When it comes to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), there’s almost more misinformation out there as there is factual information. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with ADHD or you’re interested in learning more about just what this condition entails, the Cedar Counseling & Wellness team has you covered. In this blog, we’re going to talk about exactly what ADHD is, common warning signs, and how therapy can be an essential resource for those who are diagnosed with ADHD.
What Is ADHD?
There is a common belief that hyper kids are just diagnosed with ADHD, so their parents can medicate them. This is a stereotype that can be hurtful to parents who are trying to care for their child as well as for children diagnosed with this condition. It also makes ADHD seem like it’s not a valid or real health concern, so children and adults who show warning signs of ADHD may be less likely to seek out diagnosis and treatment. First and foremost, we want to state clearly that ADHD is a very real and very valid health concern that can be diagnosed in children or adults. This neurobehavioral condition is characterized by inattentiveness (attention-deficit), over activity (hyperactivity) or a combination of the two.
The Common Warning Signs of ADHD
Inside the brain of a person who is diagnosed with ADHD, the frontal lobe seems to have less control or be harder to engage. Our frontal lobe controls the executive functions that include things like self-regulation, planning, organization, short-term memory, and impulse control. With less regulation of these areas, people who struggle with ADHD can see negative impacts and side effects of this condition across all aspects of their lives.
Some common side effects of ADHD include difficulty:
- Concentrating
- Maintaining focus
- Sitting still
- Controlling impulses
- Remembering details
- Avoiding small, careless errors
- Making conversation
- Listening to others
- Completing a task
- Organizing, planning, and prioritizing
- Sitting still
- Taking turns
- Recognizing self-destructive behaviors
Practical Suggestions for Treating ADHD
- Use a calendar/planner. Individuals with ADHD often report having difficulty with planning/prioritizing, time management, and working memory. Having a calendar, whether it is a physical or digital version, can help individuals manage their time, recall tasks and appointments, and generally feel more organized.
- Prioritize sleep hygiene. Sleep problems can be common in people who have ADHD. Sleep deprivation can exacerbate executive functioning skills. Basic sleep hygiene can help restore sleep health. Be mindful of sugar and caffeine intake, particularly later in the day. Avoid screen time and other stimulating activities before bed. Develop a wind-down bedtime routine that helps quiet your body and mind (yoga, meditation, a warm bath, a quiet book). Keep the room dark, cool, and quiet at night. Keep a regular sleep-wake cycle; go to bed at roughly the same time, and wake up at roughly the same time every day.
- Develop and utilize a support system. This can include family, friends, mental health professionals, executive functioning coaches, tutors, mentors, and more. These people can advocate for you, encourage you, and provide resources/support to help you navigate life.
- Be mindful of nutrition. Some believe that a mindful eating approach, a diet with adequate protein, fresh produce, and fewer processed foods can be helpful for those who have ADHD. Some individuals with ADHD may forget to eat, being distracted by other tasks, or have difficulty tuning into their hunger/satiety cues.
- Exercise. Exercise increases dopamine levels, which can improve attention and clear thinking. Regular exercise is research-proven to be beneficial with many mental health issues, and ADHD is no exception.
Can Therapy Help?
Many of the challenges faced by people who are diagnosed with ADHD are a product of how we function as a society. We are constantly bombarded by messaging that we’re expected to recognize, process, and remember if it’s important to us. Those with ADHD can really struggle in this environment where it can be challenging for them to determine what the important information is, where to focus their attention, and how to cope in situations that seem to come naturally to others. For children and adults with ADHD, therapy can be a significant resource that helps them develop coping strategies to reclaim control and create an even playing field for themselves to thrive alongside those who are considered neurotypical. If you’re interested in learning more, the Cedar Counseling & Wellness team would be happy to hear from you. Getting started with therapy is quick and easy. Just take a few minutes to call us at (443) 924-6344, email info@cedarcounselingandwellness.com, or fill out our quick messaging form.
