ADHD
Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a series of difficulties in task, focus and movement management, which are all part of executive functioning. There are three subtypes identified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) used to establish diagnoses: Predominantly Inattentive Presentation, Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Presentation, and Combined Presentation that are related to the groupings of the main sourcing.
ADHD has a significant hereditary factor, and symptoms can display in a variety of ways. In particular, symptoms are often socialized differently for girls and women and are historically underdiagnosed in females, oftentimes not occurring until adulthood.
Symptoms can include fidgeting, excessive talking, trouble waiting turns, distraction, forgetfulness as well as symptoms that aren't as clearly described in the DSM such as hyperfocus, stimming to increase focus, and difficulty starting or switching tasks even when you want to.
Treatment for ADHD takes into consideration the notable differences in the brain that may make more standard approaches less effective. While discussing connecting you with a psychologist for official testing or a psychiatrist for medication may be a component of our plan, we will focus on education around the disorder, process the negative emotions and beliefs that are commonly taught and reinforced around not interacting with the world the way that was assumed and working with the brain wiring rather than against it to make those actionable changes with realistic expectations.