What does an Attention Deficit Disorder Specialist do?

An attention deficit disorder specialist typically works with individuals to properly diagnose and treat people who have attention deficit disorder. Diagnosis of this particular condition can be fairly complicated and easily mistaken for other mental conditions, so proper diagnosis is important. Treatment of attention deficit disorder can take a number of forms, from neurofeedback methods and behavioral therapy to pharmaceutical options. An attention deficit disorder specialist will typically utilize one or all of these methods to help a person with this condition to more effectively focus on different tasks.

Attention deficit disorder (ADD), sometimes also called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is a mental condition in which a person finds it difficult to concentrate on a single task and is easily distracted. This surpasses a natural tendency for some people to be easily distracted, and is often diagnosed through determining what sorts of activities a person can be distracted from. Someone with ADD will typically find it difficult to concentrate on tasks he or she wants to do and enjoys, while others will be distracted while doing something undesirable but can focus on tasks they enjoy. It is typically the job of an attention deficit disorder specialist to properly observe and diagnose someone who has this condition.

Once ADD or ADHD is properly diagnosed, an attention deficit disorder specialist can then begin treatment for someone with the condition to overcome the disorder. The primary goals of such treatment are typically to help a person learn to focus on single tasks, and not be so easily distracted from what he or she is doing. There are a number of different treatment methods that can be used by an attention deficit disorder specialist to combat the disorder, and choosing the right method is often integral to proper treatment.

Neurofeedback therapy can be used by an attention deficit disorder specialist to help someone with ADD learn to control his or her thought patterns. Someone undergoing this treatment will be able to see a visual representation of his or her brain waves and is then assisted in learning to control his or her thoughts to focus on various tasks. This allows someone to see when he or she is becoming distracted and then receive rewards when efforts are made to combat such distractions and remain focused.

Behavioral therapy sessions can also be used by an attention deficit disorder specialist to help treat the disorder. These sessions will typically focus on helping a person learn different methods to remain focused, or quickly regain focus once distracted. Some specialists may also use medication to help treat ADD and ADHD. This medication is typically intended to help alter the neurochemistry in a person’s brain that can prevent him or her from properly concentrating.