What Is ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It is often first diagnosed in childhood, but can last into adulthood. People with ADHD typically have trouble focusing or may act impulsively. ADHD can lead to problems at school, work, or in social situations.
Types of ADHD
There are two common forms of ADHD, though some people can have symptoms of both. Since there are no blood tests or scans which can diagnose ADHD, a full neuropsychological evaluation is an optimal way to determine the type of ADHD you have. Individuals with ADHD may notice their symptoms change over time, which can lead to a change in presentation as well.
Inattentive
Individuals with the predominantly inattentive presentation of ADHD have a difficult time focusing. They may not always appear to be listening, and sometimes seem like they are daydreaming. People with the inattentive type often lose track of things, such as their phone, wallet, or keys. They can also forget about daily tasks or errands, such as attending appointments or returning phone calls.
Hyperactive-Impulsive
People with the predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation of ADHD often fidget or talk excessively. Children may run or climb at inappropriate times or have difficulty waiting for their turn. Some individuals may interrupt people when they are speaking or even take over what they are doing entirely.
Combined or ADHD-C
While many people with ADHD have symptoms that lean towards one presentation or the other, some people have a mix of symptoms that balance equally between the two.
ADHD Symptoms
ADHD can manifest in many forms. Common signs that you may have ADHD are:
- Unable to sit still: People with ADHD, especially children, may squirm or fidget. They may also run or climb at inappropriate times. Adults may fidget, drum their fingers, or otherwise struggle to stay in one place for long periods of time.
- Daydreaming: Children or adults with the inattentive presenting type of ADHD sometimes appear to be “somewhere else.” Instead of focusing on the task at hand or the person they are speaking with, they can be distracted by thoughts unrelated to the topic at hand.
- Excessive talking: This includes talking when inappropriate or interrupting other people in conversation.
- Difficulty resisting temptation: Individuals with the hyperactive-impulsive presenting form of ADHD have difficulty stopping themselves from acting impulsively, even when they understand the consequences.
Therapy for ADHD
Time management: Using time productively without distraction or loss-of-focus is a major challenge facing those with ADHD. With ADHD therapy, you’ll gain tools to help you better manage time such as: creating to-do lists, setting reminders, prioritizing tasks, keeping a daily planner, and breaking down tasks into time-allotted increments.
Improving study and work skills: It can be intimidating for anyone to take on a big project, test, or assignment, but especially people with ADHD. ADHD therapy will teach you strategies for how to tackle large school or work responsibilities in a way that sets you up for success.
Creating structure: People with ADHD tend to thrive with structure, but struggle if they’re in a more casual or unstructured environment. One technique of ADHD therapy is to figure out ways to create and implement structure in areas of life where you’d like to see improvement.
Self-compassion: Many people with ADHD are self-critical, viewing their symptoms as evidence of laziness or other vices. ADHD therapy teaches you how to practice self-compassion, which empowers people to make more sustainable and helpful changes than self-criticism.
What Causes ADHD?
Examples of ADHD
The broad variety of ADHD’s symptoms, and their similarity to behaviors not related to ADHD, can make it difficult to determine if ADHD is really at work for someone who is not a professional. However, certain behaviors may emerge as patterns:
- Children with ADHD may have difficulty finishing school assignments or homework. Adults with ADHD may struggle to hit deadlines.
- ADHD can cause you to find yourself losing time out of your day to a lack of organization or constant distractions.
- Children who are often disciplined at school for excessive talking, lacking concentration in class, being a disruption, or displaying impulsive behavior may be experiencing symptoms of ADHD.
When to Seek Help
You may want to consider seeking ADHD help from a professional if:
Benefits of ADHD Therapy
- Peace of mind: Many people with ADHD will go for years without getting the condition diagnosed, and may not understand why they are experiencing the symptoms. An accurate diagnosis will give you peace of mind and provide a path forward for your treatment.
- Improved performance: Treating ADHD can improve your performance at work or school, helping you to stay organized and meet deadlines, so you don’t feel the stress of falling behind.
- Healthier relationships: Receiving ADHD help from a therapist can help you improve your relationships with other people. Children who are still developing their social skills can especially benefit from ADHD therapy.
Feel Better with BHNY
If ADHD is affecting you life, our clinicians are here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
The only way to be 100% certain is to visit and receive help from an ADHD therapist. ADHD includes a wide range of symptoms, and many of those behaviors can occur in people who don’t have ADHD. Behavioral Health of New York has a multi-step evaluation process to provide an accurate diagnosis for our patients.
ADHD most commonly develops in children, and often continues into adulthood, though it may not be diagnosed until later in life. The symptoms of ADHD can also change over time.
Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is a term that has been commonly used to describe a specific form of ADHD. Currently, healthcare professionals refer to that condition as the predominantly inattentive presentation of ADHD.
According to a recent study, around 9.8% of children are diagnosed with ADHD. That number has been increasing over the years, though many children go undiagnosed.