Does your child have trouble paying attention in school? Have they ever lashed out after being asked to sit quietly for a short amount of time? Are they often unable to complete chores, tasks, or homework assignments?
Think about your own behaviors. Do you often find yourself tapping your foot or playing with nearby objects when you’re forced to sit still? Do you have trouble meditating or relaxing? Do you often interrupt others during conversations?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you or your child may have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a neurological brain disorder that impacts a person’s ability to concentrate, sit still, and control impulses.
The exact symptoms of ADHD can vary based on the individual but the disorder can generally make it difficult to focus, form relationships, stick to deadlines, and think clearly.
While ADHD is a lifelong illness, its impact can be alleviated with therapy, medications, and self-care practices. A therapist, psychiatrist, or another mental health professional at Thriveworks can help you manage your hyperactivity, attention levels, and impulsiveness.
To receive an assessment to determine if you have ADHD and to begin treatment, please call us at Thriveworks in Bedford, NH. Our licensed mental health professionals are standing by to help.
Common Symptoms of ADHD in Children and Adults
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be broken down into two categories: inattentiveness and hyperactivity. Inattentiveness may cause adults and children with ADHD to be:
- Unfocused
- Distracted
- Bored
- Forgetful
- Disorganized
- Unmotivated
Additionally, you may have difficulties paying attention when spoken to or following through on projects, assignments, or promises. You or your child may also be less likely to notice minor errors.
In terms of hyperactivity, you may have trouble sitting still or balancing multiple tasks at once. Other symptoms of hyperactivity include:
- Foot tapping or fidgeting
- Talking over others
- Impulsive behavior
- Feeling restless
- Inability to engage in quiet activities
Inattentiveness and hyperactivity may present themselves differently in adults and children, and ADHD can be especially frustrating for younger children who may not yet have the vocabulary to vocalize their needs and concerns. They may even lose their temper because they’re unable to successfully express themselves.
That’s why testing early for ADHD can be so important — early intervention can make a world of difference in a child’s quality of life. If you or your child are experiencing one or more of the symptoms listed above, please contact us at Thriveworks in Bedford, NH to speak with a licensed professional today.
What ADHD Counseling Looks Like
A licensed mental health provider will look for a number of different indicators when determining whether or not you have ADHD. These indicators can include:
- The number of symptoms (usually five or more)
- The duration and severity of the symptoms
- The appearance of symptoms in more than one setting (school, home, work, etc.)
In addition to questioning you, your provider may ask to interview your friends or family, review your medical history, and perform other kinds of tests. If the results of your assessment indicate that you’re suffering from ADHD, you’ll receive a treatment plan that’s customized to your specific situation.
Treatments can include medications (such as stimulants and non-stimulants) and therapies (such as behavioral therapy, play therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy). Lifestyle changes, support groups, and goal-setting exercises may also be used to treat ADHD. Your provider may also recommend wellness activities such as exercise, meditation, or yoga to help with concentration and stress levels.
A Thriveworks professional in Bedford, NH can help you identify whether you are experiencing ADHD and what you can do about it. To get started with an assessment, reach out to our scheduling team today.
Meet With an ADHD Therapist at Thriveworks in Bedford, NH
Online tests for ADHD abound, but these tests are often incomplete and fail to truly assess whether a person has the disorder. To add to this uncertainty, people with adult ADHD often attribute their actions to another illness or disorder because they believe that ADHD only affects children. While symptoms of the disorder typically first appear in childhood, a diagnosis can be given at any time throughout your life. To receive a professional ADHD assessment, book with us at Thriveworks in Bedford, NH.
We offer in-person and online therapy and counseling. Our offices have convenient opening and closing hours, and we accept a variety of insurance plans for your convenience.
If you need additional support in between sessions, you can always access your provider by phone or email. You’ll also have access to our online message board and life coaching Q&A services.
ADHD is a manageable illness with proper intervention and care. Call us at Thriveworks in Bedford, NH to set up an appointment and begin treatment.
