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…
ADHD medications work to reduce ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity, anxiety, and inattention. ADHD medications work primarily by interacting with neurotransmitters in the brain, equalizing or increasing the amounts of certain chemicals. There’s no single type of ADHD medication that works for everyone, so it can take individuals a little time…
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…
After someone has been diagnosed with ADHD, the next course of action is to proceed with a form of ADHD treatment that can help them manage their symptoms and utilize their strengths. ADHD treatment can vary considerably, depending on the individuals’ preferences, as well as the nature and severity of…
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…
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by a pattern of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity, which gets in the way of normal functioning and development. This inattention includes difficulty staying focused and on task, being disorganized, and is not attributed to misunderstanding or…
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…
