April 22, 2014

The meaning of ADHD symptoms in Adolescents

April 22, 2014/ Miguel Brown

ADHD symptoms are largely viewed in our culture as a medical problem that requires medication, but there is a powerful case to be made to the usefulness of psychotherapy to treat the symptoms of ADHD.

Teenagers with problems focusing or with hyperactivity issues are often brought by their families to therapy. As I have gained experience with these teenagers I realized that focusing and hyperactivity problems tend to worsen in the moments when emotionally-charged subjects come up during a session. This happens in an automatic way that the teenager is not aware of. This process can be explained to teenagers and non-judgmentally pointed out to them. The repetition of this can gradually help the teenager to bring this automatic response into conscious control.

February 28, 2013

Adderall & ADHD Medication as Study Aids and Teens

February 28, 2013/ Miguel Brown

For years teens and college students have been using medication intended for treating symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as study aides. The medications tend to be stimulants that increase concentration and energy in people who do not have ADHD. Teens use them to study all night long, cram, or to study for subjects that are boring to them. Obviously teenagers self-administering stimulant medication is very concerning. Without the supervision of a psychiatrist is it easy for teenagers to overdose. They may combine these drugs with other medications that may have dangerous consequences for them. Teens have also been known to develop symptoms of depression because of this medication, something a psychiatrist should definitely be aware of.

December 10, 2012

Untreated Issues in Adolescence Linger into Adulthood: Teen Dating Violence and Teen ADHD

December 10, 2012/ Miguel Brown

Two articles published today reinforce the notion that untreated issues in adolescent years linger into adulthood. The first article Teen Dating Violence Affects Well-Being in Adulthood published in USAtoday.com cites a new study that shows that teenagers who reported physical or psychological abuse from a relationship reported more drinking, smoking, drug abuse, depression, thoughts of suicide, and anti-social behaviors 5 years later. The study is hoping to raise awareness about this public health hazard and encourages parents, educators, and pediatricians to talk to teens about dating violence to quickly get help for those who need it.