Carla Natalucci-Hall
Statement of the problem: Individuals, both diagnosed
and undiagnosed, with A.D.H.D. or A.D.D. (Attention
Deficit Disorder with and without Hyperactivity), have
unique challenges in negotiating daily experiences as
well as developmental transitions. Our research seeks
to explain how throughout these normative challenges,
there is an accumulation of small t traumas that begin
to impinge upon the individual causing anxiety, negative
mood and feelings about oneself as “not good enough”.
Difficulty with persistence as well as focused attention has
led many individuals with A.D.H.D. or A.D.D. to drop
out of weekly CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral) psychotherapy
and, thus, not progress in the use of skills and strategies
that have been shown through research to be helpful with
these symptoms. To increase the possibility of helping
the community of people with A.D.D.or A.D.H.D., we
have developed a protocol using EMDR (Eye Movement
Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy) to address
small t traumas. In addition to the homeopathic use
of Omega-3, video games, drawing, group therapy, and
parent training were integrated into the overall treatment
protocol. Results from our first group of 9 subjects of
subjects with A.D.H.D., O.D.D., anxiety, and depression
include: increased levels of self-esteem, higher levels of
concentration producing more adaptive interpersonal
experiences and academic performance, less reactivity in
daily activities and more support from parents and teachers
as a result. Researchers are in the process of developing
an online class for behavioral health professionals,
which would communicate our findings and provide
training for including the elements of our program in
their therapeutic sessions. They are also working toward
developing a class for college students and their parents
to prepare for that specific life transition with A.D.D.or
A.D.H.D.