ADHD in teens can create unique struggles and issues at school as well as at home. On top of all the exciting and sometimes scary changes teens experience, ADHD can sometimes make middle school and high school life more complicated. For teens who have already been diagnosed, their ADHD symptoms…
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects focus, concentration, and memory, and often causes hyperactive or impulsive behavior. People with ADHD can find tasks like complex projects or deciding between too many choices overwhelming, and often get distracted or find themselves avoiding tasks altogether when faced with stress. This feeling of overwhelm is…
At some point, you may have heard someone talk about ADD and wondered, “Is that the same thing as ADHD, or is it something else?” The difference between ADD and ADHD confuses many people—largely because there really isn’t a difference. Attention-deficit disorder (ADD) refers to people who have a specific…
People of all ages can have ADHD, but specific treatment options apply to each age group. For adults, the medications, therapies, and lifestyle adjustments will be different than for adolescents or children. Like other mental health conditions, treatment options will be adapted to fit the needs of the individual. Some…
A Story About a Kid In 1989, I was 7 years old and just starting first grade. Early in the school year, my teacher arranged a meeting with my parents and stated that she thought that I might be “slow” because I wasn’t performing in class to the same level…
Adult ADHD does not have its own section in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which clinicians often use for classifying mental health conditions. According to that manual, ADHD in adults and ADHD in children is the same neurodevelopmental disorder. And yet attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can…
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental health conditions in the US. Despite having the capability to disrupt our daily life and ability to focus, ADHD doesn’t have to detract from our quality of life. In fact, finding a successful form of treatment can help…
Every fall, college and professional football games command center stage in living rooms across the country. Sitting down to watch sports can be relaxing, entertaining, and may even increase our self-confidence (unless our team loses). The benefits of watching sports have been apparent to psychologists for some time; but for…
Q: I was wondering if you all had any tips for studying with ADHD? A: This is a common and excellent question and I’m happy to share a few tips that many of my clients with ADHD have found to be helpful over the years! First thing’s first, there is…
Mr. Stevenson is teaching his third grade class about the importance of using manners—he encourages the students to say “please” and “thank you,” as well as “sir” and “ma’am.” Afterwards, he asks the kids in the class to write a few sentences summarizing what they just discussed. McKenzie, though, can’t…
Living with ADHD: Early Diagnosis I vividly remember, when I was ten years old, sitting in a fifth-grade classroom waiting on a message over the intercom. Every day right before lunch, I would be summoned to the main office. Once I walked in the office, our school secretary would reach…
Summer is officially over and so are the days of trips to Carowinds, Discovery Place, and the swim club. Sending the kids back to school can be one of the most bittersweet times of year for parents, especially those with children who have ADHD. Part of you screams, “Yes! I…
