Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Counselor teaching about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often undiagnosed in adults. ADHD is characterized by having a very active brain, racing thoughts, lots of projects and ideas going at once. ADHD is both a blessing and a curse, both a positive trait and a disorder. People with ADHD are often very, very bright but suffer from a chronic lack of organization and clarity of focus. This is a highly treatable condition. However, many adults do not seek help from a lack of knowledge they have ADHD or a belief they can handle it on their own. ADHD requires assistance from professionals! The ADHD client will learn much more about the pros and cons of their condition. They will learn how to manage the downside of ADHD as well as utilizing the abundant upside of ADHD. Not treating ADHD will result in many small, large, and ongoing catastrophes for the individual who has ADHD and often for the people around them.

Treatment

Some people choose to use medication to treat their ADHD. We cannot prescribe medication but we can refer you to someone who can. However, medication is NOT a substitute for therapeutic treatment. Medication will not teach you how to restructure your life, work through the shame ADHD produces, as well as the multitude of other very important concepts every ADHD person needs to learn to have a happy fulfilled life.

Parents with ADHD children can also get help to understand how to become an advocate for their ADHD child.

Getting help is the first step in coming to understand your ADHD. Treatment can bring many positive experiences and opportunities for the person who has ADHD. Remember, if you think you have ADHD, you are in good company. These are just a few famous people who have or had ADHD: Ansel Adams, Leonardo da Vinci, Prince Charles, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Dustin Hoffman, Michael Jordan, Beethoven, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, Whoopi Goldberg, Agatha Christie, Ann Bancroft, Lindsay Wagner, Abraham Lincoln, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Nostradamus, Walt Disney, James Stewart, and Socrates.

Helpful Links

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
What are the symptoms of ADD & ADHD?
Children and Adults with ADHD (CHADD) website

14 Ways to Treat ADD and ADHD