theconnectionsnj.com HEALTH & WELLNESS PAGE 40 In today’s world, there is no longer a workday that goes from 9 to 5. Between watches and phones, tablets, and computers, the workday never ends. There is almost no time that we are not “working.” No longer can students turn off their screens prior to going to sleep. Do you remember when we were all advised not to allow screens of any kind within hours of going to sleep? This is no longer possible. Students are expected to do hours of homework and this homework is being done on screens. Some experts argue that ADHD is not a disorder that affects a select few but rather a condition that everyone experiences to some degree. It is important to note that ADHD is a complex disorder with a range of symptoms and severity. A diagnosis of ADHD is typically made based on a set of criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). These criteria include symptoms such as dif culty focusing on tasks, forgetfulness, and being easily distracted, among others. However, these symptoms are not unique to individuals with ADHD. Many people may experience some of these symptoms to varying degrees at different points in their lives. For example, a college student may struggle to concentrate during a particularly dry lecture but have no trouble focusing during a discussion with their friends. Similarly, busy parents may become forgetful due to the demands of their daily schedule, but this does not necessarily indicate that they have ADHD. Individuals with ADHD experience symptoms that are persistent and severe enough to interfere with daily functioning in multiple areas of their lives, such as school, work, and social relationships. In contrast, individuals who experience occasional lapses in attention or forgetfulness do not typically experience the same level of impairment. Some experts argue that the diagnostic criteria for ADHD may be too narrow and that the condition may be more prevalent than previously thought. They suggest that ADHD may exist on a spectrum, with many individuals falling somewhere along the continuum of symptoms. This concept is often referred to as “ADHD traits” or “subthreshold ADHD.” The idea of subthreshold ADHD suggests that many people may have some of the symptoms of ADHD but not enough to meet the diagnostic criteria for a full diagnosis. This could include individuals who struggle with organization, time management, or impulsivity, but do not experience these symptoms to a degree that signi cantly impacts their daily lives. The clinicians at Psychiatric and Behavioral Health Solutions are experts in diagnosing ADHD or those exhibiting ADHD traits. In addition to our Psychiatrist, Dr. Steven Budoff, Psychiatric and Behavioral Health Solutions has four Advanced Practice Nurses who provide the same quality services as Dr. Budoff. Call for an appointment: 908-333-4008. Psychiatric and Behavioral Health Solutions is proud to welcome our newest APN, Caren Goldstein. Caren Goldstein is a Board Certi ed Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner as well as a Child-Adolescent Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist. Caren has experience treating children, adolescents, adults, and families. She performs psychiatric evaluations, designs comprehensive treatment plans, prescribes medication, and provides supportive therapy. She has experience reinforcing DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) skills as well as behavior modi cation. She has a passion for working with youth on the autistic spectrum as well as with ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, and behavior problems. She also has experience with and is comfortable treating Transgender and all members of the LGBTQ community. Psychiatric & Behavioral Health Solutions 215 West End Ave., Raritan, NJ 08869 Some experts argue that ADHD is not a disorder that affects a select few but rather a condition that everyone experiences to some degree. You Are Not Alone…and There is Nothing Wrong with You MEDICAL MINUTES By Deborah Schader
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