March 31, 2014
by LuAnn Pierce, LCSW
ADHD in adults has many symptoms. The ones that are usually associated with ADHD may be easily recognized, but there are others that look like or create additional problems that can rise to the level of separate psychiatric disorders if not managed carefully. Some adults with ADHD may have recognized the ‘soft signs’ of ADHD in childhood and adolescence, but many do not acknowledge these (or confuse them with other problems) until adulthood. The following list is probably not all inclusive, but a good overview of the most common soft signs in the literature.
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March 24, 2014
by LuAnn Pierce, LCSW
In 5 Tips for Building and Keeping Healthy Relationships we discussed some of the things couples do in successful relationships. Relationship researchers like John Gottman spend time working with couples to learn from them. Gottman is well known for his work in the ‘love lab’ where he and other researchers conduct studies to learn more about the very difficult subject of successful relationships.
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March 22, 2014
by LuAnn Pierce, LCSW
When it comes to managing and treating Adult ADHD things get complicated. Most people would like to believe that taking a stimulant in the morning and at noon would remedy all their symptoms and related problems. That is definitely not the case, though the majority of people who use medication find it helps. Some find the side-effects are intolerable. Others are not willing to take stimulant medication. Regardless, medication is only part of the solution for those who can and will take it.
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March 17, 2014
by LuAnn Pierce, LCSW
Grief is inevitable for those of us who choose to love. As difficult as the death of a loved one may be, our ability to cope with emotional distress can lessen the burden. As parents, one of your jobs is to help kids learn to cope, and how to think.
FB- Children don't naturally understand loss, difficult life situations, or the grieving that accompanies them. LuAnn Pierce, LCSW, explains the ways you can help your child cope during these times.
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March 16, 2014
by LuAnn Pierce, LCSW
When it comes to stigma, prejudice and biases, we all have them. Those who are unaware of their specific biases and prejudices are the people who often cause the most harm.
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March 10, 2014
by LuAnn Pierce, LCSW
Find out about the positive impact of animals on our emotional well being and mental health in this article. Includes special considerations for those considering adopting a pet.
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Resilience is a protective factor in coping with normal adversities. But in situations where children (or adults) feel a loss of control – powerless to protect themselves or to get the protection they need – trauma may result.
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The thinking until recently was that kids would ‘outgrow’ ADHD after puberty. Research has shown what I and millions of others can attest to – 50-65% of us continue to have symptoms into adulthood.
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February 17, 2014
by LuAnn Pierce, LCSW
When trauma affects one person in a family, the whole family unit is affected. In fact, many professionals believe that anything that affects one person in a family (or couple) will also affect the other(s). It is easy to see how this could happen. A family is thought of a unit – one whole made of many parts.
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February 8, 2014
by LuAnn Pierce, LCSW
In the past few years mental health practitioners have become more aware of the connection between food, exercise and mental health. Research in these areas supports what some have known for years – we can manage and eliminate some of the more common mental health symptoms by changing what we eat and moving our bodies more.
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