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Learn About ADHD
ADHD
TREATABLE
diagnosis.
a
is
Introduction to ADHD
The basics are ADHD is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This is a diagnosis from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or, referred to as the DSM-5. The 5 represents that it is the 5th edition yet there has been many sub-editions and edits since first in 1952. This is how medical practitioners in the behavioral health field diagnose and treat mental health conditions.
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ADHD can be three different sub-types. You can be diagnosed with Inattentive Type, Hyperactive Type, and Combined Type. These are diagnosed by a medical practitioner through a formal evaluation. There is a sub-section called “Unspecified” yet providers often use this when they have other medical considerations or they were diagnosed as a child and want to consider other diagnostics. This is more rare if you’ve received a formal assessment.
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ADHD is diagnosed across the lifespan. However, it is a sociodevelopmental diagnosis and starts in childhood, even if it is not diagnosed and treated in childhood. It isn’t a diagnosis that develops yet affects someone their entire life. The adults that I see that received diagnoses in adulthood, they had signs of symptoms prior to age 12.
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ADHD is a treatable diagnosis which means with medications, therapy, system support, and patient follow through - People live long, fulfilling lives.
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Most of my clients are involved with a Primary Care Physician or Psychiatry who prescribes them medications. Please consult with PCP regarding these options first. For the therapist, I work with Executive Functioning (EF) skills, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS) if inner critics are present, and working with relationships. I am not just an ADHD specialist but a relational expert as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and AAMFT Approved Supervisor. I believe helping with the systems around you assist in mental health recovery.
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I tell my clients the place to start is with your Primary Care Physician (PCP). Just like any mental health diagnosis, symptoms cannot be better explained by other medical experiences. They will be able to start the discussion with you, get labs, assess for other factors, and look at next best steps. From there, PCPs I have found then want a formal evaluation from an ADHD Expert or Specialist. This can be done by a licensed therapist who is an ADHD Specialist including Masters Level or Psychologist, or a Psychiatrist.
ADHD is…
Sociodevelopmental
It occurs and affects people across a lifespan. It affects development, relationships, skills, behaviors, and transitions within your life.
A Motivational Diagnosis
ADHD gets a reputation of being about attention, I mean, look at its name! That is a symptom of it yet ADHD is about low dopamine and lacking motivation.
Treatable
As stated above, there are medications, therapies and programs that can help improve the quality of life for someone with ADHD.
Hopeful
According to science, at least 15% of care is instilling hope and having hope that things can improve or change. On days it’s hard, that’s when natural supports and medical providers can help.
Learn About ADHD
COMING SOON! This will be a downloadable course and resources you will be able to have to help with your journey as an adult with ADHD.
Let Me Know Your Thoughts!If you are interested in content, I would love to hear from you. Please enter the information to the right and select what things you want me to add to this page, the course, or services.