ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)
​Living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, a developmental impairment of the brain’s executive functions, can be challenging. The difficulties with impulse control, focusing, and organization can significantly impact daily functioning, yet many people are unaware of the complexities of ADHD.
ADHD TREATMENT
CBT
Mindfulness
Medication
Time-management Strategies
Healthy habits such as sleep, balanced diet, exercise
Organizational Strategies
MY APPROACH
I approach ADHD treatment by first assessing symptoms, reviewing family and mental health history, as well as assessing for any other co-occurring issues. For example, most people with ADHD also struggle with anxiety, depression and self-esteem issues.
ADHD AND ANXIETY
ADHD and anxiety often co-occur, with anxiety the brain's maladaptive coping strategy for managing ADHD symptoms. COMMON ADHD & ANXIETY SYMPTOMS Ruminating about uncompleted tasks Double-checking compulsions that involve repeatedly checking completed tasks due to forgetfulness and not being present during completion. Social Anxiety Sleep Issues
Mindfulness, while not a cure, is a powerful tool in the management of ADHD. Research has shown that it can lead to significant improvements in focus and emotional regulation over time, giving individuals a sense of control over their symptoms.
Depression can be caused by struggling with everyday functioning and comparing your level of functioning to others; the ADHD brain also produces less Dopamine and Serotonin, which impacts mood and pleasure.
ADHD AND MINDFULNESS
ADHD AND DEPRESSION
ADHD AND SELF-ESTEEM
Many people with ADHD (especially later diagnosed) have received negative attention from parents, teachers and peers; comments such as "you're not trying hard enough" or "you're lazy" have created negative self-beliefs. CBT can help clients restructure their negative beliefs and increase self-worth.
ADHD SYMPTOMS (CADDRA)
Problems with Attention Regulation Difficulty focusing Being easily distracted by things around you Unable to pay close attention to details or making careless mistakes Hyper focusing and being unable to refocus your attention Difficulty prioritizing Frequently losing items Poor listening skills Tuning out while being spoken to Difficultly focusing when reading  Problems with Hyperactivity Fidgeting A feeling of internal restlessness Feeling that your mind is racing or switching channels frequently Unable to relax Talking too much Craving excitement and seeking out high risk activities Trying to do too many things at once  Problems with Impulsivity Impulsive spending Talking at inappropriate times Interrupting or blurting out things Making impulsive decisions Speaking without thinking – blurting out things that are hurtful or rude Being easily bored Being reckless without considering consequences Problems with Executive Functioning Difficulty prioritizing tasks Disorganization – messy home, office desk and car Procrastination Trouble starting and finishing projects Difficulty with time management – often over or underestimate time required Difficulty with planning Unable to consistently use hindsight and forethought when making decisions