Understanding ADHD: A Path to Effective ADHD Therapy

ADHD (Attention Deficit hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects many children and adults across the world.  The current estimated prevalence in adults at about 4 to 5%, and the research tends to show that ADHD is still underdiagnosed. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD you must have had symptoms since childhood. ADHD can be diagnosed as primarily inattentive, primarily hyperactive, or mixed.

ADHD is a neurodivergence. This means ADHD brains are different than other (neurotypical brains), and have specific needs. People with ADHD will need different supports, such as therapy, accomodations, and medication. People with ADHD can also have varying levels of symptom severity. ADHD is an invisible disability and people who have ADHD tend to need extra supports to live healthy lives.

People affected by ADHD have a ton to offer the world and with the right supports can do very well. Many ADHDers are successful business owners, actors, musicians and athletes. These people tend to be aware of their ADHD and work with it in order to help them in their life. Jessica McCabe is a great example of an ADHDer who has gone on to have a successful career while educating the public about ADHD. Her Youtube series has helped thousands of ADHDers understand their brains.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

ADHD It is characterized by a range of symptoms that can disrupt daily life. These include:

• Inattention: Difficulty focusing on tasks, making careless mistakes, and frequently losing items.
• Hyperactivity: Excessive fidgeting, difficulty remaining seated, and a constant sense of restlessness.
• Impulsivity: Making hasty decisions without considering consequences, interrupting others, and difficulty waiting for one’s turn.

These symptoms can significantly impact academic, professional, and personal relationships, leading to frustration and challenges in daily functioning. It is important to note that ADHD symptoms can appear differently for different genders. For instance, often inattentive ADHD can be seen as having a dreamy personality for women.

ADHD therapy aims to address these challenges through a combination of psychoeducation, processing, and a lot of encouragement. Together we look for ways to help you work with your brain. We also help you learn coping mechanisms to deal with things like rejection sensitivity, emotional dysregulation, sensory issues, and many other adhd related frustrations.

We want to understand you and help you understand yourself. We work from a compassionate, neurodivergent affirming perspective, while also acknowledging the very real difficulties involved with having an ADHD diagnosis.

If you or a loved one is seeking support, exploring ADHD therapy can be the first step toward a more organized and fulfilling life.

If you are interested in ADHD therapy I would be happy to discuss how we might work together. Clients from Alberta, B.C., and Manitoba are welcome to contact me about online therapy. I offer in-person ADHD therapy at Bankaplein in the Hague Netherlands.

To hear me talk about ADHD and art therapy, feel free to listen to my interview on the Hypersensitive Podcast.