****Outline for this issue****

1. Using Knowledge to Set Yourself Free
2. Parents: Have Your Child Assessed for ADHD
3. Does Your Spouse Have ADHD?
4. New products

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Section 1: Using Knowledge to Set Yourself Free

This past month I had the privilege of attending a great conference put on by the Utah Coalition Against Pornography. The first day’s instruction was by Dr. John Sealy, M.D., F.A.P.A.  Dr. Sealy is an expert in treating sex addiction. During six hours of training he confirmed many things that I had read and seen with my own clients. For example, he discussed the process of re-writing the pathways of the mind. He relayed that current research suggests that it takes about two to three years to re-write the connections (images) of the mind. This is consistent with other researchers’ writings that I have read who describe recovery from a sexual addiction.

Perhaps the most interesting part of the day was his discussion on the high rate of pornography addicts who also have attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). According to his reading and findings about 20-30% of individuals who are addicted to pornography are also struggling with ADHD. His statement was validated by Rory Reid’s, M.S. research findings as well.  If 20-30% of individuals who are struggling with pornography also have ADHD it is important that every individual who is dealing with pornography addiction be aware of ADHD symptoms and, if present, be treated for this as well. ADHD can be treated by medication, but it must be properly diagnosed.

Here’s the symptoms of ADHD as found in the DSM-IV. They are listed here for information purposes and should be used only by trained health care providers to diagnose or treat ADHD.

DSM-IV Criteria for ADHD
I. Either A or B:

1. Six or more of the following symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months to a point that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:

Inattention

1. Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.

2. Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.

3. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.

4. Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).

5. Often has trouble organizing activities.

6. Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).

7. Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).

8. Is often easily distracted.

9. Is often forgetful in daily activities.

2. Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:

Hyperactivity

1. Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.

2. Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.

3. Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless).

4. Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly.

5. Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor".

6. Often talks excessively.

Impulsivity

1. Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.

2. Often has trouble waiting one's turn.

3. Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).

2. Some symptoms that cause impairment were present before age 7 years.

3. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school/work and at home).

4. There must be clear evidence of significant impairment in social, school, or work functioning.

5. The symptoms do not happen only during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder. The symptoms are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder).

Based on these criteria, three types of ADHD are identified:

1. ADHD, Combined Type: if both criteria 1A and 1B are met for the past 6 months

2. ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type: if criterion 1A is met but criterion 1B is not met for the past six months 

3. ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: if Criterion 1B is met but Criterion 1A is not met for the past six months.

American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 2000.

If you feel that you fit the criteria above it would be wise for you to consult with your physician or mental health therapist.  He or she can then inform you on how to best deal with ADHD. With ADHD in check, it may be easier to focus on overcoming the pornography addiction. Current medications for ADHD include: Ritalin, Focalin, Metadate, and Concerta. Each of these have been tested and have been found to be effective in the treatment of ADHD. It is important to note that ADHD is real in adults and is a life-long disorder and should be treated as such.

Dr. Sealy continued by offering common guidelines for treating ADHD in adults. His ideas include:

·         Minimize, avoid distractions

·         Shop in smaller stores

·         Practice organization

·         Use day planners, checklists

·         Have a personal tape recorder to remind self of tasks at hand

·         Use sticky note pads

·         Have reminder alarms

If you believe that you might have ADHD get help. Adults with ADHD have a high level of response to medications that are used with children. Many of the adults that I work with have told me that their life changed when their ADHD was finally diagnosed and they began taking medication.

If you are wondering what this has to do with treating pornography addiction please consider that at least 25% of all pornography addicts have ADHD. With this knowledge, many people can receive treatment for their ADHD which can help them become more focused and capable of overcoming a pornography addiction. Such knowledge is POWER.

In the next newsletter, I will share an interview that I recently had with a friend who pulled herself from a powerful addiction. Her story offers hope to all addicts.  

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Section 2: Parents: Have Your Child Assessed for ADHD

If you have read section one you probably already know what my recommendation is for parents who have a child involved in pornography—Have your child assessed for ADHD. Let me share a personal experience with ADHD. A friend of mine came to me because he was struggling with his schooling. He had always bee bored with school. He couldn’t pay attention in class. He was always jittery and uncomfortable with sitting down for extended periods of time. His parents always thought his family’s intelligence genes had somehow missed him. They were an extremely intelligent family and expected each of their children to excel in school. When he didn’t, they assumed that he was simply lazy.

As he and I talked, I listened carefully to his description of the challenges he had when trying to focus on anything for an extended period of time. He told me how he could focus on something as long as it interested him and then he would move on to something else that was interesting. Obviously, school didn’t fit the bill.  It was too mundane for him. This is often the case with individuals who have ADHD. They are extremely intelligent and consequently get bored with small and boring details (like handing in assignments).

However, they do get excited with something like pornography. It stimulates the mind and gives a quick feeling of excitement. Internet pornography is especially challenging for the teen with ADHD because it allows them to see image after image (whereas a magazine such as Playboy offers relatively few images and eventually becomes less stimulating). Furthermore, the computer offers unknown excitement that also taps into the ADHD teen’s drive for more exhilarating images.

Do you see the challenge? If you read the criteria as outlined in section one you will have a better feel for whether or not this could be a problem for your child.

Next month, I will share my thoughts on how parents can appropriately discuss the problems of pornography with a child who thinks it is not that big of a deal. 

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Section 3: Does Your Spouse Have ADHD?

Okay—throughout your marriage you have simply thought your spouse was an air-head who couldn’t focus on tasks at hand. If your spouse has been diagnosed with ADHD, you understand what you are dealing with. However, many adults are never diagnosed with ADHD because it is something that we believed children grew out of once they became adults. This simply is NOT true. We don’t grow out of it. What does this mean to you? If your spouse had ADHD, they need to get treatment for it still. Please read section one if you are wondering if your spouse has ADHD.

What can you do to help your spouse who is struggling with ADHD? First, do not overload them with too many tasks at a time. Reduce everything to tasks that can be completed without multiple interruptions. They will likely find something to interrupt them anyway. Second, if they are willing to let you help, reduce the level of intense exchanges between you and them. If possible, remain calm, even if they are intense. Such individuals often seek highly intense experiences to get a chemical release. Third, expect them to wander off the task at hand and encourage them to review the list in section one.

I hope these ideas help you better understand what you and your spouse can do to combat ADHD and pornography. I would encourage you to learn more about ADHD and the treatment of it. Although this is something your spouse should be doing, if you want to understand how to best respond to a spouse who has ADHD, learn more. Knowledge is power.

Next month, I will discuss the principles behind confronting a spouse who is involved in pornography.

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Section 4: Products

Since the focus this month has been pornography and ADHD I am going to recommend a couple of books related to treating ADHD:

1. Driven to Distraction--Professionals who often treat ADD have told me that this is the best available book for understanding and treating ADHD.
2. Healing ADD: The Breakthrough Program That Allows You to See and Heal the 6 Types of ADD --Dr. Amen's book is scientifically based using SPECT scan technology. I have personally enjoyed reading his work.

Both of these books are very helpful and reader friendly. If you or a family member are dealing with ADHD or ADD, I would recommend that you read these books so that you better understand how to deal with this life challenge. Treating ADHD can also help individuals focus and deal more effectively with pornography addiction. Knowledge is power.

Until November--Good luck and may God Bless you.

With regards,

Dr. Kevin Skinner