Children may be overdisciplined, sometimes severely and cruelly.  Rejection by teachers, school personnel, and peers is common, such children are often the family scapegoat or bullied by peers.

School problems occur, and some are:

	Inability to listen to directions and follow them
	Unfinished tasks
	Forgetful
	Out-of-seat, wandering
	Restlessness, fidgety
	Difficulty follow directions especially oral directions
	Problems with boundaries
	Not accepting limits
	Disruptive behavior
	Poor memory
	Distractibility, inattentiveness
	Inability to sustain focus on tasks
	Sloppy work, messy desk, disorganized
	Messy desk and surroundings
	Low or poor grades
	Grade retention
	Special education placement
	School suspension
	Early dropping out

Social problems occur, and some are:

	Adjustmental difficulty
	Impulsivity, poor listening skills
	Anger control problems
	Intrusiveness
	Smoking, other drug experimentation
	Risky behaviors, seeks thrills, excitement
	Boredom, pursues new and novel activities
	Indulges in early sexual activity
	Juvenile delinquency
	Manipulativeness, incorrigibility
	Stays out past curfew, runs away from home
	Seeks out other ADDers - AD/HDers
	Hangs out with social misfits (often older)
	Joins cults / gangs
	Early pregnancy
	Drug abuse / dependency / police involvement
	Reckless driving, speeding tickets, other traffic violations
	Prone to accidents / DUIs / motor vehicle accidents
	Poor job skills, job hops
	Minimum wages, unemployment
	Welfare recipient
	Relationship problems, divorce
	Family violence: child / partner abuse
	Accidental death, suicide

All of the above cost taxpayers billions of dollars to maintain safety for citizens and to provide rehabilitative services for the offenders. There has been an increase in the numbers of individuals sentenced to jail / prison time. More jails and prisons are being constructed. More probation officers are being hired. Substance abuse / dependency / rehabilitative centers have a high recidivism rate; that is, the probability of relapse is very high: 85 to 90 percent. Substance abuse / dependency should be considered "diseases of relapse". These services are not only costly but heartbreaking to families. Where children are involved, a poor example is often being modeled. This is why many of the attention disorders and related disorders seem to run in families, in which the same disorders or related disorders can be traced back (genograms) to previous generations.

WHAT IS A GENOGRAM?

A genogram is a diagram constructed in therapy to depict family relationships extended over at least three generations. In the diagram, critical events, such as death, divorce, remarriage, alcoholism, mental illness, etc., reveal recurring patterns of behavior which help to determine how behaviors or psychological problems are handed down from generation to generation.

Many disorders are inherited. Often never diagnosed but characteristic of poor social adjustment, social 'misfit' lifestyle, alcohol (ETOH) abuse/dependency, child abuse, spouse abuse (violent outbreaks) (rages, raging), unemployment, jail... prison....  There was an underlying diagnosis which was never identified and never treated...

WHOM DOES THE ATTENTION DISORDER & RELATED DISORDERS CLINIC SERVE?

The Attention & Related Disorders Clinic offers counseling / psychotherapy for adults, adolescents, and children, including preschool-aged children who are depressed, mood-disordered, oppositional defiant, ADHD, hyperactive, timid, fearful, or otherwise troubled.

I CAN'T AFFORD TO GET HELP!

In this day and age, you cannot afford not to get help....seek to find out what is going on, what is the diagnosis and what is the treatment!!!!

Here at The Attention Disorder & Related Disorders Clinic practically everyone and anybody can get an appointment (I even work with you online via email) I have over 65 insurance companies, do sliding scale to reduce costs to fit your income level and even do some pro bono services to especially help children who are failing in school

Sometimes one has to say "You cannot afford NOT to get help"  Dr. Hughes' concern is that many individuals go without services because clinician's fees are not affordable. The Attention Disorder & Related Disorder Clinic aims to set fees and to provide quality service which are realistic and affordable.

Individuals who go without treatment are at heightened risk because they may develop additional problems which "piggy-back" on to existing problems and in time usually worsen.

Attention and related disorders interfere with school / work success and cause severe relationship problems. These problems are often neurobiochemical (caused by brain deregulation or imbalance) and can be corrected. Usually counseling / psychotherapy is advised to complement any medical treatment. One without the other is like a cart without the horse!

IS THERE HELP FOR ATTENTION AND RELATED DISORDERS?

Absolutely! Moderate and moderate-to-severe attention disorder and related disorders are real impairments (handicaps) which affect millions. These disorders impact on all aspects of a child or adult's life (physical, social, family, emotional, psychological) and school / work opportunities. With proper diagnosis and a carefully designed treatment plan, most children and adults can lead a relatively symptom-free life. "There is hope at the end of a rainbow!"

WHAT DOES THE ATTENTION DISORDER & RELATED DISORDERS CLINIC OFFER?

The Attention Disorder & Related Disorders Clinic offers creative, supportive counseling and psychotherapy to individuals of all ages with attention and / or related disorders by helping them to develop awareness of what these disorders are, an understanding of how the brain is involved (not your fault), knowledge of the mysteries of medication, time management, behavioral management, cognitive thinking, conflict resolution and stress management.

IT'S NOT MY FAULT TO HAVE BRAIN DEREGULATION . . .

Yes, that is partly true. One day you discover that you are unhappy and that life "sucks"! You've even thought that you would like to end your life! Waking up to the causes helps you to take responsibility for dealing with a disorder which lands you in predicaments that give you second thoughts about how you are living your life. You try to change by yourself and find that you can't! It's like having myopia (near-sightedness) where you must wear a corrective lens to see at a distance. Driving without wearing your corrective lens makes you highly-at-risk for injuring yourself and others. After the fact, you cannot say that you forgot your lenses or that you didn't think you needed them! (denial is big!).

Once you are diagnosed with an emotional / mental / behavioral disorder, it becomes your responsibility to be in control. Medication is a huge help when it is complementary to your system, but a lot of the real work to improve your life is up to you!

The Attention Disorder & Related Disorder Clinic

This clinic pledges an attempt to promise that you will receive reinforcement (strength) through regular counseling / psychotherapy sessions. That you can develop new energy to think differently.

Learning new ways to cope with problems, taking well-thought-out steps to recovery, reduction of stress, increased self-esteem, self-empowerment, independence, and self-confidence are a few examples of what the Clinic's objectives will be for you. In some ways, you will be developing a "new you," a "happier you".  You will begin to believe in "rainbows"  and develop self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-competency in order to live a meaningful and happier life.

WHAT ABOUT DIAGNOSIS... HOW DOES ONE EVALUATE?

In addition to her qualifications and many years of experience, Dr. Hughes believes in using empirical, normal evaluative instruments which closely depict and support her diagnosis. A considerable amount of research has been accumulated to arrive at a comprehensive evaluation. Depression and moods such as bipolar (manic depressive) disorder and ADD - AD/HD are serious and often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed conditions, which require specific consideration and efficacious treatment. The Attention Disorder & Related Disorders Clinic pledges to make a difference, and will accept individuals who otherwise could not afford psychological / mental health services.

ADD - AD/HD Comorbid Anxiety

Recent research from NIMH (National Institute for Mental Health) indicates that it is important to assess for the presence of comorbid anxiety and negative affectivity. It is important to assess for coexisting anxiety, depression, oppositional defiant, and conduct disorders. This is going to be found more often with adults, teens, and children who exhibit the hyperactivity and impulsivity type of attention disorders. They are likely to have poor social skills.

 WHAT IS CH.A.D.D. ????

CH.A.D.D. stands for Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders. It is a wonderful organization! and is Florida-based. A support organization for ADDers, AD/HDers, parents, significant others, teachers, school personnel, and mental health professionals; you may be able to benefit from their extensive networking. CH.A.D.D. is nationwide, with local groups in all states. The Fort Myers Chapter meets regularly at Lee Memorial Hospital, and their website is: www.CHADD.com It is a highly influential organization which has been instrumental in making America wake up to ADD / ADHD.

WHAT DISORDERS DOES THE ATTENTION DISORDER & RELATED DISORDERS CLINIC ADDRESS?

The Attention Disorder & Related Disorders Clinic addresses the following disorders:

	Anxiety disorders
	Panic disorder and agoraphobia
	Obsessive-compulsive disorder
	School phobia (school refusal)
	Separation anxiety
	Social phobia
	Selective mutism
	ADD, AD/HD
	Asperger's Disorder/Syndrome
	Tourette syndrome, disruptive behavioral disorder
	Early onset pediatric Bipolar Disorder
	Bipolar Disorders
	Borderline Personality Disorder
	Dysthymia
	Cyclothymia
	Anger management problems
	Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
	Conduct disorder (CD)
	Problems involving juvenile justice system
	Involvement with the criminal justice system, court related problems
	Custody evaluations
	Family violence
	Spousal abuse
	Depression, dysthymia
	(manic depressive) now know as Bipolar Disorder (Cyclothymia - mild form)
	Mood disorder
	Personality disorders
	Relationship problems
	Partner relationship dysfunction
	Marital difficulties
	Family dysfunctions
	Post-Traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
	Developmental delays
	Developmental disorders
	Learning disabilities
	School adjustment problems
	Dementia
	Alzheimer's disease
	Schizophrenia (follow up / maintenance follow through / counseling
	Schizoaffective disorder
	Follow up / maintenance counseling)
	Substance abuse
	Substance dependency
	Alcohol (ETOH) abuse/dependency
	Drug abuse/dependency/addiction

	The Attention Disorder & Related Disorders Clinic  Copyright  2008