EMCAPP Journal 2

96 Comment on “New Paths in AD(H)D Coun- selling. An interview with Joachim Kristahn” Jason Kanz Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Syndrome (or disorder as we call it in the United States) is the most commonly diagnosed childhood psychiatric disorder in the United States. With increasing frequency, due to well placed advertising for medications, diagnosis and treatment of AD(H)S is also on the rise among adults. As Christian psychologists, we are faced with numerous challenges when it comes to appropriately diagnosing and treating AD(H)S. I am grateful for individuals like Joachim Kristahn who have endeavored to build upon and improve current AD(H)S treatments. I agree that his work exploring the inner hurts so often experienced by individuals with AD(H)S is missing in much of the rea- ding that I have done. Almost without exception, in my clinical experience, once a diagnosis is made, pharmaco- logic treatment begins. The next step, if it is taken at all, is generally directed at dealing with “problem” behaviors. This exclusive focus on behavior modification can lead to an ineffective legalism that brings healing to no one. The focus upon the inner emotions experienced in AD(H)S that have been explored by Joachim Kristahn are indeed refreshing and seem to offer more foot holds for the good news of the gospel to connect. As refreshing as I find this wider view of AD(H)S treat- ment described by Joachim Kristahn, I would also like to offer a caution to Christian psychologists. The caution is that we need to exercise care in diagnosing the condition as there are often competing explanations. As a neuro- psychologist, I work primarily as a diagnostician. A large percentage of my case load involves requests for evalu- ation of “attention problems.” Many people have seen the television commercials, talked with friends, or read books that make them wonder if they have AD(H)S. Al- ternative explanations to AD(H)S are legion—a chaotic home environment, depression, lack of discipline, lear- ning disorders, and basic sinfulness, to name a few. For example, I have recently been seeing a number of young men in their late 20s and early 30s who have requested evaluation for AD(H)S. Their days are spent playing vi- deo games while their parents provide ongoing financial support. Typically, there is no clinical history to suggest AD(H)S. In this case, differentiating between legitimate AD(H)S and slothfulness will be essential in providing targeted treatment. As Christian psychologists, we have the privilege of addressing the whole person. A knowledge of modern psychology, viewed in light of a biblical wisdom model, will allow for the most accurate diagnostic impressions and the most compassionate treatment, whether it be for ADHD or another issue altogether. I am thankful for articles that draw our attention to deficits in attention. Further, I would hope that this interview with Joachim Kristahn would encourage Christian psychologists to think more deeply about AD(H)S and how we might bet- ter understand it from a biblical worldview. Jason Kanz is a board certified cli- nical neuropsychologist practicing in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, USA. He is also the editor of Soul & Spirit, the newsletter for the Society for Christian Psychology. Christian Psychology alive

EMCAPP Journal 2

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