What Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a condition that makes it difficult to focus. Those with ADHD may be overactive, unable to control behaviors and impulses.
ADHD is the most common behavioral disorder diagnosed in children. However, that doesn’t mean that all people with ADHD are diagnosed in a timely manner. Adults can also be affected and may have symptoms that affect them well into their adulthood and careers, eventually requiring them to reach out for support due to the impact on their lives.
What Causes Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
There is no clear understanding of what causes ADHD, but it is believed to be linked to both genetics and environmental factors.
ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often thought of as a condition that causes intense hyperactivity, but that’s not all it does. In fact, the condition itself is made up of a range of symptoms that can vary by individual.
Taking a closer look, the symptoms of ADHD fall into three categories:
- Being unable to stay focused, called inattention.
- Having trouble controlling behavior, called impulsivity.
- Being overly active, called hyperactivity.
It is important to note that not all people with ADHD have the same symptoms. Some will have more inattention or impulsivity, for example, while others may be more hyperactive or inattentive. These symptoms have the potential to negatively impact your life and the lives of those around you, which is why it’s important to seek support and to learn how to manage the symptoms of this condition and to promote positive behavior .
Here are more details on the symptoms in each of the above categories and how they could present:
Inattention
- Having trouble paying attention during a task, or, in younger children, during play activities
- Having trouble organizing activities and tasks
- Losing personal items or tools that are needed for a task
- Becoming easily distracted
- Seeming not to pay attention when spoken to directly
Impulsivity
- Interrupting others when they speak
- Intruding on others
- Having trouble waiting for your turn
- Shouting or blurting out answers to questions before the appropriate time
Hyperactivity
- Having trouble sitting still
- Climbing or running around when it’s inappropriate (common in school age children)
- Fidgeting with the hands or feet
- Talking to excess
While these symptoms can be disruptive, it’s important to know that they can be controlled with the right approach. Medications, talk therapy, behavioral therapy, and other kinds of training in behavior management can help younger children, teens, young adults, and adults bring ADHD symptoms back under control.
ADHD Therapy Massachusetts: Types of Therapy
The kind of treatment you or a loved one may receive for ADHD will depend on several factors, such as your health, age, and the severity of your symptoms.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sets recommendations based on age. They state that:
- Parents with children under six with ADHD should go through parent training in behavior management as the first option before attempting any medications.
- Parents with children over six may consider both parent training in behavior management and medication together. Schools may also be involved as a part of the treatment process.
- Those with ADHD over the age of 12 may consider any combination of therapies up to and including the use of medications.
Talk Therapy
Talk therapy is done with a psychologist or counselor. It is a one-on-one arrangement where the individual with ADHD can speak with their health care provider to talk about the symptoms that are bothering them, situations in life that may be affected by ADHD, and more. In talk therapy, there is a goal to learn more about yourself as well as the ways in which you can change your behaviors to get better outcomes.
Lifestyle and Wellness Strategies
Changing your lifestyle habits and taking on healthier hobbies can make a difference in how ADHD affects you. One of the ways to help manage the symptoms of ADHD is through regular physical activity. Other things you can do to keep the condition under better control include:
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet
- Getting enough sleep each night
- Practicing mindfulness
These things can all improve attention and may reduce hyperactivity.
Educational Support
Learning about ADHD and its symptoms may seem overwhelming at first, but that’s why getting educational support is key. For parents or adults, learning what ADHD is and how it affects you or your child is a must.
For parents with children still in school, it’s important to work with a program that can help you connect with your child’s school and collaborate to create individualized education plans (IEPs) or 504 plans. With these in place, children can have the best chances of being successful in the school environment.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Some people with ADHD benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, which is designed to help you identify negative thought patterns and behaviors before addressing them with appropriate coping mechanisms. Some of the things that you or a loved one may work on in CBT therapy could include:
- Learning new, healthy coping mechanisms
- Working on emotional regulation
- Developing problem-solving skills
Behavior Therapy for ADHD
Behavior therapy is a fundamental part of any treatment program for ADHD. With this approach, those with
learn strategies to cope with the condition and improve their behaviors. Some of the techniques they may learn could include:
- Positive reinforcement
- Time management skills
- Organizational strategies
ADHD Medications
ADHD medication management is another option to help with this condition. Medication is often used in the treatment of ADHD.
Commonly prescribed medications include methylphenidate and amphetamines. These medications have a positive effect on those with ADHD, helping to reduce impulsive behavior and hyperactivity. Other medications that may be used could include guanfacine and atomoxetine.
ADHD Support Groups
Seeing that you’re not alone in what you’re dealing with can go a long way in providing the support you need to thrive. ADHD peer support groups help you build a community of supportive peers who can assist you while you learn to handle this condition.
What To Expect at Revitalize Wellness Center
At Revitalize Wellness Center, we want to work with you to help you be the best version of yourself. Or, if you have a child who has ADHD, we want to support you as you learn more about the condition and how to help your child manage it as they grow.
The first step toward treatment is to reach out to our team. Our helpful intake team will talk to you about your needs and learn more about the conditions that are currently affecting you or your child.
At that point, the next step is to have an assessment. If there is not yet a diagnosis, then a healthcare provider will need to perform an examination and determine the diagnosis. Sometimes, this can take more than one visit, which is important for you to keep in mind as you start this journey to wellness.
During our intake process, the team at Revitalize Wellness Center will perform a physical examination and request that you complete a health history. We want to know more about you or your child, so we can provide the best support possible.
All of our treatment plans are completely customized to work with your needs. Whether you’re hoping for more intensive care or you just need support for a short time, our group of professionals is ready to help you on the way to recovery.
Support and Resources at Revitalize Wellness Center
At Revitalize Wellness Center, we understand that treating ADHD—especially in adults—requires more than just a diagnosis. That’s why we offer ongoing support and practical tools to help you manage daily challenges and build the skills needed to thrive. Whether you’re working through executive functioning struggles, impulsive behavior, or feeling overwhelmed by difficult feelings, our team is here to guide you.
We offer access to ADHD support groups, talk therapy, and behavioral therapy designed to improve time management, reduce problem behaviors, and strengthen positive relationships. Through education on ADHD medications, behavior therapy, and individualized treatment plans that focus on specific skills , our goal is to help you or your loved one gain confidence and stability in everyday life.
With help from our compassionate healthcare providers, you’ll find treatment options tailored to your unique goals—whether that includes stimulant medications, mindfulness meditation, or practical coping strategies for staying focused and organized.
Get the Best Therapy for ADHD With Revitalize Wellness Center
ADHD is a common disorder that often appears in childhood, but anyone can be affected. Whether you’re 15 or 50, we are ready to help you learn more about this condition and what you can do to help yourself or a loved one thrive with it.
We know that living with ADHD can be a challenge, and the symptoms could negatively impact your life. Fortunately, the right combination of therapies and care can make a difference and help you get your symptoms under control. All it takes is a first step to reach out for help.
ADHD treatment in Massachusetts is available for you. At Revitalize Wellness Center in Norwell, MA, you can receive the support you need to manage ADHD and its symptoms. Contact our helpful intake team today to learn more about our programs.
Resources:
https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/what-is-mental-health/conditions/adhd