Your struggles with ADHD matter.
ADHD
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects adults' ability to regulate attention, impulses, and energy levels. Though it is commonly diagnosed in childhood, ADHD often persists into adulthood, presenting unique challenges in personal, professional, and social contexts. Many people who are very high-functioning can unfortunately go undiagnosed until later in life. Adults living with ADHD present with variations of the following characteristics:
Inattention: Difficulty sustaining focus, following through on tasks, and organizing activities. Adults with ADHD may often find themselves easily distracted, forgetful, or struggling to complete projects.
Hyperactivity: While hyperactivity is more pronounced in children, adults may experience it as restlessness or an inability to relax. They might feel the need to be constantly active, often fidgeting or having difficulty staying seated for extended periods.
Impulsivity: Impulsive behaviors can manifest as hasty decisions without considering the consequences, interrupting conversations, or difficulty waiting for their turn. This can impact relationships and professional settings.
What is important is to realize that ADHD is a spectrum, and how ADHD presents in one person may not be how it presents in another person. Some are predominantly inattentive, some are predominantly hyperactive or impulsive, and some may have significant characteristics of all three categories.
How is it treated, and how can a therapist at Matter Mental Health help me?
Understanding and managing ADHD involves a combination of strategies including psychoeducation, medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.
Therapy can be helpful in gaining a deeper understanding of ADHD and how it affects people who live with it. A therapist can further educate you on the neurobiological realities of ADHD. They can work with you to reduce feelings of shame, help you develop effective coping mechanisms, and empower you to improve your quality of life.
A therapist, however, is not a medical doctor. Therapists cannot prescribe medications for you. For that, you will need to seek the services of a board-certified psychiatrist.
To become a board-certified psychiatrist, a medical doctor must complete four years of medical school, and obtain licensure as a physician (as either an M.D. or a D.O.). From that point, they must complete a four-year residency in Psychiatry, and then pass the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology’s specialty exam in Psychiatry.
Meeting with a psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of ADHD can be extremely helpful in determining an effective medication regimen to help with focus, concentration, motivation, and emotional regulation. Please note that not all psychiatrists specialize in ADHD, and some psychiatrists may not even believe that ADHD exists. It is important that the psychiatrist specifically speaks to specializing in the treatment of ADHD in their profile.
How does ADHD impact my daily life?
Adults living with ADHD often face challenges in managing time, staying organized, and meeting deadlines. These difficulties can lead to struggles in maintaining employment, managing household responsibilities, and sustaining healthy relationships. Common experiences of individuals living with ADHD include:
Time Management Issues: Struggling to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage schedules effectively.
Disorganization: Difficulty keeping track of personal and professional responsibilities, leading to a chaotic environment.
Emotional Dysregulation: Intense emotions and mood swings, which can impact interpersonal relationships and overall well-being.
Low Self-Esteem: Persistent difficulties and frequent criticism can erode self-confidence and lead to feelings of inadequacy.