What is ADHD?
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and is 'a mental disorder whereby a person is unable to pay attention or concentrate, and is impulsive and hyperactive'. Similar to ADD, attention and concentration problems play a major role. Other features of ADHD include hyperactivity and often impulsive behaviour. ADHD occurs in adults as well as children and young people. The problems associated with ADHD usually appear in childhood.
ADHD and young people
Young children with ADHD stand out because, for example, they find it difficult to sit still and wait their turn. They roll from one activity to another and are often in constant motion. Young people with ADHD are also restless (especially inside) and easily distracted. They have difficulty planning and organising tasks, which makes it difficult to keep everything structured at school. They find it very difficult to distinguish between main and side issues.
Due to their impulsivity, they do not always think about what they are doing, and they find it difficult to control themselves. This can lead to unpleasant situations, such as conflicts with others, for example. We often see that young people with ADHD try to get some peace of mind and calm their maelstrom of whirling thoughts by self-medicating, smoking cannabis or using other drugs. Anxiety complaints are also a regular occurrence.
Characteristics and symptoms of ADHD
The characteristics of ADHD differ from person to person: the one is mostly inattentive and easily distracted, and the other is more impulsive. A combination of these characteristics is most common, however.
For example, hyperactivity manifests itself in (inner) restlessness, difficulty in concentrating, not listening to what others say, interrupting others and being unable to relax. Impulsivity can be recognised by impatience, unpredictable anger outbursts, blurting things out, doing things without thinking about it first, and reckless behaviour, among other things.
Treatment of ADHD
We specialise in dealing with multiple problems (co-morbidity) at Yes We Can Youth Clinics. Our intensive treatment programme helps young people cope with ADHD and the other issues they face, so that they can look forward to a bright, new future. Warmth, sincere attention and involvement are central in our approach.
At Yes We Can Youth Clinics, we are available 24/7 to provide warm and professional guidance. At Yes We Can Youth Clinics, we help young people, whom we call 'fellows', to deal with their problems and become empowered, so that they can function well in society again. We do not look at the 'labels' they have received in the past, but rather at their talents, qualities and possibilities. The clinical treatment programme lasts ten weeks. Our follow-up care programme continues to help and guide these young people in their recovery and further development. For example, finding a fulfilling way of life plays an important role.
Recognition
An important part of the treatment takes place in groups. During group sessions, the fellows share their stories, giving each other feedback and setting personal goals. There is a lot of recognition during these sessions since both the fellows and the experience experts, who run them, have (had) similar problems. This recognition gives the fellows confidence and the will to continue.
Types of treatment
During the treatment, a lot of attention is focused on the fellow's family (systemic therapy). Parents follow our family coaching and counselling programme. Within the clinic, there are daily sports and outdoor activities where fellows work together, push boundaries and put their goals into practice. Behavioural therapy and skills training are also used in the treatment of ADHD. The fellows have several one-on-one sessions every week with their regular therapist, who works closely with our other (care) professionals. In this way we always know how the fellows are doing and what they need.
ADHD and medication
Fellows may already be taking medication before they come to our clinic. For example, methylphenidate or dextroamphetamine may have been previously prescribed. However, here at Yes We Can Youth Clinics, we opt for treatment without medication. The idea behind this is that we want to treat 'the real fellow', instead of the fellow who is under the influence of drugs.
Responsible phasing out
We strive to reduce any medication that the fellows are already on to zero or to as little as possible during treatment. We do this carefully and accurately, under the watchful eye of our psychiatrists.
The safe treatment climate at Yes We Can Youth Clinics, the positive environment and the entire treatment team that is present 24/7 to motivate, support and confront the fellows, where necessary, all ensure that the withdrawal of medication is usually successful. Even once the fellow has left the clinic and continues to work on recovery, medication is often hardly necessary anymore, if at all.
Contact us
Yes We Can Youth Clinics can effectively treat teenagers and young adults who are suffering from a wide variety of mental health issues. If you have any questions, any at all, you can always contact us. We cannot stress enough that we are always there for you, whether you sign up for a treatment in our clinic or not. You can reach us by phone from Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (GMT +1) via phone number: +31 (0)85 02 01 222. After business hours – weekdays after 6:00 p.m. and on the weekends – your call will be forwarded. Please note that it might take longer than usual to answer your call. If we cannot answer the call right away, please leave a message and we will call you back as soon as possible. You can also fill in our contact form.
Register for an intake interview
Would you like to register a teenager or young adult (aged 13-25) for a treatment at Yes We Can Youth Clinics? Please fill in our intake form and we will contact you to schedule a personal intake interview.
Intake form