Therapy in Philadelphia - 10 Tips for adults with ADHD: ADHD Therapy in Philadelphia, PA, Mechanicsville VA, Ocean City NJ, Providence RI, Santa Fe NM
1) Consider an organizational specialist who can come to your home.
2) Consider seeing a psychiatrist, psychopharmocologist, or neurologists who specialize in ADHD and can help evaluate you for medication.
3) Consider joining a support group for other people with ADHD
4) Consider individual counseling to help cope with the stress of this disorder.
5) Consider couples counseling so that your partner can understand how they can be helpful.
6) Be firm with yourself behaviorally, but don’t beat yourself up emotionally.
7) Read literature about ADHD.
8) Reduce clutter in your home. Throw things out that are not essential or sentimental. It may help to ask a friend to assist you with this.
9) If you have the financial means hire a housekeeper.
10) Exercise to reduce stress
11) Remember the strengths that are common in people with ADHD (creativity, sensitivity, good sense of humor, good intuitive skills, intelligence,)
Let us know which tips were useful - or if you have any ADHD tips of your own that you would like to share. We are always working on finding new information to share with clients.
What is ADHD? ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that commonly begins in childhood but can persist into adolescence and adulthood. ADHD is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interferes with daily functioning and can affect various aspects of an individual's life, including academic, social, and occupational performance.
There are three main types of ADHD:
- Predominantly Inattentive Presentation (ADHD-I): Individuals with this type primarily struggle with inattention. They may have difficulty sustaining attention, following through on tasks, organizing activities, and tend to be forgetful in daily activities.
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation (ADHD-HI): This type involves primarily hyperactivity and impulsivity. People with this presentation may have difficulty sitting still, frequently interrupt others, and engage in impulsive actions without thinking about the consequences.
- Combined Presentation (ADHD-C): The most common type, where individuals exhibit both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
The exact cause of ADHD is not fully understood, but research suggests that a combination of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors may contribute to its development. Neuroimaging studies have shown that individuals with ADHD may have differences in brain structure and function, particularly in areas responsible for attention, impulse control, and executive functions.
Symptoms of ADHD must be present before the age of 12 and persist for at least six months to receive a formal diagnosis. Some common signs and symptoms of ADHD include:
- Difficulty paying attention to details or sustaining attention on tasks or activities
- Forgetfulness and losing things necessary for tasks
- Being easily distracted by external stimuli
- Difficulty organizing tasks and activities
- Fidgeting or squirming while seated
- Difficulty remaining seated when expected
- Excessive talking or blurting out answers before a question is completed
- Impatience and difficulty waiting for turns
- Difficulty following through on instructions or completing tasks
Treatment for ADHD often involves a multimodal approach that may include behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, parent and teacher training, and, in some cases, medication. Stimulant medications like methylphenidate and amphetamines are commonly prescribed to help manage ADHD symptoms.
If you suspect you or someone you know may have ADHD, it's essential to seek an evaluation and diagnosis from a qualified healthcare professional or mental health specialist. They can provide appropriate assessments and guidance for the most suitable treatment plan based on individual needs.
