What is ADHD?

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning and development.

It affects a person’s ability to focus, regulate emotions, manage time, and control impulses, making tasks like organization, decision-making, and sustaining attention challenging. While commonly diagnosed in childhood, ADHD can continue into adulthood, impacting academic, professional, and personal life.

Common Symptoms & Experience

Common Symptoms

ADHD symptoms can vary by age and individual, but they generally fall into three main categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Inattention Symptoms

Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or conversations
Easily distracted by external stimuli or unrelated thoughts
Frequently making careless mistakes in school, work, or other activities
Trouble organizing tasks and managing time effectively
Often losing things like keys, wallets, phones, or school materials
Forgetfulness in daily activities (e.g., missing appointments, forgetting deadlines)
Difficulty following through on instructions or completing tasks

Hyperactivity Symptoms

Feeling restless or constantly needing to move

Frequent fidgeting, tapping, or squirming in seats
Difficulty staying seated when expected (e.g., in meetings, classrooms)
Talking excessively or blurting out responses before questions are completed
Always being “on the go” or unable to engage in activities quietly
Struggling with activities that require prolonged focus or stillness

Impulsivity Symptoms

Interrupting conversations or speaking out of turn

Difficulty waiting in lines or taking turns
Acting without thinking, often leading to risky behavior
Difficulty controlling emotions, leading to frustration or outbursts
Making impulsive decisions without considering long-term consequences

Experiences

People with ADHD often experience challenges beyond the core symptoms, including:

Emotional and Mental Health Challenges:

Emotional dysregulation: Intense mood swings, frustration, or difficulty managing emotions
Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD): Extreme emotional pain from perceived criticism or rejection
Anxiety and depression: Often coexisting with ADHD due to struggles with daily life and self-esteem

Academic and Workplace Struggles:

Difficulty meeting deadlines and staying organized
Underperformance despite intelligence and effort
Frequent job changes or struggles maintaining employment

Social and Relationship Difficulties:

Trouble listening or staying engaged in conversations
Difficulty remembering commitments or following through on plans
Struggles with impulsivity leading to misunderstandings

Daily Life Challenges:

Chronic procrastination and difficulty starting tasks
Messy living spaces and disorganization
Forgetting appointments, birthdays, or important dates

How Psychological Therapy Can Help You

Psychological therapy plays a crucial role in helping individuals with ADHD manage symptoms, improve coping strategies, and enhance overall well-being.

Therapy is especially beneficial for those who struggle with emotional regulation, time management, impulsivity, and self-esteem issues.

Emotional Regulation and Stress Management

Therapy helps individuals recognize and regulate their emotions, reducing overwhelming stress and anxiety. Therapists teach clients how to identify emotional triggers and develop healthier responses.

Cognitive Reframing – Changing negative thought patterns to more balanced perspectives.
Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques – Practices like deep breathing, body scans, and the 5-4-3-2-1 method to stay present and reduce anxiety.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) – A technique to release tension and promote physical and emotional calm.

Exposure Therapy (for PTSD or Anxiety) – Gradual exposure to distressing memories or situations in a safe environment.
Narrative Therapy – Rewriting personal stories in a way that promotes empowerment and healing.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) – A method used to process traumatic memories in a less distressing way.

Improved Coping with Trauma and Past Experiences

Therapy provides a structured approach to process and heal from traumatic experiences, allowing individuals to regain control over their lives.

Strengthening Relationships and Communication Skills

Therapy enhances interpersonal relationships by teaching healthier ways to communicate and set boundaries.

Assertiveness Training – Learning to express needs and feelings without aggression or passivity.
Active Listening Techniques – Skills like reflective listening and paraphrasing to improve understanding in relationships.
Boundary-Setting Skills – Strategies to establish and maintain personal boundaries for healthier interactions.