ADHD

According to the CDC, around 7 million (11.4%) U.S. children aged 3-17 years have been diagnosed with ADHD. 78% of children with ADHD had at least one other co-curring condition. In 2023, 15.5 million U.S. adults ( 6%) had a current diagnosis of ADHD.

Awareness of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has become increasingly common in mental health circles. ADHD affects both children and adults. Once accurately diagnosed, ADHD may follow the person throughout their lives. For this reason, therapy can be an important part of learning to cope with ADHD.

Symptoms of ADHD

Those experiencing symptoms of ADHD may find themselves restricted in their ability to focus or pay attention at work, school, or in conversations with friends and family.  They may feel the need to move around constantly, or they may find themselves frequently interrupting others.  Other symptoms include:

• Impulsive behavior

• Difficulty focusing

• Poor time management skills

• Absent-mindedness

• Problems focusing on a task and/or trouble multitasking

• Aggression

• Poor planning

• Low frustration tolerance

• Mood swings

• Persistent repetition of words or actions

• Anger

• Anxiety

• Boredom

• Restlessness

• Hyperactivity

• Disorganization or problems prioritizing tasks

Symptoms of ADHD can be highly distressing for those who experience them, as well as those around them. They can bring negative consequences to many aspects of a person's life including professionally, at school, and in social settings.

ADHD Treatment

Behavioral Interventions and Skills Training

Increasing positive behaviors and decreasing or eliminating unwanted or problem behaviors can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms.  Behavioral Interventions for ADHD may include a reward system, or a system of consequences to reinforce acceptable behavior and mitigate damaging behavior.  Behavioral interventions may also target unhelpful thoughts in a way that gives these individuals them more control over their lives.

Therapy for Anger

Anger and other emotions may be heightened, or change quickly, in those with ADHD.  Emotional regulation techniques taught in therapy can help those struggling with ADHD to manage “angry outbursts” and other problematic behaviors associated with strong emotional reactions.

Medication Management

A psychiatrist or other physician can prescribe a medication to help manage the symptoms of ADHD.

Psychoeducation

Education may be an important part of treatment for ADHD. Proper education will provide guidance and understanding to the afflicted individual and those close to them. Education will also help those who are suffering to seek out support and assistance, when available. Through education the client comes to better understand their symptoms, and develop compassion for themselves, making it easier to reach out to others for support, when it is needed.

Other Treatment Interventions

Learning about the role of nutrition, exercise, and stress management in the treatment if ADHD can help individuals become better able to manage their symptoms on their own.  Understanding and compassion from oneself and others will lower stress levels and may decrease the likelihood of the individual developing co-occurring disorders such as substance abuse problems or depression.