Counselling has long been utilised as a treatment option for treating behavioural disorders, including Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This is a growing trend as patients and parents look for drug-free options with fewer corresponding side effects.
What is ADD?
ADD is a condition classed as a behavioural disorder and typically appears in early childhood before the age of 7 or 8. ADD is a subtype of ADHD, which is notoriously difficult to diagnose in children as their naturally exuberant behaviour can often be mistaken for ADD. The parents of children with ADD, however, do not find symptoms of hyperactivity in their child; instead, it is their child's inability to pay attention to details, their difficulty following simple directions, and their lack of interest in academics that worry them. Moreover, they tend to daydream and escape the real world, which can impede their normal daily life.
A child psychologist or paediatrician is best placed to make a definitive diagnosis in the case of a child suspected of exhibiting symptoms of the condition. The overlap between the symptoms of ADD or ADHD and other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder, makes counselling or other similar forms of therapy the preferred option when treating these problems rather than stimulant or nonstimulant medication alone.
What is Counselling?
Counselling is a participatory approach to psychological problems, and can best be described as a form of talking therapy. This typically occurs with the aid of a qualified counsellor, who will facilitate self-understanding and development via offering support, advice and new perspectives on a client's problems. Though there are many types or styles of counselling, most counsellors will typically follow a formula when providing consultation to a client, which begins with an assessment of the patient and their background.
This enables the counsellor to identify the primary issues the patient has, and formulate a number of goals for them to work toward. These are periodically evaluated and redefined, which over time may lead to the patient reaching closure with their issues. The therapy session is confidential and based on trust. Factors which may affect the length of the counselling process include the age of the client, the severity of the problem and the type of issue being experienced.
How Can Counselling Help ADD?
Counselling is an effective treatment for children with ADD. The combination of medication with this kind of therapy helps promote positive reinforcement of change in negative behaviour that negatively affects a child's everyday life. Besides developing time management and social skills, counselling can improve the child's concentration so that they can do their tasks more effectively.
For ADD children, counselling is often beneficial in a group setting, where they often feel more comfortable discussing skills and strategies with other children who are experiencing the same issues. Additionally, there are ADD specialist counsellors, whose extensive experience of the condition can complement other treatment options.
Incorporating family counselling in the treatment plan of a child with ADD can also be beneficial. For this to be effective, though, all family members need to know as much as possible about the disorder. The aim is to help all of the members of the family to better understand and cope with the sufferer's behaviour. For example, parents may be taught to use management techniques such as time out and how to balance punishment and rewards.
Everyone in the family plays an important role in ensuring the success of treatment for attention deficit disorder. It is key to helping the child gain the essential coping skills to deal with the various challenges they face that hamper their progress.
To learn more, consult with a local counsellor in your area. Or find out about other effective natural ADD treatments.
Originally published on Jul 02, 2010
