Signs of ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects people of all ages. It’s characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can impact a person’s ability to function in their daily life.

However, the signs of ADHD can be difficult to recognize, particularly in children, as many of the symptoms can be mistaken for normal behavior. Let’s take a closer look at the signs of ADHD, exploring the most common symptoms and how they can present in different age groups.

Whether you’re a parent concerned about your child’s behavior, or an adult struggling with ADHD symptoms yourself, this post aims to provide you with a better understanding of what to look for and when to seek help.

A neurodevelopmental illness, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) typically manifests in childhood but can be diagnosed at any age. A recurring pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, or both characterizes ADHD symptoms.

Here is a closer look at some of the most common signs of ADHD:

1. Inattention: difficulty paying attention to details, trouble staying focused on tasks, easily distracted, forgetfulness, and losing things.
2. Hyperactivity: restlessness, fidgeting, excessive talking, difficulty sitting still, and always on the go.
3. Impulsivity: acting without thinking, interrupting others, difficulty waiting for their turn, and making impulsive decisions.
4. Organization: difficulty organizing tasks and activities, messy workspaces, forgetfulness in daily activities, and procrastination.
5. Emotional regulation: difficulty controlling emotions, mood swings, and sensitivity to criticism.

People with the inattentive form of ADHD frequently struggle to follow through, maintain concentrate on even straightforward tasks, have difficulty listening, and are quickly distracted. Those who exhibit the hyperactive form of ADHD frequently fidget with their hands or other objects, struggle to sit still or maintain their position while seated, and frequently interrupt other people when they are speaking.

All of the aforementioned symptoms are present in combination in people with a mixed presentation. Children with ADHD frequently experience scholastic difficulties as well as difficulties making friends and upholding appropriate social interactions as a result of these symptoms.

Suggestion for read: Children and ADHD

Can you treat or cure ADHD?

It has been demonstrated that treatment for ADHD works remarkably well. There are numerous approaches to treating ADHD, but a multidimensional strategy is the most successful and highly advised. According to research, taking medication can significantly lessen the symptoms of ADHD.

Although stimulant drugs like Adderall or Ritalin are most frequently used to treat ADHD, alternative non-stimulant drugs like Strattera have also been shown to be beneficial. Psychotherapy has also been shown to considerably aid people with ADHD, particularly when used in conjunction with medication.

Executive coaching is beneficial for ADHD sufferers who have trouble staying organized or managing their time. Despite the fact that ADHD cannot be “cured,” those who are treated can make great progress.

Kids’ ADHD therapy, Signs of ADHD

ADHD signs must be shown in two or more environments for a child to be diagnosed with the condition (home, school, with friends, etc.). As a result, in addition to the child themselves, it is crucial that the family and the child’s school be involved in their treatment for ADHD.

Family counseling and/or parent coaching can be immensely helpful because having a child with ADHD can be incredibly challenging for parents and siblings. Academic accommodations or additional support in the classroom, such as one-on-one tutoring, can be very helpful for kids with ADHD.

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests behavioral therapy as the first line of treatment for children under the age of six and a combination of behavioral therapy and medicine for children beyond the age of six for the children themselves.

Treatment for Adult ADHD

The recommended course of treatment for individuals with ADHD is also comprehensive. Adults have also experienced the benefits of medication, albeit behavioral treatment is often advised. Psychotherapy, however, extends beyond symptom management in the treatment of ADHD in adults.

Many adults who are not diagnosed with ADHD until they are adults have suffered throughout their lives as a result of the social, scholastic, and professional challenges that can arise from having untreated ADHD. Because of this, it’s critical that psychotherapy for adults who receive an ADHD diagnosis later in life give the patient a place to talk about how their ADHD has affected their history while also managing their current symptoms.

Adults with ADHD are also more likely to experience other mental illnesses such substance abuse, anxiety, and depression. Clinicians must be able to differentiate between diagnoses and administer the proper care.

Why is CBT the most effective treatment for ADHD

Many studies have demonstrated the remarkable effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) in easing the symptoms of adult ADHD. According to a 2012 study, people who used CBT but didn’t take medication fared equally as well as those who used CBT and were on medication.

Another study from 2016 found that CBT was useful in assisting teenagers with ADHD who were not seeing improvement from medication alone in reducing the intensity of their symptoms. The effectiveness of CBT for ADHD sufferers can be attributed to a variety of factors.

Many adults who did not receive an ADHD diagnosis until later in life describe feeling “stupid” or “lazy” throughout their lives as a result of their difficulties in completing the tasks they set out to perform.

Although though these people with signs of ADHD may be relieved to receive an ADHD diagnosis, many of them have internalized these ideas about themselves. These negative basic beliefs about ourselves, along with others, can have an effect on how we think, feel, and act. People with ADHD can considerably benefit from CBT because therapy is intended to help them address and challenge their negative core beliefs and boost their self-esteem.

Moreover, psychoeducation, which is educating clients about their condition in this case ADHD, is a component of CBT. It has been established that a crucial component of treatment for clients with ADHD and their families is psychoeducation.

How to choose an ADHD program

It is crucial to first think about the type of treatment you are searching for if you need to get yourself or your child treatment for ADHD. Pediatricians are frequently well-versed in treating kids with ADHD and might be an excellent place to start. Make an appointment with a psychiatric nurse practitioner or psychiatrist if you have questions about medications.

These are the experts qualified to recommend and oversee medication. You should seek out therapists that specialize in behavioral therapy and have experience treating ADHD if you want to use behavioral psychotherapy to treat your ADHD.

Choosing a therapist can be difficult and time-consuming. It’s okay to work with a few different therapists until you discover one with whom you click. Moreover, therapy expenses vary greatly, but there are still options for high-quality therapy at less expensive rates.

Consider looking for clinics that provide sliding scale fees, accept insurance, or have intern programs; all of these features might get you quality therapy within your means. In many neighborhoods, community health clinics offer free or inexpensive therapy.

What to expect from ADHD therapy

Your ADHD symptoms will improve with the use of cognitive behavioral therapy, according to ADHD therapists. Your therapist will collaborate with you or your kid to evaluate how ADHD affects quality of life and help you establish treatment objectives.

Your therapist will provide you targeted strategies to enhance focus, lessen impulsivity, lift your mood, and lessen worry. Your ability to accomplish your goals and enhance the caliber of your interpersonal interactions will both benefit from this.

Recognizing the signs of ADHD is an important step in getting a proper diagnosis and treatment. Whether you’re a child or an adult, ADHD can impact your ability to focus, learn, and function in daily life. By understanding the signs and symptoms of ADHD, you can take action to address the challenges it poses and improve your quality of life.

If you suspect that you or someone you know may have signs of ADHD, it’s important to seek the help of a professional who can provide an accurate diagnosis and guide you towards effective treatment options. With the right support, people with ADHD can lead fulfilling and successful lives.

To ensure that your therapy is coordinated and successful, your Inquire Talk therapist will also speak with the people who administer your medications, executive coaches, and/or school staff.

Would you like to know more about the Signs of ADHD? Here are few certified therapists who you can get in touch and book a therapy session with:

Simon Jacobs

Sarah Jack

Anna at the mind garden