ADHD

What is ADHD?

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that is estimated to affect about one in every 25 adults in the US.

Researchers have identified risk factors such as family history (oftentimes parents of children with ADHD are also diagnosed), early head injuries, premature birth, prenatal exposure, and environmental toxins (such as lead) as contributing causes to ADHD.

Most people identify ADHD with fidgeting or distracting behaviors, but there are many different symptoms, especially among adults. Adult ADHD can be characterized by difficulties with executive functioning (planning and executing personal goals, ability to recall important details, controlling inhibition), difficulty paying attention during conversations, disorganization, and procrastination.

Young lady using a laptop to do research on the internet. Woman working on a project. Mixed race woman sending emails.

Can ADHD Affect Adults?

While often diagnosed during childhood, symptoms of ADHD can persist into adulthood, and because of individual coping styles, ADHD can sometimes be difficult to screen for in adults. Left undiagnosed and untreated, ADHD is often a significant financial and personal burden on adults. Adults diagnosed with ADHD tend to earn up to a fifth less than their peers and are more likely to struggle with other mental health conditions or suffer a premature death. About a third of kids diagnosed with ADHD continue to experience symptoms in adulthood.

Adults who struggle with ADHD may easily pay attention or even hyperfixate on things that interest them but struggle to concentrate on tasks that they are not passionate about, to the detriment of their livelihood.

Like other conditions, ADHD can vary in severity, and responds to stressors. Some adults can learn to cope with or mask their symptoms, only exhibiting a few signs of ADHD. Others struggle with it daily, to the extent that it affects their relationships and career opportunities. Those who can manage their symptoms on good days may struggle more when under a lot of pressure.

What Are Effective Treatments for ADHD?

Most people treated for ADHD receive behavioral therapy and medication. Some cases are treated with just medication or just therapy, but they are rarer. ADHD medication options are divided into stimulants – particularly methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine (Adderall) – non-stimulants, and antidepressants (usually SSRIs). The latter are not specifically approved for ADHD treatment but are often prescribed in cases where ADHD co-occurs with chronic feelings of anxiety or depression.

Medication can help manage symptoms, but long-term management requires therapy as well. Behavioral therapies for ADHD help adults learn to focus their attention on tasks that need doing, improve their executive functioning by training their working memory and inhibition control, and leveraging support from friends and family members to help manage symptoms of ADHD while living a normal life.

ADHD Treatment at Resolutions

Strong symptoms of ADHD in adults can affect relationships, tank career options, and contribute to a person developing feelings of social anxiety or even depression because of their difficulties. Outpatient treatment can be highly effective for adults with ADHD by offering flexible, bespoke care that fits into their daily lives.

Our treatment plans at Resolutions include therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help develop coping strategies and organizational skills, and medication management to address symptoms. Resolutions also offers ADHD and executive functioning coaching as well as ongoing support and education to, help adults manage their ADHD while maintaining work and family responsibilities.