Do you have a child struggling with inattention or impulsivity and is struggling at school? Are you an adult with a frustrating inability to maintain productivity at work or in the home? You may be considering that there is something deeper than “laziness” or a lack of discipline that is impeding your everyday functioning.

ADHD can affect both children and adults’ ability to self-regulate in many areas of life and can greatly interfere with one’s performance in school, work, and relationships.

What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, is a common developmental disability that affects an individual’s ability to self-regulate their attention, emotions, and behaviors. ADHD is marked by persistent inattention and/or impulsivity-hyperactivity that affects everyday responsibilities, relationships, and functioning. 

Those without ADHD experience some degree of impulsiveness or inattentiveness, people with ADHD experience behavioral and emotional symptoms alongside it that make it difficult or near impossible to overcome without proper treatment.

What are the Different Types of ADHD?

There are three types of ADHD, each associated with its own characteristics of inattention, hyperactivity, or both. 

Like any mental health condition, it’s common for people to experience various combinations of symptoms or the same symptoms in different forms and severities. 

Clients who show six or more characteristics of either type for a period longer than six months that affect multiple aspects of their life meet the criteria for ADHD. 

Characteristics of Inattentive Type, formally called ADD:

• Forget details and makes minor mistakes often
• Struggles to pay attention in school and/or play 
• Difficulty following through with tasks or following instructions
• Get bored quickly and dislikes or avoids lengthy mental tasks
• Often loses or forgets things like their keys/wallet
• Difficulty listening
• Easily distracted 
• Moving slowly or appear as if they’re daydreaming 
• Process information more slowly than others, particularly verbal instructions

Characteristics of Hyperactive-Impulsive Type:

Hyperactivity:

• Fidgeting such as finger or foot tapping, or feeling restless
• Difficulty sitting still, often getting up out of their seat
• Talks excessively
• Difficulty engaging in quiet activities
• Constantly “on the go”

Impulsivity:

• Impatient, dislikes waiting their turn
• Often interrupts when others are speaking
• Grabs or plays with objects, even at inappropriate times
• Blurts out answers or information without prompting

Characteristics of Combined Type:

Individuals with the combination type of ADHD may experience a mix of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. 

Age and Sex Differences:

Males often show hyperactive-impulsive characteristics, which can be more noticeable and disruptive in classrooms. This leads to a higher diagnosis rate in young boys, but does not necessarily mean it is more common.

Females are more often the inattentive type, and their internal symptoms are overlooked or kept hidden due to social norms. Underdiagnosis and an internalization of these symptoms can lead to further depression, anxiety, and self-esteem issues.

Up to 60% of children with ADHD continue to experience symptoms as adults, and the same difficulties they had in school will show in their employment and relationships. Often much of the hyperactivity can wane and the inattentive symptoms remain.

Undiagnosed adults may develop their own coping mechanisms over time that can mask their symptoms, and they can appear successful on the outside despite deep struggles to maintain productivity. This can make late-diagnosis difficult, but often symptoms can show themselves during a burnout.

Treatment Options and Therapy for ADHD in Massachusetts:

Diagnosis is the first step towards treating ADHD. A comprehensive evaluation will be needed by your physician or mental health professional. Once an assessment is made, you will work with your ADHD therapist to develop an individualized treatment plan.

For adults, the most common and effective treatment for ADHD includes:

1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which aims to decrease the inattention and impulsivity symptoms caused by ADHD by modifying the way an individual thinks and reacts. 

• • The cognitive element of CBT helps people to change how they think about a challenging situation. The client will learn to identify and change negative thinking patterns so that their thoughts are more aligned with successes, confidence, and clarity. 
  • The behavioral element of CBT helps people change how they react behaviorally towards an unwanted or problematic situation. The client will learn strategies which promote relaxation and quiet the mind; communication skills training and exposure therapy, which will help them overcome fears and avoidance.

2. Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT) aims to help clients with ADHD manage emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and hyperactivity issues. The client will learn skills in mindfulness, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance to better cope with their symptoms and improve overall functioning. 

3. ADHD Coaching helps individuals with ADHD organize and take agency over their lives. Coaches will help clients achieve emotional and intellectual growth, strong social skills, effective learning techniques, career exploration, and intentional financial planning.

4. Family Therapy can help support the children living with ADHD and their families in understanding each other and working better together as a unit. This can help strengthen the child’s sense of control, improve their performance at school, home, and in the community, and show the parent/caregiver more effective ways to parent. Treatment can be alone  with the caregivers or include the child in sessions. 

5. ADHD Medication such as stimulants and anti-depressants can help clients ignore distractions, pay attention, and control their behavior by increasing the levels of chemicals, or neurotransmitters in the client’s brain. Medication in combination with therapy is the recommended line of treatment.

• • The client will work with their provider or psychiatrist to find the right medication and dosage. There will be frequent appointments to monitor the client’s condition, any side effects from the medication, and make sure the medication remains effective.

Find ADHD Treatment and Therapy in Massachusetts Today:

At Handel Behavioral Health, our highly trained and compassionate therapists understand the unique challenges and needs of people living with ADHD. Both children and adults with ADHD will learn to understand their condition, manage their symptoms, and live an empowered and fulfilled life.

Our team of therapists will help you identify and overcome challenges related to living with ADHD, such as procrastination, organization, impulsivity, and time management. 

Our ADHD therapists and psychiatrists are available for appointments online in Massachusetts or in-person from our offices in Amherst, Franklin, West Springfield, Wilbraham, or Natick offices. Contact us today at (413) 343-4357 or request an appointment online.

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