ADHD Therapy
What ADHD is like…
Your mind may feel like it is constantly tuned to a thousand radio stations at once, each with its own thoughts and distractions, making it challenging to focus on just one. Time often feels slippery, sliding through your grasp as you navigate tasks and responsibilities. Simple tasks become Herculean feats, as if you're trudging through quicksand. It's not that you lack intelligence or capability; rather, your thoughts dart in unpredictable directions, and maintaining attention can feel like herding cats. The world may perceive your fidgeting as restlessness, but it's your brain's way of seeking stimulation. Yet, amidst the chaos, there's a unique creativity and hyperfocus that can be harnessed. With support and strategies, you can transform your ADHD into a superpower, channeling your boundless energy and creativity to excel in your own remarkable way. Therapy can be your guiding light on this path towards understanding and managing your ADHD.
THe types of ADHD
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual – 5 (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) for the diagnosis and treatment of mental healthdisorders Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can be classified into three types: Inattentive Type, Hyperactive/Impulsive Type, and Combined type.
Inattentive Type
Inattentive type ADHD may cause:
Impaired listening skills
Frequently losing/misplacing items
Easily distracted by things in your environment
Easily forget daily activities
Difficulty keeping your attention on one task at a time
Difficulty completing tasks e.g. schoolwork/work assignments
Difficulty following instructions
Difficulty initiating tasks that require concentration e.g. schoolwork/work assignments
Difficulty giving attention to details
Often makes mistakes due to lack of attention
Hyperactive/Impulsive Type
Hyperactive/Impulsive Type ADHD may cause:
Frequently squirming/fidgeting/twitching when seated
Difficulty controlling restlessness
Often being “on the go” or appearing driven by “a motor”
Difficulty engaging in leisure activities in a quiet manner
Difficulty staying seated in appropriate settings
Difficulty waiting your turn
Interrupting or intruding on conversations/activities of others
Frequently impulsively blurting out answers to questions before the question can be completed.
Combined Type
Combined type may include symptoms from both lists.
You are not the only one…
If you struggle with the above issues you are not alone. According to a study by Kessler et. al. “The overall prevalence of current adult ADHD is 4.4%”. That means that means that millions of other people are also struggling with hyperactivity and maintaining attention.
Other stats
ADHD is diagnosed more often in males (5.4%) than females (3.2%).
8.1% of U.S. adults aged 18-44 years will be diagnosed with ADHD in their lifetime.
The impact…
ADHD can create difficulty completing tasks at work, school, and home. This can lead to difficulty obtaining degrees, maintaining and obtaining employment and difficulty in the day to day running of a home. These difficulties can create lasting career consequences, relationship distress, and low self-esteem. The impact of ADHD can also lead to other mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and cognitive distortions. If you would like to learn more about these mental health issues please click the associated link.
Stigma
Unfortunately, mental health issues are often shrouded in stigma, and ADHD is no exception to this. Others may have called you lazy because you’ve struggled with completing tasks or scatterbrained for being late to a commitment. You may be frustrated with yourself for not being able to “just do it”. You may feel broken or less than others because of these struggles. You may have found yourself pulling away from friends and family and having difficulty making commitments because of this. With the help of a therapist you can begin to understand the unique way your brain works and overcome the stigma associated with ADHD.
ADHD VS FORGETFULNESS/HIGH ENERGY
Everyone is forgetful from time to time or struggles with motivation. You may also have periods of high energy. Having some of these symptoms does not mean that you have ADHD but may warrant a conversation with a mental health professional for further assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. It may be time to seek help if theses symptoms are having a negative impact on various areas of your life/relationships or are causing significant emotional distress.
Strengths Based therapy for adhd…
ADHD does not have to be an obstacle and you don’t have to feel like you are constantly at war with your own brain. According to Newark et. al in a study 2016 titled Self-esteem, Self-efficacy, and Resources in Adults with ADHD “specific therapy programs should include resources-oriented modules for enhancing self-esteem, self-efficacy, and fostering strengths.” A strengths base approach to ADHD treatment can help you identify your brain’s natural strengths and utilize them to overcome daily challenges. You can learn to harness your brains natural gift toward your goals and build confidence in your own resourcefulness and resiliency.
I am currently accepting new clients. If you are interested in working together you can go ahead and schedule your free consultation now.
Need more information? Contact me here, email me at andreaemersonlac@gmail.com or Call 602-633-5712.
Virtual and in person appointments available.
Appointment only location:
18789 N. Reems Road Suite 260
Surprise, AZ 85374
Take the Courageous Next Step
Interested in working together? Let’s talk! Book a consultation today.
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