Everything you need to know about
ADHD
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
What is ADHD?
ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. It can affect both children and adults, impacting various areas of life, including academics, work, and relationships. ADHD affects parts of the brain that are necessary for goal-directed activities or doing tasks, such as focus, working-memory, organizing and prioritizing.
What does ADHD look like?
ADHD impacts both children and adults, manifesting in various ways. There are two main types: Inattentive presentation and Hyperactive/Impulsive presentation, and sometimes a combination of both. Inattentive symptoms relate to difficulties with executive functions, such as initiating and completing tasks. Those with ADHD may feel like starting a task is climbing a mountain or maintaining focus is juggling bowling pins. Hyperactive/Impulsive symptoms involve constant task-switching or a mind crowded with competing thoughts. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for obtaining appropriate support and strategies for managing ADHD.
Effective treatments for ADHD.
Therapy and Cognitive Training
Treating ADHD is not a one-size fits all approach but there are a few proven approaches to treating ADHD. The best approach to ADHD is a combination of psychotherapy and coaching. Psychotherapy provides the essential support towards managing emotional symptoms that are associated with ADHD and developing tools to allow an individual with ADHD to thrive. On the other hand, coaching should be an eclectic approach that combines cognitive training such as program like CogMed to help enhance working memory and attention skills, Mindfulness practices to help improve focus and reduce impulsivity, and learning executive functioning skills such as goal-setting, prioritizing and organizing, and utilizing reward/punishment that can have a positive impact on ADHD. Find comprehensive ADHD treatment options that address the unique needs of individuals at Adhoc Therapy.
Medication Management
Medication management is a key component of treating ADHD and can greatly improve symptoms. When starting medication, it's important to work closely with a healthcare professional who specializes in ADHD. They will carefully assess your needs, prescribe appropriate medications, and monitor your progress. Medications for ADHD work by balancing brain chemicals to enhance focus, reduce impulsivity, and improve self-control. It's essential to follow the prescribed dosage and communicate any side effects or concerns with your doctor. Remember, medication is just one part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include therapy, lifestyle changes, and support strategies. Proper medication management can significantly enhance your ability to manage ADHD symptoms and improve overall functioning.
Learn more about your ADHD with a free call with an ADHOC Therapist
Meet our ADHD expert
Carlo Catabijan
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I’m a Filipino-American immigrant and a gleeful Millennial who is on a mission. I created Adhoc Therapy with the hopes of addressing modern social, emotional, and psychological challenges with a different approach. One that would fit the narrative you resonate with, tools that are realistic, and conversations that you look forward to.
How Does Adhoc Therapy Treat ADHD?
Bespoke and tailored just for you! At Adhoc Therapy, we individualize treatment based on your needs and not the other way around. What we provide is treatment that is rooted in evidenced-based data on what is proven to work, a human-driven approach to empower the journey that you have been on so far, and is education-oriented to allow you to thrive to your fullest potential.
Adhoc Therapy incorporates both psychotherapy and ADHD coaching because we believe that is the best path towards improving. Our ADHD coaching incorporates evidence-based techniques like cognitive training and mindfulness practices to enhance attention, working memory, and executive functioning skills. We believe in an education-oriented approach, empowering individuals with knowledge about their condition and equipping them with practical strategies for success. By combining therapy and coaching, we offer a comprehensive treatment experience that supports individuals in thriving with ADHD.
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While 50-86% of the population will continue to experience symptoms of ADHD, recovery from ADHD is possible. With the right approach and therapeutic focus, one can experience a great deal of relief from managing ADHD.
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7 types of ADD (Classic ADHD, Inattentive ADHD, Over-focused ADHD, Temporal Lobe ADHD, Limbic ADHD, and Ring of Fire ADHD),
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Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria is when someone feels intense emotional pain in response to perceived rejection or criticism, often related to ADHD. It can lead to strong emotional reactions, low self-esteem, and avoidance of situations where rejection might occur.
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ADHD, also called attention-deficit disorder, is a behavior disorder, usually first diagnosed in childhood, that is characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and, in some cases, hyperactivity. These symptoms usually occur together; however, one may occur without the other(s).
FAQS
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Focusing is a complex topic because it requires intrisic motivation, mindset, appropriate rewards/punishment, and organization. However, a great tip to always implement in being able to focus is regulation. Often times, lack of focus is a form of physical or emotional dysregulation. It's hard to focus when you're hungry or heartbroken. To allow focus, you must ensure you are regulated appropriately.
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Nutrition plays an important role off-stream of ADHD, but it is only part of the story. For example, nutrition can impact ADHD by affecting brain function. Certain foods may worsen symptoms, such having a very high carbohydrate meal that can lead us to feeling tired. While other food that is high in zinc and omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to improve symptoms of ADHD. It would vary from people to people and is wise to consult with your physician.
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ADHD and anxiety often go hand in hand. ADHD can lead to restlessness and difficulty focusing, which can trigger anxiety. On the other hand, anxiety can make it harder to concentrate, which worsens ADHD symptoms. Managing both conditions through therapy, medication, and coping strategies can lead to better overall well-being.
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It depends! I would often suggest that this should go hand-in-hand with each other but it depends on ones goals. Therapy may be useful when ADHD comes along with other comorbid diagnosis such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. While others may benefit from just having a coach who can promote accountability, teach tools to increase efficiency, and learn more about their individual capacities.
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