Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting many children and adults. For children, it is common to have trouble focusing once in a while or to have difficulty controlling behaviour. However, in ADHD children may have persistent patterns of being unable to pay attention, be overly active, or having difficulty controlling behaviour and these patterns often affect school, friendships, and family relationships. These symptoms typically emerge under the age of 12. 


Symptoms of ADHD in children include:

 

  • Frequent daydreaming
  • Forgetfulness or often misplacing thing
  • Squirming or fidgeting often 
  • Talking too much 
  • Taking unnecessary risks
  • Having difficulty resisting temptation 
  • Having trouble taking turns 
  • Difficulty getting along with others

 

ADHD in Adults


ADHD can also be seen in adults as it can often go undiagnosed in childhood. 


Symptoms in Adults 

  • Often being late or forgetful 
  • Low self-esteem 
  • Impulsivity
  • Substance misuse or addiction
  • Difficulty staying organized
  • Difficulty controlling anger or getting frustrated easily
  • Procrastinating
  • Trouble concentrating when reading 
  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety or Depression 
  • Trouble in relationships
  • Often feeling bored
  • History of poor academic performance or problems at work

How is ADHD treated? 


Psychotherapy can assist individuals with ADHD to learn ways to handle emotions and frustration, as well as improve self-esteem. Specifically, cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness can help individuals improve focus, concentration, and patience. 


Family therapy can also help parents and siblings manage stress that may be created within the family. Individuals who do not seek treatment may have trouble managing time or remembering things, which can begin to cause problems in work and relationships. 


If you or someone you know is struggling with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, contact us to see how we can help.

Aggression

Aggression can be defined as angry or violent feelings or behaviour. However, it's important to note that individuals who are aggressive are not necessarily violent. Having aggressive outbursts occasionally is common. However, you should seek help if you are experiencing aggressive behaviour frequently. Aggressive behaviour can be linked to depression , anxiety , PTSD , or other mental health conditions. 


Examples of behaviour that may be considered aggressive include: 

 

Aggression in Children 


Aggression in children can come in many forms including temper tantrums , hitting, kicking, biting, cursing, or making threats. Often aggression in children can be signs of mood disorders like bipolar disorder or depression , as well as ADHD . Additionally, aggression can sometimes be a response to trauma . 

Anger

Anger is one of our most basic human emotions and is related to our response to threats. Feeling angry in certain situations is normal, but feeling angry all the time can cause significant problems in social, work, and family life. Anger can also trigger physical symptoms like an increased heart rate and high blood pressure. Mild anger may be caused by fatigue, stress , irritability, grief, or sadness . 


Signs that anger may be a problem is: 

 

  • Often holding in anger 
  • Getting into fights with friends and family often 
  • Threatening to hurt other people or damage property 
  • Feeling like you cannot control your anger 
  • Having problems with the law 

 

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can be effective in helping individuals explore sources or anger and finding better ways to control it. Additionally, mindfulness can be helpful to calm anger in the moment when it occurs. 

Temper Tantrums

Temper tantrums can be defined as unpleasant or disruptive emotional outbursts that often occur in response to unmet needs. Tantrums are likely to occur in children who cannot express their needs. Tantrums can range from crying to screaming, kicking, hitting, or holding one’s breath. Tantrums are a normal part of child development and how young children show that they are upset or frustrated. Anyone can have temper tantrums, including adults. However, they are most common between ages 1 and 4. 

Oppositional Behaviour

It’s extremely common for children to have occasional outbursts of frustration and disobedience, but a persistent pattern of anger and defiance could be a sign of oppositional behaviour, or possibly oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). 


Some example of oppositional behaviours in children can include: 

 

  • Frequent temper tantrums or episodes of anger
  • Being unusually angry or irritable
  • Refusing to follow rules
  • Excessive arguing with adults and authority figures
  • Always questioning or disregarding rules 
  • Blaming others for their behaviours 
  • Being easily annoyed 

 

Oppositional behaviours can also occur in adults and can include: 

 

  • Feeling angry at the world
  • Having a strong dislike for authority figures 
  • Being defensive or not being open to feedback 
  • Blaming others for their mistakes or behaviours