ADHD COUNSELING

WHAT IS ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a condition that impedes a person’s ability to pay attention or control behavior that is inappropriate for their age. A person with ADHD can be so impulsively hyperactive or have so much trouble focusing that it is hard to function. Clinicians diagnose ADHD usually in patients twelve years or younger, when symptoms affecting two or more settings (such as school and home) are present for six or more months.

Even though it is usually diagnosed in children, ADHD persists into adulthood, lasting throughout a person’s lifetime. According to data, 5% of adults have ADHD and it is prevalent equally among women and men. Not every case of ADHD is the same and no one experiences ADHD in the same way, however ADHD diagnoses can be split into three different symptom subtypes:

• Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: The person mostly has symptoms of inattention
• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: The person mostly has symptoms of impulsive hyperactivity
• Combined Presentation:The person has both symptoms of inattention and impulsive hyperactivity

WHAT CAUSES ADHD?

For a long time, parents have been lead to believe that ADHD is caused by poor parenting, trauma, technology, excess sugar, or lack of physical activity. This is NOT the case.

ADHD is a neurobehavioral condition that is mostly the result of genetics. A recent study shows that 40-60% of adults with ADHD will pass it on their children. ADHD is linked to specific genes impacting neurotransmitter receptors. These genes are expressed by differences in the ways that brains of those with ADHD are structured and communicate.

TREATMENT OF ADHD

There is no cure for ADHD and treatment for every case is different. However, research has shown that effective treatment for ADHD is a combination of therapy and medication.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness based therapy have proven effective because they are aimed at building new skills and coping strategies. Many with ADHD seek out coaching to get help improving organizational skills, goal completion, and time management.

WHY SEEK HELP?

Seeking counseling for ADHD will benefit you or your child in a number of ways. Counseling can help one process the effects that ADHD has on their emotions and relationships. It can also provide a safe space for accountability in goal completion and time management.

ADHD Therapists at Gibson Counseling