11 Aug Treating ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, was once primarily diagnosed in children in early childhood. Over the past several years, we have experienced a surge in the diagnosis and treatment for individuals ranging from early to late adulthood. The increased ADHD diagnosis has created a shortage in the suggested stimulant medications. It has increased scientific and academic studies regarding the pathology, differentiating criteria between children and adults, and bests treatment methods from DBT to psychopharmacology.
Impaired Functioning
ADHD can impact our daily functioning, such as challenges with concentration, impulsive behaviors, and a lack of organization, to name a few. Impaired daily functions may adversely impact multiple areas, such as an individual’s social relationships, work, and school performances. Reducing the quality of our daily interactions manifest in unhealthy coping mechanisms and adverse effects concerning daily life choices. Symptoms and criteria for a proper diagnosis can be challenging due to similar characteristics shared in other diagnoses, such as PTSD and Borderline Personality Disorder.
Treatments
Medication management is essential when treating ADHD, and including evidence-based practices such as DBT, CBT, and Psychotherapy are an intricate part of treatment. The recent lack of stimulant medications required healthcare providers to explore further the models mentioned to help support clients who were not only re-experiencing symptoms of ADHD but also managing increased anxiety symptoms due to lack of medications. Life and work-related expectations will not decrease, so exploring and learning the skills models discussed in group and individual therapies is critical to increasing healthy coping skills.
Though clinically proven to be mostly treated with psychotropic medications, there are alternate methods to treating ADHD, including non-stimulant medications and the models mentioned earlier. Another critical factor is finding a clinician with experience in this area. Treating the symptoms of ADHD can help manage daily responsibilities, such as exercising mindfulness practices to help maintain focus and DBT to increase positive coping skills in moments of distress. Learning to regulate our emotions helps decrease anxiety symptoms, increase our ability to stay on task, better manage triggers to minimize feeling overwhelmed, and respond with purpose instead of reacting. Putting methods to practice also increases our mood and self-confidence and boosts confidence.
If you are experiencing symptoms of ADHD or are currently prescribed medication to help manage the diagnosis and wish to increase healthy coping skills using evidence-based practices, please contact our Park Avenue Psychotherapy office via phone or email and book an appointment with myself, Brian Casanovas, LMSW.