Barry Swope

MS LPC

Free

Adolescent and Adult Attention Deficit Disorders Expert

Barry Swope Quick Facts

Main Areas: Adult and Adolescent AD/HD and ADD
Career Focus: Professional Counselor

Barry is a Licensed Professional Counselor, and holds a Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Southern Christian University. He enjoys working with families and individuals, and has a special interest in teens and young adults struggling with conduct or emotional challenges. Another specialty for Barry is assisting families with the diagnosis and treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. (AH/HD)

Originally from Birmingham, Al., Barry relocated to the Gulf Coast in 1998. It took less than a year before he began calling himself a "local" and vowing never to leave the beauty of the coast. Barry and his wife Marcia will celebrate 28 years of marriage in August 2008. Close to having an empty nest, the youngest of their two daughters is scheduled to complete a degree in cosmetology in November, 2008.

Barry served in various churh related capacities while in Birmingham, in addition to working for a social services agency. Eventually working exclusively in Therapeutic Foster Care, he served as both a foster parent Recruiter/Trainer and a Program Director. In addition to his work in foster care and in Churches, Barry has provided Counseling to individuals and families in a private practice setting since 2001.

Favorite Quotes & Thoughts from Barry Swope

What is AD/HD?Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) is a neurobiological condition that impedes the ability of the brain to function normally. The result can be behavioral challenges such as difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Everyone has the symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsive behavior at times. People with AD/HD experience these symptoms constantly, and with such intensity that their lives and relationships are seriously impacted in negative ways. ADHD is more common than you might think. It affects about 3% to 5% of school-aged children. Medical researchers once believed that AD/HD was a childhood disorder, and that the sufferer would “outgrow it” as they matured. Current research no longer validates this assumption. The present evidence suggests that up to 80% of children with AD/HD will still have significant symptoms as Adults. What causes AD/HD?AD/HD runs in families, and genes appear to play a strong part in who gets the disorder. No one knows exactly what causes AD/HD. It may be a chemical problem in the brain, or it may be a difference in brain structure. Science does know what does not cause AD/HD, however. No matter what you've heard, it is not caused by bad parenting or poor schooling. It's not caused by watching too much TV. It doesn't come from eating too much sugar. AD/HD is a real medical condition that needs real medical attention. There is no single definitive test for diagnosing AD/HD yet. A proper diagnosis requires a careful evaluation, usually by a team of trained professionals such as a Counselor, Psychologist and M.D. working together. Why is AD/HD treatment important?Correct diagnosis and treatment is important. Children and adolescents with AD/HD, if untreated, are at a higher risk for poor academic performance, unplanned pregnancy, problems with peers, car accidents, and physical injuries. Children and teens with AD/HD are also at risk for conduct disorders, delinquency, and drug or alcohol abuse. Adults with AD/HD

face similar challenges, and are at a higher risk for accidents, job failures, marriage difficulties, legal and financial problems, as well as addictions. The results of untreated AD/HD are serious and should not be ignored. There is no cure for ADHD. Proper treatment can control symptoms, helping to reduce these risks. Sometimes it takes more than one approach to treat all the symptoms of AD/HD. A comprehensive treatment plan combines the use of medicines, education, and therapy.

· Many emotional, physical and environmental factors produce symptoms identical to those of AD/HD. · There is no such thing as a “test” for AD/HD. Assessment is a clinical opinion based on a synthesis of information from multiple sources. · Trying medication to “see if it works” is an inappropriate way to diagnose AD/HD. Stimulant medication can mask symptoms of other disorders by producing a temporary improvement of symptoms. · AD/HD may not be a lifelong condition. Many children outgrow the symptoms, and no longer need medication. For this reason a Physician may request a periodic re-evaluation, especially for a child. · Higher doses of medication often prove less effective than lower doses. TOVA (CPT) testing can provide evidence of dose efficacy and can prevent the use of excessive medication. This is particularly important for children, who often are unreliable in reporting the true effects of their medications. · There is no research evidence to support the belief that the use of stimulant medication increases the likelihood of future addictions. On the contrary, research shows that the proper diagnosis and treatment of AD/HD significantly decreases the chances that a child or adult will use illegal drugs. · Hyperactivity is often not the primary symptom of AD/HD, and in fact may not be present at all. AD/HD is best understood as a pervasive inability to remain focused when attention is required. · AD/HD is a neuro-biological condition with a strong genetic component. It is common for a child with AD/HD to have a parent with AD/HD · Mood and Conduct Disorders commonly co-occur with AD/HD. Cognitive therapy is often effective in treating these conditions.

Contacting Barry Swope

Focal Point Professional Services, LLC

28080 US Hwy 98 Ste G

Daphne, Al 36526

Phone 251-625-6448

Fax 251-625-6428

focalpoint@mchsi.com

How to get started

Focal Point Professional Services assists your Primary Care Physician in the diagnosis and treatment of AD/HD by providing a detailed, individualized clinical assessment. With a completed assessment your Physician will have the information needed to provide competent and effective care for you and your family in the treatment of AD/HD. In addition to assessment services, Focal Point offers Counseling, Educational groups, Patient monitoring, and support services for the treatment of AD/HD and co-occurring conditions.