Noun Attention Deficit Disorder, also known as ADD, describes ADD as a type of learning disorder that is characterized by an individual with an excessive amount of energy and the inability to maintain focus. While many still use the term Attention Deficit Disorder / ADD, the medical definition as defined by American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5 is Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder...[ read more ]

Noun The process of becoming either mentally or physically (sometimes both) dependent on an intoxicating substance. The use of many different substances can potentially result in addiction, but some have a much higher risk of this result. Some of the most common addictions include alcohol, tobacco, opiates, and prescription drugs. The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug...[ read more ]

Noun Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a very common condition that affects millions of children and young adults. ADHD is a mixture of several different problems that may include impulsive behavior, difficulty sustaining attention, and hyperactivity. Often times, young men and women who struggle with ADHD also have trouble maintaining relationships, low self-esteem and may display poor performances in school and...[ read more ]

Noun It is normal for children and youth to experience various types of emotional distress as they develop and mature. For example, it is common for children to experience anxiety about school or to experience short periods of depression that are impermanent in nature. If symptoms persist, it may be time to seek professional assistance. While most youth are physically...[ read more ]

/Ad.o.les.cent/  Noun An adolescent female is between the ages of 12 to 18. Adolescence is the most crucial time of transitional change. An adolescent girl faces new challenges and changes that come along with maturity. This transitional phase can be a daunting time for a young girl, which may cause her to act out or display negative, rebellious behaviors. An...[ read more ]

Noun Adolescent psychiatric treatments are specialized therapies designed to treat young developing minds. Teenager’s process information much differently than adults, therefore, their psychiatric treatment needs to be designed specifically for their unique mindset. Moreover, it is imperative for parents of a psychologically troubled teen to search for an adolescent psychiatric professional who works exclusively with adolescents. There are many different...[ read more ]

Noun Adolescent Therapy often includes a therapeutic program that focuses specifically on the issues relating to the adolescent’s past. There are many different forms of therapy that can be used, including group and equine therapy. The point of all of these different forms of treatment is to provide everlasting help for the adolescent in terms of the issues they are...[ read more ]

/ad.o.les.cent/ Noun An adolescent is a person living in the transitional time of young adulthood. Adolescence is a transitional stage of psychological and physical development that generally occurs during the period between puberty to adulthood. Dealing with the obstacles and confusion that come with adolescence can prove to be a stressful and difficult time for some. Adolescents will sometimes display...[ read more ]

Noun Adoption is a process in which a person assumes the parenting role of another, usually a child, from that person's biological or legal parent or parents. This permanently transfers all rights and responsibilities, along with filiation, from the biological parent(s) to the adoptive parent(s). Unlike guardianship or other systems designed for the care of youth, adoption is supposed to...[ read more ]

Noun Adulthood is the timeframe of growth when physical maturity is ending and specific biological, mental, cultural, individual characteristics, and various other developments concerned with getting older have taken place. Starting post-adolescence, this period of time is often grouped into categories by age, which is generally considered to be between the ages of 19 and 45. Adulthood, much like adolescence,...[ read more ]