Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Understanding ADHD

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder.  It affects both children and adults. Symptoms of ADHD  start in childhood. These symptoms include impulsiveness, difficulty paying attention and completing tasks, and hyperactivity.  Though all people can experience these symptoms at different points throughout their week, when inattention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity start to have a negative impact on your life, job, or relationships it may be time to seek out some support.  Behavior therapy can help you find ways to manage these symptoms and find ways to use the way your brain works to lead your most fulfilling life. 

Diagnostic Criteria for ADHD

According to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), the criteria for diagnosing ADHD include:

Inattention:

In order to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, Six (or more) of the following symptoms must be present. And those symptoms must have persisted for you for at least 6 months. Also, they must affect you to a degree that there is a negative impact on your life. Meaning, the ADHD directly impacts your social, academic or work activities. Here is a more detailed list:

  • Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or with other activities.
  • Often has trouble holding attention on tasks or play activities.
  • Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
  • Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace.
  • Often has trouble organizing tasks and activities.
  • Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time.
  • Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities.
  • Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.
  • Is often forgetful in daily activities.

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity:

It’s important to note that there are three types on ADHD. And yours may or may not fit in this next category. But if you do experience any of these Six (or more) symptoms you are in good company. In a 2009 study, 62% of adults had the combined subtype of ADHD. While, 31% adults had the inattentive only subtype. Another 7% of adults has the hyperactive or impulsive only subtype. To meet criteria,  the following symptoms must have persisted for at least 6 months. And those symptoms must negatively impact you in multiple areas of your life. Here is that list of criteria:

  • Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat.
  • Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected.
  • Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is not appropriate.
  • Often unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietly.
  • Is often “on the go” acting as if “driven by a motor“.
  • Often talks excessively.
  • Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed.
  • Often has trouble waiting their turn.
  • Often interrupts or intrudes on others.

Additional Criteria:

  • Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms were present before age 12 years.
  • Several symptoms are present in two or more settings (e.g., at home, school, or work; with friends or relatives; in other activities).
  • There is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, school, or work functioning.
  • The symptoms are not better explained by another mental disorder (e.g., mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, or a personality disorder).

Impact on your mental health

ADHD can have a significant impact on your mental health. Some of these include:

  • Increased risk of anxiety and depression: People with ADHD are more likely to experience anxiety disorders and depression due to the challenges they face in daily life. You may notice that your mood fluctuates constantly.
  • Low self-esteem: Struggles with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity can lead to feelings of inadequacy. You may compare yourself unfavorably to others and experience lower self-worth.
  • Emotional dysregulation: Since ADHD affects your whole mind and body, it’s no surprise that your emotions will be affected. You likely have difficulty managing your emotions. This can make you prone to mood swings and emotional outbursts. Emotional outbursts can often triggers feelings of shame.

Impact on your Marriage and Relationships

Your ADHD can affect relationships in various ways:

  • Family relationships: Parents may feel overwhelmed by their child’s behavior, leading to stress and conflict. Siblings might feel neglected or frustrated.
  • Couples’ relationships:  If your partner has ADHD, you may struggle with misunderstandings and frustration over unmet expectations. For a person with ADHD, you may experience your partner as often angry at you. ADHD can make communication issues worse for both people. Impulsivity can also lead to conflicts and trust issues within a marriage.
  • Friendships: If you have difficulty in maintaining attention, you may find it hard to form and sustain friendships. Impulsive behaviors can also lead to misunderstandings between you and your friends. Increased conflicts are often a reality. This can make it challenging for you in many ways. On the flip side, friends make experience you as fun, lively, courageous and/or creative. It’s important to look at both the strengths and challenges of ADHD for you.
  • Work relationships: If your ADHD is severe, you may it difficult to hold down a job. Bosses may be less than understanding about forgotten deadlines, missed details or lateness. However, in the right position or career your ADHD can be an asset. Many ADHDers are natural entrepreneurs and even leaders in their profession.

Managing your ADHD

Effective management of ADHD typically involves a combination of approaches, including:

  • Medication: Stimulants (like methylphenidate and amphetamines) and non-stimulants (like atomoxetine) can help you manage symptoms. But, like any medication they can also cause side effects. At, the time of this writing, there is a shortage of Stimulant supply in the U.S. However, many people report positive benefit from medication.
  • Therapy:  Individual therapy can help you develop coping strategies and improve organizational skills. Some people find that there is underlying trauma or developmental trauma that is actually causing ADHD symptoms. In that case, somatic therapy can be very helpful.
  • Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and structured routines can greatly decrease your ADHD symptoms. They can also have a positive impact on your mood.
  • Alternatives to Medication: Research has shown that practices such as yoga nidra (deep non-sleep rest) and mediation can increase attention and working memory in kids and adults. These practices can also have a positive impact on mood.
  • Education and support: Understanding your ADHD and having access to support groups can be helpful. Emotional and practical support for individuals, couples and their families can decrease stigma associated with ADHD. Groups can also help you feel empowered and less alone.
  • A Combined Approach: Many people find it helpful to use a combination of the above approaches. And you might be one of them.

Looking for a therapist to help you with ADHD?

We can help.

To request or book an appointment in st. Louis, Missouri you can go here

Email: admin@danceofchange.com

or call or text the office: (314) 827-5448

We are located in St Louis, Missouri and serve people in the following communities: Webster Groves, Kirkwood, Crestwood, Maplewood, Brentwood, Rockhill, Richmond Heights, Clayton, Shrewsbury, Lindenwood, Ladue, Central West End and the surrounding areas.

We offer in person sessions in our office in Saint Louis, MO in Webster Groves as well as video (Telehealth) session for anyone located in the state of Missouri.