Page 96 - EMCAPP-Journal No. 2

Christian Psychology alive

Comment

on “New Paths in AD(H)D Coun-
selling. An interview with Joachim

Kristahn”

Jason Kanz

Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Syndrome (or disorder As Christian psychologists, we have the privilege of
as we call it in the United States) is the most commonly addressing the whole person. A knowledge of modern
diagnosed childhood psychiatric disorder in the United psychology, viewed in light of a biblical wisdom model,
States. With increasing frequency, due to well placed will allow for the most accurate diagnostic impressions
advertising for medications, diagnosis and treatment of and the most compassionate treatment, whether it be for
AD(H)S is also on the rise among adults. ADHD or another issue altogether. I am thankful for
articles that draw our attention to deficits in attention.
As Christian psychologists, we are faced with numerous Further, I would hope that this interview with Joachim
challenges when it comes to appropriately diagnosing Kristahn would encourage Christian psychologists to
and treating AD(H)S. I am grateful for individuals like think more deeply about AD(H)S and how we might bet-
Joachim Kristahn who have endeavored to build upon ter understand it from a biblical worldview.
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- Jason Kanz is a board certified cli-
ment described by Joachim Kristahn, I would also like to nical neuropsychologist practicing
offer a caution to Christian psychologists. The caution is in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, USA. He
that we need to exercise care in diagnosing the condition is also the editor of Soul & Spirit,
as there are often competing explanations. As a neuro- the newsletter for the Society for
psychologist, I work primarily as a diagnostician. A large Christian Psychology.
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.

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