Thomas A. Battocletti, Ph.D., HSPP Licensed Clinical Psychologist Methodist Medial Plaza East 9670 E. Washington Street, Suite 230 Indianapolis, IN 46229
Phone: (317) 890-5606
I specialize in the diagnosis and psychological treatment of children who may have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (2004), there are over 1,000 scientific articles about ADHD published yearly. One of the leading researchers in this field is Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D., Research Professor of Psychiatry at the State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University at Syracuse.
After over 20 years of studying the research on ADHD, I have come to the conclusion that, at times, ADHD is overdiagnosed and, at other times, the disorder is underdiagnosed.
I believe that many children who appear to have ADHD, and perhaps have been diagnosed with this disorder, actually suffer from depression and/or anxiety. In some cases, a child may have ADHD and also be depressed and anxious.
I agree with the conclusion reached by Dr. Barkley (2000) that "Developmental Disorder of Self-Control" may be a more accurate diagnostic term than Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), particularly for those subtypes of ADHD which include significant hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
However, there are people who have ADHD, especially those with ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type (what used to be referred to as ADD without Hyperactivity), that have gone undiagnosed and untreated. They are often mislabeled as being lazy and unmotivated. The scoldings that these individuals often hear include: "You could get your work done if you tried harder!", "You just don't care about getting it done!", or "If you don't care, why should I?". These words, for many whom are trying harder and do care about their work, register internally as "I am a failure", leaving them at risk for poor self-esteem. They too could suffer from depression and/or anxiety--as well as ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type (ADD).
Research on the neurological basis of ADHD is quite compelling, particularly those studies conducted by Dr. Alan Zametkin and his colleagues at the National Institute of Mental Health (using PET scans) and the SPECT studies conducted by Dr. Daniel Amen (Psychiatrist and Neuroscientist). The American Academy of Pediatrics (2004) has concluded that ADHD is a brain-based disorder. They have also concluded that there is sufficient evidence to support the use of two forms of treatment for ADHD: (1) medication treatment and (2) behavior therapy. As Dr. Russell Barkley (2000) makes clear, the diagnosis of ADHD does not automatically constitute the need for medication treatment. There are some individuals who respond well to behavior therapy and do not require medication as part of their treatment, whereas others respond best to a combination of medication treatment and behavior therapy.
I work with many children who present with oppositional-defiant behavior and violent outbursts, requiring the active participation of parents in treatment. Many children with ADHD also meet the full diagnostic criteria for Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Anger management, social skills training, and social decision-making (moral reasoning) are the focus of treatment for many children, also requiring the active involvement of parents in therapy sessions. I specialize in the treatment of depressive and anxiety disorders in children as well.
Underachievers and children with learning disabilities are also a population I have considerable experience in helping. I work with the child, family, and the school in many cases, attending school Case Conference Committee meetings at the request of parents.
