Shawn is a smart, rambunctious young boy. He’s 13 now, but his parents have been at a loss for how to manage his behavior for years. Shawn has always been impulsive — his parents have to keep an eye out for his destructive antics around the house. He does well enough in school but his teachers send notes home frequently about his outbursts and talking over other students.
Shawn is having issues making and keeping friends as he’s entering his teenage years. His classmates are frustrated at his off-color jokes and his tendency to yell. Shawn’s parents are starting to worry — will everything be alright?
It turns out that Shawn is suffering from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It’s a disorder marked by inattentiveness or impulsivity and a range of physical and mental symptoms. Both children and adults can suffer from ADHD — the disorder can make it more difficult to excel in work, school, or in personal relationships.
Do you think you or your child is living with ADHD? We want you to know that treatment is available. Working with a mental health professional can help adults and children with ADHD learn how to manage their symptoms and thrive. Call our office at Thriveworks Counseling in Jersey City, NJ to get started.
ADHD: Common Symptoms
ADHD typically falls into three different types: inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, or a combination of the two.
Inattentive ADHD usually involves the following symptoms:
- Inability to pay attention
- Making careless mistakes
- Difficulty staying organized
- Disliking tasks that require focus for a long period of time
- Distracted by outside stimuli
- Frequently losing items
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD usually involves the following symptoms:
- Trouble staying still
- Restlessness
- Impulsive behaviors
- Excessive talking
- Little or no sense of danger
- Tendency to interrupt conversations
- Excessive talking
- Difficulty waiting
- Tendency to speak out of turn
The combined type of ADHD usually involves symptoms from both groups. To receive a diagnosis for any of these categories, children 16 and under must exhibit six or more symptoms from one or both categories, and people 17 and over need to exhibit five or more of these symptoms. The disorder is typically diagnosed after symptoms are present for six months or longer.
Diagnosing ADHD can be difficult in children, as some level of hyperactivity and inattention is common for most children. Adult ADHD also frequently goes undiagnosed for years. However, our licensed mental health professionals are skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD and its symptoms. Call our office today at Thriveworks Counseling in Jersey City, NJ if you want to set up an appointment for yourself or your child.
Can Therapy Help Someone With ADHD?
Children can show ADHD symptoms as early as seven years of age and symptoms usually continue into adulthood. Treatment for ADHD usually involves therapy, medication, or a mix of the two.
There are several therapeutic methods that can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), for example, can help someone with the disorder recognize and manage problematic thought processes in a healthier way. Family therapy can help the entire family unit learn how to respond effectively to outbursts or inattentiveness so their child’s behavior improves quicker.
Medications are another option for people with ADHD. A psychiatrist can prescribe an ADHD medication, such as a stimulant, to help you focus and learn more effectively. These medications are safe and have been used in professional practice for a long time. Your provider will work with you to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
Do you think you or your child could benefit from ADHD treatment? If so, call our office today at Thriveworks Counseling in Jersey City, NJ.
ADHD Therapy or Counseling in Jersey City, NJ
Living with ADHD can make it harder for someone to learn, grow, and build meaningful relationships — but we want you to know that support is available. Working with a mental health professional from Thriveworks Counseling in Jersey City, NJ can help you or your child achieve a calmer, more balanced, and more focused state of mind.
Our goal is to provide flexible, convenient mental health services. To do that, we offer online appointments, weekend and evening sessions, and flexible cancellations.
We won’t put you on a waitlist when you call, and you might be able to meet with a provider quickly — sometimes within 48 hours of calling. We accept many healthcare insurance plans so check with your provider to see if your plan includes mental health coverage.
If you’re struggling with symptoms of ADHD, call our office today. Our mental health professionals at Thriveworks Counseling in Jersey City, NJ are ready to help you thrive.
