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Providing comprehensive, affordable treatment of ADHD

Over 30 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults.

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Our Mission

ADHD Center strives to improve and enrich the lives of people with attention deficit disorders (ADHD/ADD) through high-quality, comprehensive, affordable treatment and support services. ADHD Center provides a comprehensive approach to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of ADHD for individuals of all ages. Services provided include diagnostic evaluations, a multimodal treatment program, individual psychotherapy and behavior therapy, couples therapy, support groups, and other support services.


About Dr. Jaksa

Clinical Psychologist

Profile

Peter Jaksa, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 30 years experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD.

Dr. Jaksa is the author of numerous articles and columns about ADHD, including articles published in ADDitude Magazine, Attention Magazine, Organize Magazine, and FOCUS. He has provided interviews to national publications and news organizations including the Wall Street Journal, CNN, U.S. News & World Report, Chicago Tribune, and Men's Health Magazine. He has presented at national conferences to health care professionals, educators, and the general public.

From 1998 through 2001 Dr. Jaksa served as President of the Attention Deficit Disorder Association ( www.add.org). Dr. Jaksa is a contributing writer for ADDitude Magazine ( www.additudemag.com) and a member of the Scientific Advisory Board.


New Books!

Two-book series now available on Amazon

Book
Real People, Real ADHD

by Peter Jaksa, Ph.D. and Merle Kaplan, M.A.

People with ADHD are not stereotypes. Each is a unique individual with unique strengths, challenges, struggles, and triumphs. Real People, Real ADHD is written by real people for real people. It is a book of intimate personal stories, each written or dictated by the person telling their story. It captures the rich diversity of personalities, occupations, interests, struggles, and creative coping strategies of the ADHD population. It celebrates self-awareness and self-acceptance in the company of other people with ADHD who truly “get it.” It also provides an opportunity for many other individuals (with or without ADHD) to learn from their stories and life experiences.
View on Amazon »

Book
Life With ADHD

by Peter Jaksa, Ph.D.

This book provides a humane understanding of the biology and behavior of ADHD, along with highly effective strategies that have helped thousands of people. This book takes a step-by-step multimodal approach (skills training, exercise, nutrition, sleep, life balance) to manage ADHD well with or without the use of medication.
View on Amazon »


Recent Publications

"I’m Overly Emotional, and It’s Straining My Relationships!"

Read full article »

The ADHD & Addiction Link: Addictive Behaviors in Adults Explained

Read full article »

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is ADHD?

    Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological condition that affects an estimated 5-7% of the population. ADHD is an ongoing condition that affects children, adolescents, and adults of all ages. It occurs in both males and females, and in people of all races, socioeconomic status, and cultural backgrounds. ADHD may cause significant impairments in many areas of life such as school, home, the workplace, and in family and social relationships. ADHD is genetically influenced and runs in families.

    ADHD occurs on a spectrum of severity. Not every person with ADHD presents all the possible symptoms that are associated with ADHD, nor do the symptoms cause the same level of impairment in all people. Some people have mild ADHD and may experience only transient periods of impairment. In others ADHD may be severe, characterized by more symptoms, more severe symptoms, and chronic impairments in ability to function. ADHD can be diagnosed and treated at any point in the lifespan when it causes significant levels of impairment for the individual.

  • Definition of ADHD

    ADHD is a diagnosis applied to children and adults who consistently display certain characteristic behaviors over a period of time. The most common core features include:

    • distractibility (poor sustained attention to tasks)
    • impulsivity (impaired impulse control and delay of gratification)
    • hyperactivity (excessive activity and physical restlessness)

    In order to meet diagnostic criteria these behaviors must be excessive, long-term, and pervasive. An important consideration is that the behaviors must create a significant handicap in at least two areas of a person's life, such as school, home, work, or social settings. These criteria set ADHD apart from the "normal" distractibility and impulsive behavior of childhood, or the effects of the hectic and overstressed lifestyle prevalent in our society. It is certainly not true that "everybody has ADHD."

    According to the DSM-5 (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) some common symptoms of ADHD include: often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes; often has difficulty sustaining attention to tasks; often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly; often fails to follow instructions carefully and completely; losing or forgetting important things; feeling restless, often fidgeting with hands or feet, or squirming; running or climbing excessively; often talks excessively; often blurts out answers before hearing the whole question; often has difficulty awaiting turn.

    It should be kept in mind that the exact nature and severity of ADHD symptoms varies from person to person. Approximately one-third of people with ADHD do not have the hyperactive or overactive behavior component, for example.

  • What are the symptoms of ADHD?

    Common problems of living that may be associated with ADHD include:

    • Poor attention; excessive distractibility
    • Physical restlessness or hyperactivity
    • Excessive impulsivity
    • Difficulty getting started; chronic procrastination
    • Difficulty staying focused and completing tasks
    • Disorganized; frequently losing things
    • Poor time management; chronically late
    • Excessive forgetfulness; memory problems

    PLEASE READ: Do not use a list of symptoms to diagnose yourself or others. Only a qualified health care professional can provide a valid and accurate diagnosis.

    Clinical guidelines for diagnosis of ADHD are provided in the diagnostic manual of the American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). DSM-5 symptoms for ADHD include:

    Symptoms of Inattention

    1. Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities
    2. Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
    3. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
    4. Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish school-work, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions)
    5. Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
    6. Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that requires sustained mental effort
    7. Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities
    8. Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
    9. Is often forgetful in daily activities

    Symptoms of Hyperactivity

    1. Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
    2. Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
    3. Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)
    4. Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
    5. Is often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”
    6. Often talks excessively

    Symptoms of Impulsivity

    1. Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
    2. Often has difficulty awaiting turn
    3. Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)

    Presentations Of ADHD

    The DSM-5 defines three main types of presentations for ADHD:

    • ADHD Combined Presentation
    • ADHD Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
    • ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Presentation
  • Who has ADHD?

    According to research data, approximately 5% to 7% of the U.S. population has ADHD. ADHD has also been diagnosed in many other countries. It is not affected by race or culture.

    ADHD usually persists throughout a person's lifetime. It is NOT limited to children. Most children with ADHD will continue to have significant problems with ADHD symptoms and behaviors as adults, which impacts their lives on the job, within the family, in relationships, and in many areas of daily living. Common problems for adults involve severe difficulties with organization at home and work, difficulties planning and prioritizing, poor time management, chronic problems with procrastination, and difficulty sustaining attention and concentration on tasks.


Our Services

  • How Is ADHD Diagnosed?

    Basic facts about ADHD diagnosis:

    • A diagnostic evaluation is the first step in managing ADHD.
    • A qualified health care professional can provide a diagnostic evaluation to determine if a child, adolescent, or adult has ADHD.
    • A diagnostic evaluation may be performed at any age, however we do not encourage diagnostic testing for children younger than five years old.
    • A compressive ADHD evaluation cannot be done just from brief office observations.
    • A compressive ADHD evaluation cannot be done just from talking to the person.
    • There is no single psychological, medical, or genetic test for ADHD.
    Read more »
  • Therapy Services For ADHD Management

    Profile

    ADHD is a lifespan biological condition. Contrary to some popular stereotypes, most children with ADHD do not "grow out of it." ADHD can be managed well at any age with an appropriate individualized treatment plan that meets the needs of the individual at that point in his or her life. Because every person with ADHD is a unique individual, every treatment plan must be uniquely designed for that person.

    Psychotherapy and behavior therapy are helpful for most individuals with ADHD, particularly those who are newly diagnosed, whether or not the person takes ADHD medication. At ADHD Center a primary focus is on developing behavioral strategies and coping skills including improved organization, time management, effective planning, reducing procrastination, and improving efficiency and productivity.

    Read more »
  • Fees, Payment, and Insurance Coverage

    The office policy is to request payment at time of service. Payments are accepted via check, credit card, or cash. Some fees may be reduced in cases of financial hardship.

    Most insurance companies will cover at least part of the diagnostic and therapeutic services provided at ADHD Center. A health insurance claim can be submitted to your insurance company on your behalf. Once the claim is processed, benefits are paid to you directly by your insurance company. Benefits paid depend on what your policy covers for outpatient psychological services. Please check your policy or call your insurance carrier for details about the coverage provided by your policy, including deductibles, co-pays, benefits paid, and out-of-network coverage.

    To schedule an appointment, please contact Dr. Peter Jaksa.


Articles About ADHD

Be The Boss!

12 Winning Strategies For Executives With ADHD
Read full article »

The Disorganized Adult

Read full article »

The Disorganized Child

Strategies For Helping Children With ADHD Stay Focused
Read full article »

Pay Attention!

Ten Steps To Improving Attention And Concentration
Read full article »

Tom's Story

An Adult With ADHD
Read full article »
K I D S ' A R E A

What Is ADHD?

Read full article »
K I D S ' A R E A

Good Stuff About ADHD!

Read full article »

Get In Touch

Address:

30 N. Michigan Ave, Suite 908
Chicago, IL, 60602
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Email:

drjaksa@addcenters.com

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Saturday
(By appointment only)

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