ADHD

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can significantly impact daily functioning. Individuals with ADHD may struggle to sustain attention on tasks, have difficulty organizing activities, and often engage in impulsive behaviors without considering the consequences. Emotional dysregulation is a paramount issue as a result of these patterns and difficulties. Without the hyperactivity component, it may be that much more challenging to diagnose, even if rumination tends to be worse. Misdiagnoses may include anxiety and depressive disorders; while both may be a part of the ADHD/ADD presentation, a misdiagnosis ignores the underlying cause of the anxious and depressive symptoms.

The disorder commonly emerges in childhood and may persist into adulthood. Clients seen at this practice may have figured out ways to “work around” their ADHD symptoms so well they felt it was never an issue or no longer a problem. New life stressors – college; new promotion at work; birth of a child or now that there are 2-3 more children in the family; life transitions; bereavement – suddenly make symptoms impossible to mitigate without support.

ADHD can affect every aspect of life, including academic and work performance; personal goals; familial, platonic and romantic relationships. It is essential to note that ADHD is a complex and heterogeneous condition, with variations in symptom severity and presentation among individuals. It is often comorbid with other diagnoses, further complicating the challenges faced by these individuals and their loved ones.

Whereas psychiatric medication was the first and potentially only intervention for ADHD in the past, modern treatment approaches typically involve a combination of behavioral interventions and psychoeducation, tailored to the specific needs of each person; some individuals prefer to avoid medication altogether, if or when appropriate. The data indicates that increased awareness and understanding of ADHD (ie: emotional intelligence) contribute to more effective support and accommodations for individuals navigating the challenges associated with this condition.

When ADHD is present in a romantic relationship, frequency and intensity of arguments can prove debilitating. The partner without ADHD may feel as though their partner does not love them enough to remember events, tasks, agreements; the partner with ADHD may or may not realize the issue is ADHD. This is not a scapegoat, rather a way to become responsible and accountable for the effects of ADHD and how to collaborate in order to get your relationship back on track.

This office works with ADHD as a “superpower,” not so much a disorder. Like all superpowers we see in comic books, television, and movies: in order to not hurt others or themselves, one must work to understand, constrain, and use their superpower toward its best ends.