ADHD Therapy Services
What is ADHD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common - yet still misunderstood - disorder. Typically found during childhood, ADHD is a developmental disorder that includes symptoms that make it difficult to focus or stay on task, regardless of the situation. These symptoms are prevalent enough to wreak havoc on someone’s life, seeping into school, jobs, home, and relationships.
What are the Different Types of ADHD - And What Do They Look Like?
The stereotypical view of ADHD is of a hyper child who is constantly fidgeting and impossible to keep on task.
While that is a trademark image of the disorder, it’s not the only way that it presents itself. Like with many neurodevelopmental disorders, the reality is more complex than what meets the eye, with more than one type of ADHD all showing up with their own set of unique symptoms. Let’s look at the main types of ADHD – and signs someone may have it.
Inattentive ADHD
With Inattentive ADHD, someone struggles to stay focused and organized, which of course makes it much more difficult to stay on task. Symptoms include:
- Making careless mistakes due to lack of attention to details.
- Trouble staying focused on tasks, activities, conversations, etc.
- Appears distracted during conversation.
- Struggling with follow-through when it comes to necessary tasks for school, chores or their job.
- Poor time management
- Unorganized
- Forgetting daily tasks such as running errands, doing chores, paying bills, going to an appointment.
- A tendency to lose items like their keys, school work, phone, wallet, etc.
- Avoiding tasks that require focused, sustained mental effort.
Hyperactive/Impulsive ADHD
When it comes to Hyperactive/Impulsive ADHD, individuals seem to be full of energy, working their way through the world in a way that makes it seem like their “on” button is permanently pressed. They may appear overly hyper and make impulsive decisions. Other signs include:
- Fidgeting (squirming, tapping hands or feet, shaking their leg)
- Difficulty staying seated in one place
- Climbing, running or other physical movements where it’s not appropriate
- Always “on the go,” in a way that seems as if they are being driven by a motor
- Excessive talking
- Interrupting, answering before a question is finished, finishing sentences for someone else
- Difficulty waiting their turn
Combination ADHD
The third major type of ADHD is combination ADHD, which as the name suggests is a version of it that features aspects of both Inattentive and Hyperactive/Impulsive ADHD.
Source: American Psychiatric Association
How Is ADHD Diagnosed?
Since symptoms of ADHD overlap with other mental disorders, it’s important to receive a proper diagnosis. A primary healthcare provider or a licensed psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD, using a set of guidelines for each type. Children under age 16 need to show at least six symptoms, with those 16 or older showing at least five. Additional criteria includes:
- Symptoms began before age 12 and continue
- Symptoms must occur for at least six months
- Symptoms must show up in at least two or more places, such as school, work, home, social situations
- Symptoms must interfere with life, such as school, work, or home
Beyond meeting that criteria, medical and mental health history is considered, along with information gathered from other people in your life. Teachers, parents and other caregivers can give important insight into what is going on within different circumstances and settings. A questionnaire will be given to you, parents and teachers to provide objective information that will paint a more clear picture of what symptoms are being exhibited and how they are affecting different areas of life.
The Prevalence of ADHD
The number of children diagnosed with ADHD each year has continued to rise, with an estimated 7 million children in the United States currently diagnosed. Historically, boys have been diagnosed more easily and frequently than girls due to past misconceptions of how ADHD presents. As that knowledge has expanded and been recognized, more girls will continue to be diagnosed. The advancement in understanding of ADHD has also led to an increase in the number of adults being diagnosed with ADHD as they look back on their experiences and start to understand where their struggles may stem from.
Source: CDC / American Psychiatric Association
How Therapy Can Help ADHD
Treatment for ADHD can be multi-faceted. It may include education, skill improvement, medication and of course, therapy. At Sillon Wellness, we’re happy to help you navigate the world of ADHD in a way that works best for you. Through therapy, patients can improve time management, reduce impulsive behavior, improve problem-solving skills, cope with adversity, improve self-esteem and more. Through evidence-backed therapy techniques, we’ll work with you to develop strategies that make living with ADHD work for you instead of against you.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the cornerstone therapies for helping ADHD. CBT works to challenge and manage behavior through thought process recognition, while helping build helpful skills like breaking down tasks and noticing patterns and triggers. By learning mindfulness techniques, you will learn to recognize and work through emotions and thought processes, which can help focus and reduce impulsive behaviors.
If medication is deemed necessary, our team can help navigate medication management in conjunction with therapy, working together to set you on a focused path forward.
Source: Mayo Clinic
ADHD Treatment in Texas
ADHD is common, but that doesn’t make it any easier. It spans demographics and generations, creating problems that extend through all areas of life, especially if left untreated. There are ways to ease the burden ADHD can place on you, making it easier to live your life in a productive and more fulfilling way. Take control of ADHD today by reaching out to Sillon Wellness. Schedule your free 15-minute consultation today to see if we’re right for you!
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