December

What ADHD Looks Li­ke and How Therapy Can Help

ADHD is a neurobehavioral disorder that can cause difficulty staying focused and paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.

ADHD is typically broken down into two types: inattentive and hyperactive.

Inattentive type:

• Doesn't appear to be paying attention
• Daydreams frequently
• Has trouble following through on instructions and tasks
• Makes careless mistakes
• Is easily distracted
• Is forgetful in daily activities

Hyperactive/impulsive type:

• Fidgets a lot
• Talks excessively
• Blurts out answers before questions have been completed
• Has difficulty waiting their turn
• Interrupts conversations often

It's also possible for both sets of symptoms to co-occur in what's known as combined type ADHD. It's important to note that just as signs and symptoms vary from person to person, they can also present differently from children to adults.

For instance, an adult with ADHD may appear to be easily forgetful or disorganized, while a child with ADHD may constantly be moving or fidgeting; the latter being one of the more obvious signs of ADHD in children who don't always know to speak up if they're having trouble concentrating.

While it's normal for children and adults to display some of these behaviors occasionally, those with ADHD will often exhibit several symptoms consistently and to a degree much greater than what's considered normal. These symptoms typically cause significant impairment in academics, work, household tasks, and social functioning.

If you think you or your child has ADHD, it's important to consult a mental health professional to receive an accurate diagnosis. Once diagnosed, there are many different treatment options available, like therapy that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD and improve your daily life and executive functioning.