and exercise habits. Psychologists
usually work with physicians and nutritionists, and often with family members,
in treating individuals with eating disorders.
Although they often resist treatment at first, most patients realize that
their disorder is controlling them and disrupting their lives and health.
This is the first step to recovery.
Links: www.anad.org
www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
www.anred.com
Cahaba Psychology Center
2 Riverchase Office Plaza, # 115
Birmingham, Alabama 35244
205-403-0955
cahabaps@bellsouth.net
