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ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults.

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. It is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can significantly impair functioning in various areas of life. Hyperactivity manifests as restlessness, fidgeting, and difficulty remaining seated. Impulsivity involves hasty decision-making and actions without considering consequences, such as interrupting conversations or engaging in risky behaviors.

ADHD is often conceptualized as a disorder of executive dysfunction, where individuals grapple with difficulties in self-regulation and goal-directed behaviors. Executive functions, a set of higher-order cognitive processes, encompass abilities such as working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control. In individuals with ADHD, disruptions in these executive functions contribute substantially to the academic, professional, and personal challenges they face.

Treatment for ADHD

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) empowers you to identify and change the thoughts and behaviors contributing to ADHD. In a supportive and collaborative environment, our experienced therapists help you obtain freedom from ADHD. 

We will work collaboratively with you, tailoring strategies to your specific needs. Through skill-building exercises and practical tools, we will help you to enhance self-awareness, improve your organizational skills, and foster adaptive coping mechanisms.  By addressing core cognitive patterns and behaviors associated with ADHD, we aim to empower you to thrive in the most important aspects of your life.

Medication

At Light On Anxiety, we understand that ADHD is a complex condition, and our approach to treatment often involves a combination of therapeutic modalities. Medication can play a crucial role in managing ADHD symptoms, helping you to focus, and enhance your overall daily functioning.

We work collaboratively with individuals, their families, and other healthcare providers to carefully assess and consider the appropriateness of medication as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. We prioritize a personalized approach, ensuring that any medication recommendations align with your unique needs and preferences.

Integrating CBT + Medication

Our approach involves a careful integration of CBT and medication, depending on patient preferences and clinical needs, to address both the biological and psychological aspects of ADHD.

  1. Collaborative Treatment Planning: Our experienced team works collaboratively to create an individualized treatment plan that assists you in meeting your treatment goals as effectively and rapidly as possible.  
  2. Patient Empowerment: We believe in empowering you with comprehensive information about ADHD treatment options, allowing you to make informed decisions about your treatment journey. 
  3. Monitoring Progress: Regular monitoring and adjustments to your treatment plan are made based on your response and progress. This ensures you are obtaining maximum benefits from the time and energy you are putting into the treatment process.  
  4. Ongoing Support:  We offer ongoing support and adjustments to your treatment plan as needed, ensuring a comprehensive and personalized approach to your path to healing.

Your Unique Path to Freedom From ADHD

Our goal is to create a treatment plan that aligns with your needs and preferences, recognizing that each individual’s journey is unique.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

ADHD, coupled with executive functioning (EF) challenges, presents a complex array of symptoms that impact cognitive processes essential for daily functioning. Some of these symptoms include:

Individuals with ADHD often struggle with sustained attention, easily becoming distracted and having difficulty completing tasks. Deficits in working memory, a component of executive functioning, contribute to difficulties in maintaining attention and remembering instructions.
Impulsivity is a hallmark symptom, characterized by hasty decision-making, impulsive actions, and difficulty inhibiting immediate responses.
Hyperactivity manifests as excessive fidgeting, restlessness, and difficulty engaging in activities quietly. Challenges in self-regulation, a core executive function, contribute to difficulties in modulating activity levels appropriately.
Deficits in planning and organization, integral components of executive functioning, exacerbate challenges in managing time and tasks effectively.
Time management difficulties stem from impaired executive functions, including difficulties in planning and prioritizing.

In people with ADHD, difficulty adapting to changes in routine or transitioning between tasks is common.

Working memory impairments contribute to forgetfulness, difficulty following multi-step instructions, and challenges in holding information in mind.

Impaired emotional regulation is influenced by difficulties in inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility within the realm of executive functioning.

FAQs about ADHD

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are distinct conditions. ADHD involves challenges with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, impacting focus and organization. OCD, on the other hand, is characterized by intrusive, distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) to alleviate anxiety. While ADHD is primarily associated with attentional issues, OCD revolves around managing anxiety through rituals. Treatments differ; ADHD is often addressed with stimulant medications, while OCD responds well to therapy and sometimes medication targeting serotonin imbalances. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for tailored and effective interventions.

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is recognized as a neurodevelopmental disorder. While it doesn’t inherently label individuals as disabled, it can significantly impact daily functioning. Some people with ADHD qualify for accommodations and support, recognizing the challenges it poses. Perception of ADHD as a disability varies based on context and individual experiences.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, and there's currently no known cure. However, effective treatments like medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments can manage symptoms successfully. With appropriate support, many individuals with ADHD lead fulfilling lives, highlighting the importance of tailored strategies for each person.
Yes, ADHD can impact sleep. Individuals may experience difficulties in falling asleep, staying asleep, or having restful sleep. Racing thoughts, restlessness, and impulsivity associated with ADHD can contribute to sleep disturbances. Establishing consistent sleep routines and consulting healthcare professionals can help address these challenges.

More About Treatment for Anxiety

What is CBT & ERP for OCD?

Light On Anxiety CEO Dr Debra Kissen describes how CBT & ERP helps clients move past OCD and other anxiety disorders.

Learn more about how we can create a custom individual treatment plan to fit your goals.

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