Caroline started seventh grade recently, and while she has always loved school, this year has felt different. She has trouble paying attention in class and can’t seem to follow the teacher’s instructions. She makes careless mistakes on her homework, which has never been a problem in the past. Her grades are starting to suffer –– she feels frustrated, and her parents aren’t happy.
Has your child been struggling in the classroom? Do they suffer from impulsivity or hyperactivity? These are hallmark symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a mental disorder that can make it hard to focus, concentrate, and sit still.
ADHD is a mental illness that can leave people feeling frustrated and embarrassed. Thankfully, ADHD is easily treatable under the guidance of a licensed counselor, therapist, psychiatrist, or another mental health professional. They can provide compassionate care and help reduce symptoms so you can live your best life.
Could you or your child benefit from an ADHD assessment? If so, call our office today at Thriveworks Counseling in Asheville, NC today. Someone from our scheduling team can help you get started.
Common ADHD Symptoms Checklist
ADHD typically manifests in one of three ways –– inattentiveness, hyperactivity/impulsivity, or a combination of the two. Here are some of the most common symptoms of ADHD:
Inattentiveness:
- Trouble concentrating
- Inability to pay attention
- Difficulty following instructions
- Short attention span
- Appearing forgetful or losing things
- Trouble with tedious or time-intensive tasks
Hyperactivity/impulsivity:
- Difficulty sitting still
- Impulsive behavior
- Tendency to interrupt conversations
- Little or no sense of danger
- Talking out of turn
The combined type can include symptoms from both categories at the same time.
Diagnosing ADHD can be challenging without the expertise of a licensed professional. Children are naturally energetic and have short attention spans, so a comprehensive analysis is required to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and develop a customized treatment plan.
If you’re ready to take the next step, call our office at Thriveworks Counseling in Asheville, NC to get started.
ADHD Treatment: Therapy and Medications
ADHD’s symptoms can make functioning more difficult, whether you’re at school, work, or home. Thankfully, mental health professionals can treat the symptoms of ADHD and help people with the disorder live happier, healthier lives.
Therapy is one of the most commonly used methods of treating ADHD. There are many types of therapy that can be beneficial, including:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT can help people learn to recognize and change unhealthy thought patterns. For example, if you’re encountering demoralizing thoughts about your impulsivity and hyperactivity, CBT can help you address those thoughts in a productive and healthy way.
- Family therapy: This form of therapy helps families build bonds and communicate more effectively. It is especially helpful for children with ADHD because it can help parents understand how to manage and respond to their children’s ADHD-related behaviors in a supportive way.
Medications are another important part of some treatment plans. Stimulants are some of the best-known and most widely used medications to treat ADHD. They’re safe and have been approved to treat adult ADHD as well as ADHD in children. Non-stimulant options are also available for clients who don’t respond well to stimulants.
When you’re ready to live a calmer, happier life, call our office at Thriveworks Counseling in Asheville, NC to schedule an appointment.
Schedule an ADHD Assessment at Thriveworks Counseling in Asheville, NC
We know that life can be hectic and finding time for mental health care can be difficult. That’s why we set out to make the therapeutic process as convenient and easy as possible. Our providers offer evening and weekend appointment options in addition to standard weekday availability. We also have a flexible cancelation policy for when life gets in the way.
Will driving to our Asheville office be difficult for you? If so, consider setting up an online appointment with one of our therapists, counselors, or psychiatrists. You can work with a provider over the phone or through a video chat, receiving valuable mental health care without leaving your home.
Today, more healthcare insurance providers are including mental health coverage in their insurance plans. We accept most major insurance plans so check with your insurance company to see if your plan includes mental health coverage.
The licensed mental health professionals at Thriveworks Counseling in Asheville, NC are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Call our office today to set up your first appointment. We can’t wait to help you live your best life.
