As a therapist, I've observed patients with ADHD displaying symptoms like inattention and impulsivity, which can pose challenges in various aspects of their lives. However, online therapy can be a helpful tool if you need treatment, since you can conveniently connect with licensed professionals from the comfort of your own home.
While ADHD is often identified in children, there's a growing recognition of its continuation into adulthood. About 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults in the US have ADHD. So, let's explore how ADHD therapy can help you manage symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
» Learn more about 10 common signs of ADHD in women.
How ADHD Therapy Works: Improve Your Daily Functioning
ADHD therapy commonly uses tailored treatment modalities to address common areas of concern. For instance, if you struggle to sustain focus on long or "tedious" tasks, counseling can help improve your time management and attention control skills. I find that breaking up long assignments into smaller bits helps my patients mitigate the "dread" they often feel.
Therapy can help you handle stress and anxiety—common secondary symptoms caused by ADHD symptoms like procrastination or forgetfulness. It can also improve impulse control to help you avoid overspending or interrupting people during conversations.
You may also benefit from learning how to communicate effectively, express your needs, and interact positively with loved ones or colleagues.
5 Approaches to Managing ADHD Symptoms
1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Therapy, notably cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), addresses emotional and behavioral aspects. It can help you recognize and manage unhelpful thought patterns and emotions linked to ADHD, such as anxiety and impulsivity.
For example, people with ADHD often have difficulty creating and sticking to schedules and routines. A CBT therapist can help them develop strategies for creating and sticking to schedules and routines to stay organized and on track.
» Check out our top picks for the best online cognitive behavioral therapy services.
2. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is another excellent choice. It teaches people with ADHD how to manage their emotions healthily. This includes identifying and understanding emotions, tolerating distress, and changing ineffective emotional responses.
In fact, research has shown that DBT may prove more effective than "treatment as usual" for people with ADHD.
4. Medication-Assisted Treatment
I find that combining therapy and medication is often the most effective way to treat my ADHD patients. Stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine-based drugs work by balancing neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which, in turn, improves focus, impulse control, and hyperactivity
3. Mindfulness and Communal Support
Mindfulness practices and social training programs can be incredibly helpful in managing ADHD symptoms. For instance, I've found that meditation and deep breathing exercises can help improve your ability to focus and reduce impulsivity.
5. Lifestyle Adjustments and Self-Help Strategies
In addition to therapy, you can implement lifestyle adjustments to improve your daily life. Effective time management techniques, such as daily planners and task organization, can break down overwhelming tasks into manageable steps.
Regular exercise and a healthy diet can also boost your mental health, motivation, and brain function.
Consequences of Untreated ADHD
As an individual dealing with untreated ADHD, you may face significant challenges in day-to-day life. For instance, maintaining focus and motivation in academic or professional pursuits might be a persistent hurdle to overcome. This could manifest in declining grades and reduced work performance, potentially hindering your progress.
Your interpersonal relationships may also bear the brunt of these challenges. Engaging with others, listening, or consistently following through on social plans can be difficult. These may adversely impact your self-esteem and potentially contribute to mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
» Build up your self-esteem and grow in confidence with these helpful tips.
A First-Hand Account of Transformative ADHD Therapy
A compelling client case of mine illustrates the transformative power of ADHD diagnosis and treatment. In this instance, a nurse got an ADHD diagnosis, after which she received a prescription and attended therapy.
After about six months, her performance at work significantly improved, transitioning from struggles with paperwork and charting to becoming a highly focused and productive professional.
Her newfound focus and motivation extended beyond her career, enabling her to pursue a master's degree and tackle long-standing personal projects. This journey from ADHD diagnosis to treatment resulted in holistic improvements, positively impacting her professional and personal life.
Unlock a Brighter Future By Managing Your Symptoms
It's important to acknowledge the adverse effects ADHD can have on your life. There are strategies and support systems available to help you address them and improve your overall well-being.
If you or someone you know has ADHD, professional guidance can be a transformative step towards improving daily life and functioning.
» Don't want to sit in a waiting room? Try BetterHelp or Thriveworks.
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