Adult ADHD: Fact Or Myth?
Adult ADHD is often overlooked and considered a myth. However, it is very much a real condition and many adults suffer from their ADHD daily. In general, the focus has been on the diagnosis and treatment of children with ADHD. What we often fail to remember is that those children will grow up and become adults with ADHD. As your Manhattan Beach therapist, I recognize the challenges that ADHD can present in one’s daily life and the importance of effectively managing it. It is not just children and teens who need this type of support. If anything it becomes even more critical in adulthood as we are faced with additional responsibilities and demands in our personal and professional lives.
ADHD can manifest itself differently depending on the person and it may actually change as you mature and grow. Some psychologists and psychiatrists believe that children with ADHD will grow out of it or that they can adapt their ADHD to live a “normal” life. For some adults, this may be the case. They may have had ADHD as a child, but as they transition into their adult years their ADHD symptoms decrease significantly. For others, this is not the case. The struggles and challenges remain as strong as ever. One additional possibility is they may have developed ADHD as an adult and never even experienced the usual symptoms as a child. Clearly, every client is distinct from the next. Some clients experience a lack of concentration stemming from the hyperactivity, whereas other clients are not hyperactive at all. They experience a more “spacey” demeanor. ADHD is best looked at as being on a spectrum, meaning each individual’s case is different.
As an adult with ADHD, normal tasks like daily work may be much more difficult compared with an individual who does not suffer from ADHD. My clients often need to focus and concentrate to a much high degree to stay on task and finish a specific project. Sustained concentration is more difficult and they are easily distracted. To treat ADHD there isn’t a one size fits all approach. For many, it means working together to effectively manage their symptoms and implement strategies that enable them to live the life they want to live. For others, medication can be really beneficial. Whether medication is a part of the treatment plan or not, I always recommend individual therapy for all of my clients. It provides an opportunity to explore your particular struggles, triggers, level of support, and how to adjust your lifestyle to meet your individual needs. Family therapy can also be very helpful for significant others in which one partner suffers with adult ADHD. Talk therapy is always a good first step when discussing mental health and mental health solutions.
If you feel like you may be suffering from adult ADHD or have been previously diagnosed, let’s discuss your treatment options. As your Manhattan Beach therapist and counselor, I am here to help you reach your full potential. I never want my clients to feel as though their mental health is here holding them back. Call my South Bay office today to get help with your adult ADHD. Together, we can help you thrive!