ADHD Answers

This is a great question!  Yes, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is technically considered a mental illness.  However, ADHD in most clinical settings is considered a mental health disorder.  ADHD is one of the most common mental health disorders that affect both children and adults.  ADHD is a chronic and debilitating disorder that is known to impact the individual in many aspects of their life including academic and professional achievements, interpersonal relationships, and daily self-care and functioning. So, let’s further explore ADHD and its symptoms: The symptoms of attention deficit are characterized as difficulty in paying attention, concentrating,  staying on track with tasks, organizing thoughts & activities, trouble listening & difficulty following instructions, forgetting things, losing items, difficulties with attention to detail, making careless mistakes, procrastination, and challenges with time management skills, and/or meeting deadlines. The symptoms of hyperactivity are characterized as excessive physical movement, difficulty sitting still, restlessness, fidgeting, talkativeness, challenges with quiet activities, low frustration tolerance, irritability, and impulsivity.   Although ADHD is often thought of as a disorder of children and youth, it may persist for many individuals through their adulthood. Many children with ADHD will continue to meet criteria for the disorder later in life and may have challenges that require ongoing treatment because of significant negative life consequences of undiagnosed, misdiagnosis, and/or untreated ADHD symptoms in adulthood. Some adults may be troubled with emotional regulation, experiencing mood swings, which can also impact daily productivity, professional & personal relationships, and lead to mental health challenges like anxiety and depression.  ADHD symptoms change over time and differ between adults and children. Adults may experience less impulsivity and hyperactivity, appearing more as restlessness, while inattention often remains. Adult ADHD Treatment: Adults with ADHD access health care through medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments.  Primary care providers, mental health professionals, and telehealth services contribute to diagnosing and treating ADHD in adults.  Management typically involves a combination of these methods to reduce symptoms and enhance overall functioning, health, and quality of life.   Thank you for reaching out and asking this question, as it will also help others gain insight if they are also curious if ADHD is a mental illness.

Thank you for raising such an important question. As mental health awareness grows and more individuals seek support, it’s essential to know where to turn for effective treatment and a deeper understanding of your symptoms.  If you're concerned about experiencing symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), speaking with a healthcare professional can be helpful. This may include a psychiatrist, psychologist, primary care provider, or licensed therapist. Here are a few steps you can take toward getting diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder:  Start With A Healthcare Provider: As previously mentioned, if you find yourself experiencing similar symptoms to ADHD, discuss your conditions with a primary physician or licensed mental health provider. They are qualified to provide you with an accurate diagnosis. Complete A Comprehensive Assessment: An ADHD diagnosis typically isn’t made after just one screening. Healthcare providers often conduct a comprehensive evaluation that includes your personal, family, and social history. They may also use questionnaires and rating scales to help identify ADHD-related symptoms.  Rule Out Other Medical Conditions: Assessments are often conducted to rule out other medical or psychological conditions that can present with symptoms similar to ADHD. These may include anxiety, sensory processing disorders, trauma, depression, or learning disabilities, as symptoms can often overlap. A physical health examination may also be performed.  Treatment Options: If a provider determines that your symptoms meet the criteria outlined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition), they may recommend treatment options such as talk therapy, medication, or ADHD coaching to help manage your symptoms.  Individuals experiencing symptoms of ADHD can lead fulfilling, successful lives with the right support in place. The first and most important step is obtaining a professional diagnosis, which can open the door to effective treatment, personalized goals, and improved daily functioning. Partnering with a trusted healthcare provider can empower you to make informed decisions and take meaningful steps toward understanding and managing ADHD.  Thank you for your question and I hope the information provided great insight. 

This is a great topic that can be helpful to learn about if you’re a woman living with Attentive Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or suspect that you may have ADHD. This may be especially true if you don’t have what might be considered “traditional” symptoms. Women often have different symptoms or more muted symptoms than men which can cause them to be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. For example, women tend to display symptoms of inattention instead of hyperactivity.   In addition to this, some women are not diagnosed until later in life compared to men because they have learned to ignore symptoms/not complain or assume that what they are feeling is standard. Unfortunately, it is also the case that women’s concerns may be diminished in medical settings, so it is important to speak up and advocate for yourself.  While this list isn’t exhaustive, below are some symptoms of ADHD that women may experience: 1. Emotional Dysregulation Women with ADHD often struggle with feeling quickly overwhelmed by daily life and the tasks associated with managing various areas of their life at home, work, and in their personal life. This can lead to anxiety, depression, mood swings, strong emotional responses, and anger which may not typically be associated with ADHD. 2. Distracted and Inattentive While we all can get distracted at times and struggle to pay attention, frequent forgetfulness, struggling to complete tasks, losing items or forgetting important people, items, or appointments may be associated with ADHD Focusing on tasks may be a challenge. This can include daydreaming or engaging in other activities to avoid doing the task that is bringing you stress. 3. Disorganization  Because women often take on many important roles, they can struggle to feel like they are managing all aspects of life well. However, if you are missing important meetings and struggling to prioritize important tasks, that could be a symptom of ADHD. 4. Low Self Esteem  Symptoms may include comparing yourself to others, not feeling good enough, setting unrealistic goals, and overcompensating to hide feeling unworthy. 5. Relationship Difficulties Women with ADHD may struggle to maintain romantic relationships as well as friendships. This may be due to frequent conflicts or being unable to manage social interactions. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above or have questions about whether your symptoms might meet criteria for ADHD, it may be helpful to reach out to a licensed mental health professional. There are many options available to help diagnose and treat ADHD.

Great question. In many cases, adults have experienced symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) since childhood or adolescence but have remained undiagnosed. They may have exhibited similar symptoms during their younger years, but as life’s demands increase, these signs can intensify and significantly impact their day-to-day functioning. As research continues to advance and mental health support becomes more accessible, ADHD in adults is becoming better understood. When most people hear Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, they often think of children who have trouble sitting still or focusing. However, attention deficit can present differently in adults. Here are a few common signs of adult ADHD: Disorganization: Difficulty with organizational skills is a common sign of adult ADHD. This can show up as challenges with keeping things in order, managing time effectively, frequently losing items, or missing important appointments and deadlines. Disorganization may also include forgetfulness in various areas of daily life.  Difficulty Focusing: Adults may experience challenges focusing while attempting to complete tasks or engage in conversations. They can also be easily distracted and have trouble concentrating which can look like starting many projects but not having the ability to finish them.   Hyperactivity/Impulsivity: These signs can show up in various ways in adults, ranging from interrupting others, talking excessively, frequently switching topics, refraining from thinking of the consequences of their actions and having difficulty relaxing, which can lead to fatigue or sleep issues.  Mood Swings: Fluctuating moods, such as irritability or frustration are common in adults with ADHD. These emotional shifts may stem from the inability to focus, complete tasks or having a low tolerance for stress and everyday challenges. Feelings of anxiety or guilt can also appear, often impacting one’s overall self-image. Lack of Motivation: Lack of motivation is often misunderstood and commonly associated with depression or laziness, but it’s also a frequent symptom of ADHD. For adults with ADHD, this lack of motivation can stem from difficulties with focus, feeling overwhelmed, or executive functioning challenges, often leading to procrastination and unfinished tasks. ADHD symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, both in how they appear and in their severity. If any of the signs mentioned resonate with you, consider seeking professional support and remember to offer yourself compassion along the way. A proper diagnosis, along with guidance from a therapist who understands ADHD, can help you gain deeper insight into yourself and develop effective strategies to enhance your well-being and daily functioning.

Great question; symptoms of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) can vary based on the kid along with their environment(s). External factors are always important when identifying symptoms of attention deficit with kids. It’s essential to consider how the kid behaves at home? How are they at school and in structured settings? Most kids that are diagnosed and experiencing symptoms of ADHD display similar behaviors at home and in school. These symptoms may impact the child’s overall school performance and day to day functioning. A significant amount of research provides distinct symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, below are common symptoms of ADHD in kids pertaining to inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.  Inattention: With kids, this may come across as difficulty paying attention, challenges with staying on task, issues with concentrating, making minor mistakes due to not paying attention to details. Being Easily Distracted: This can look like being easily sidetracked by specific sounds or other things in their environment, this can happen during conversations, while giving instructions or completing tasks.  Forgetfulness: Forgetfulness is a very common symptom, forgetting to do age appropriate tasks, such as brush their teeth, complete or turn in their homework, complete chores without constant reminders. Hyperactivity: Challenges with sitting still when they are expected to be seated. Constant fidgeting or tapping their hands/feet. This can look like having difficulty controlling their movement/body. Impulsivity: Along with difficulty sitting still or controlling their movements, impulsivity can look like challenges with waiting their turn, talking excessively or interrupting others. Symptoms can also include making choices without thinking about the consequences.  Oftentimes kids that display symptoms of ADHD or that have been diagnosed, mimic behaviors pertaining to inattentive and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms, while others only display signs of one type. Symptoms of ADHD can appear different with boys than girls, leading to boys being more likely diagnosed.  ADHD is one of the most common health diagnoses for children. If any of the above symptoms resonate with a child in your life, feel free to offer them support sooner than later. It’s important to be informed about the various factors pertaining to ADHD and effective tools to assist with managing symptoms. Working with a therapist can help you further explore the best forms of treatment.  I hope the insight was beneficial, thank you for your question. 

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can cause a variate of responses. While not one experience of ADHD is the same, learning more specifics as to the nuance to ADHD can help women in further understanding what ADHD is, as well as how they may be potentially impacted by certain symptoms. While ADHD symptoms aren’t entirely specific to gender, there are some general facets worth considering in relation to gender-specific areas. Let’s talk more about what symptoms of ADHD may consist of.  ADHD can involve traits associated with either inattentiveness, hyperactivity, or combined types (meaning that an individual demonstrates both inattentiveness and hyperactivity traits). Inattentiveness themes may be included but not limited to trouble completing tasks, challenges with general orientation to routines, trouble concentrating, as well as losing the abilities to maintain focus during integral moments of conversation (often referred to as attentional drift). Hyperactivity-related themes may involve troubles sitting still/fidgety, being active during themes where it is deemed inappropriate to do so (such as during a work meeting or general event), as well as bouts of tangential speech patterns/interrupting others. While these factors may have variations amongst each person, leaving them unaddressed can correlate to strain in relationships, difficulties with regulation of emotions, as well as potentials for overwhelm.  While gender specifically doesn’t cause any unique ADHD symptomology, there are correlative factors in relation to gender that can be influenced by certain factors. For instance, women’s health related concerns such as menstrual cycles may correlate with increases in mood fluctuation, rejection sensitivity, or even troubles making decisions. Being mindful of these unique factors amongst the sexes can be key in determining general correlates unique to women’s health, while also ensuring stereotypes don’t develop in relation to women experiencing ADHD (such as, they are being moody because they can’t manage their ADHD). Rest assured, there are numerous factors that can aid women in coping with the debilitating symptoms of ADHD. Modalities such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are gold-standard approaches in identifying any inattentive or hyperactive traits, while also developing effective treatment plans that aid with emotion regulation, tolerating distress, as well as identifying potential triggers. This is an excellent question! Best of luck to you. 

The prevalence regarding discussion of neurodivergence in pop culture has created more of a general awareness surrounding focus or inattentive-related difficulties. It’s important to assess what ADHD is vs what it is not. Contrary to popular belief, a general lack of focus doesn’t necessarily constitute ADHD. Let’s breakdown some key components of what ADHD consists of: ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is a mental health diagnosis that encapsulates numerous themes, including but not limited to troubles maintaining focus, maintaining linear goal-directed behavior, as well as troubles with hyperactivity at inopportune times. For many years, ADHD was often referred to as only a childhood diagnosis. Recent advocacy and awareness initiatives have acknowledged that ADHD can still be diagnosed as an adult even if the diagnosis wasn’t received during childhood. ADHD symptomatology exists on a spectrum, meaning that not all experiences of ADHD are the same. For instance, some individuals with ADHD have troubles with impulse control and not focus, while others have troubles completing tasks but are able to remain calm. ADHD can be broken down into 3 subtypes: inattentive, hyperactive, or combined types. Moreover, many individuals will often use the acronym “ADD” to refer to focus-related difficulties. ADD stands for attention deficit disorder, and is no longer recognized as a mental health diagnosis. An assessment by a trained mental health professional can aid one in determining whether or not they meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD. Assessments typically involve a mental health professional inquiring with you regarding history of recurrent factors such as troubles maintaining routines, aspects of forgetfulness, as well as troubles maintaining focus on tasks that are disinteresting. If diagnosed with ADHD, a mental health professional can assist in employing therapeutic techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): an evidenced-based practice that works well in aiding folks with ADHD navigating task completion, inattentiveness, or combined typologies. CBT works with folks experiencing ADHD to aid them in identifying certain thoughts that tend to lead to overwhelming emotions and/or maladaptive behaviors. 

Your question about how Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is classified is an important one. Many people can benefit from knowing their rights when it comes to their mental health diagnoses. In addition to being classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a neurodevelopmental disorder, it’s crucial to note that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) legally recognizes ADHD as a disability. The symptoms associated with ADHD such as impulsive behavior, hyperactivity, and inattention can interfere with a person’s ability to function and thrive. ADHD can impact people at home, at work, in academic settings, and in social settings to name a few. Because of this, the ADA outlines that people impaired by ADHD are entitled to reasonable accommodations. What these accommodations might be depends on the settings. For example, in a school setting, you might request more time on a test or a quiet area to complete your exam.  Please keep in mind that having the diagnosis of ADHD and exhibiting symptoms does not mean that you must label yourself as having a disability. As with many mental health diagnoses, the severity of symptoms are different from person to person. For many people living with ADHD, their symptoms may be considered mild and able to be well managed enough to not need accommodations. For others, the symptoms can cause severe disorganization.  For people living with ADHD, having this diagnosis can bring a peace of mind knowing they will have equal opportunities in various settings where their disability may impact them. Others may not be comfortable with labeling their ADHD as a disability. Whatever path you choose, it’s important not to feel shame around your diagnosis and the symptoms that come along with it.  If you feel like you could benefit from the protections afforded to you due to your diagnosis or would like to learn more information about your rights, please visit ADA’s website (https://www.ada.gov/). Your mental health is important and something that deserves understanding and attention.

That’s a great and important question. ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. It’s a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person’s ability to focus, manage tasks, stay organized, and regulate impulses or activity levels. While it’s often diagnosed in childhood, many people don’t realize they have ADHD until adulthood, especially women and girls, whose symptoms can be more subtle. There are three main types of ADHD - Predominantly Inattentive Type, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type, and Combined Type. ADHD often shows up a little differently in women and girls than it does in men, which means it’s sometimes overlooked or misdiagnosed. To answer your specific question, below are some common ADHD symptoms in women. 1. Difficulty with Focus and Attention Trouble concentrating, especially on tasks that aren’t interesting Getting easily distracted by thoughts, sounds, or surroundings Frequently losing things (keys, phone, papers) 2. Forgetfulness and Disorganization Forgetting appointments, deadlines, or daily tasks Struggling to keep spaces organized (desk, home, calendar) Starting projects but having a hard time finishing them 3. Emotional Sensitivity Feeling easily overwhelmed or frustrated Strong emotional reactions, mood swings, or sensitivity to criticism Sometimes being labeled as “overly emotional” 4. Restlessness or Internal Hyperactivity Feeling mentally restless, even if not physically “hyperactive” Racing thoughts or constantly thinking of many things at once Difficulty relaxing or “turning off” the mind 5. Perfectionism or People-Pleasing  Working extra hard to “keep up” with responsibilities Overcommitting or saying “yes” to avoid disappointing others 6. Challenges with Time Management Procrastination Difficulty estimating how long tasks will take Running late or feeling constantly behind 7. Anxiety or Depression  Many women with ADHD also experience anxiety or depression, often related to feeling overwhelmed by daily demands.Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to show inattentive symptoms (difficulty focusing, forgetfulness) rather than the more visible hyperactivity that’s often seen in boys. Many women also develop coping strategies that hide their struggles until adulthood, when responsibilities grow. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, many people are able to find relief from symptoms, develop effective strategies, and experience improved health and overall well-being. ADHD is common and treatable, and with support like therapy, coaching, and sometimes medication, many people find ways to work with their brains—not against them.  I hope this information is useful to you.  Thank you again for bringing up this thoughtful question. 

Thank you for this important question. It is natural to feel curious about your health and want to gain clarity on your experiences. ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects both children and adults. It is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning or development. ADHD can affect people in various ways. Some common symptoms include difficulty focusing, feeling restless, forgetfulness, trouble with organization or time management. When exploring your mental health, the best step is to begin a conversation with a qualified healthcare professional who can walk you through a proper evaluation. They can help you understand not only whether or not ADHD might be present, but also what else might be contributing to what you are feeling and experiencing. It may be helpful to understand more about ADHD. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is categorized into three primary presentations, each characterized by distinct symptom patterns. These presentations are: 1. Predominantly Inattentive Presentation  Individuals with this presentation primarily exhibit symptoms of inattention, such as: Difficulty maintaining focus on tasks or activities Frequent careless mistakes due to oversight Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli Forgetfulness in daily activities Avoidance or reluctance to engage in tasks requiring sustained mental effort 2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation  Individuals with this presentation primarily exhibit symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity, such as: Fidgeting or squirming in seat Inability to stay seated in situations where it is expected Inability to play or engage in activities quietly Talking excessively Interrupting or intruding on others' conversations or games 3. Combined Presentation  Individuals with this presentation exhibit a combination of symptoms from both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. This is the most common presentation of ADHD.  While it is important to understand that only a qualified healthcare provider can officially diagnose ADHD, self-assessment tools can help you identify potential signs. Here are two self-assessment tools you may want to consider: Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS): A screening tool developed by the World Health Organization to help adults recognize symptoms of ADHD. ADDitude's ADHD Symptom Test: A questionnaire designed to determine whether you demonstrate symptoms similar to those of adults with ADHD. If any of these symptoms feel familiar to you, I encourage you to explore with curiosity and grace. Again, working with a trusted healthcare professional can help guide you through the diagnostic process and discuss potential treatment options, which may include behavioral therapy, medication, or lifestyle adjustments. When we understand how our brain and body operate, we are empowered to make the healthiest decisions for our health.

Good morning and thank you for your inquiry.  For a person recently diagnosed with ADD, therapy is definitely something that can help. There are different strategies and tools that you can learn to help you function as optimally as possible.   Since I can only base my response off of the information you explained, some of what I say may not be applicable.  With that being said, it sounds like part of your ADD symptoms are rooted in your impulse control, which in turn is directly linked to the shopping addiction you described.  Hearing how you get the initial high, but quickly after feel that regret is something that you can change, even if at the moment it seems nearly impossible. Can you think about the impulse to shop and see if you can pinpoint any triggers?  Like do you tend to shop when you're stressed, sad, frustrated, bored, etc? Just like with any addiction, we do it because it feels good in the moment, even if there are negative consequences later on.  The reason why I asked about the triggers is that being aware of how you're feeling leading up to it, the better likelihood that you'll be able to change it.  When you think about it, we are all creatures of habit and even though on an intellectual level we know what we're doing isn't the best, but we put that to the side because as I stated above, we do what feels good and where we find that comfort. The good news in all of that is we can retrain our brain over time and those are the strategies I was talking about.  You can learn how redirect yourself by talking yourself through how you're feeling as well as looking to replace the shopping with something else. The other suggestion to take into account is looking at what your support system looks like.  When you don't have anyone to talk to, it can seem really lonely.  And being able to have an outlet to voice whatever your thoughts are is very beneficial.  A friend, a relative, or even looking into support groups with other people who have ADD.  Hope this gives you a good idea of some of the work that you can do in order to contain any of the shopping impulses you described.  The next steps should be to be matched with a therapist so you can begin this work.  Just keep in mind that this is a process and at times, could be challenging; however, you will learn more about yourself and see how strong you actually are.  Good luck with everything.

This is such a good question, and I am so glad that you had the courage to ask it.  I think many people feel this way at times, but cannot always articulate what is happening for them in the moment. It can feel sometimes as though you are just going around and around in your thoughts, and end up utterly paralyzed by what feels like the weight of the world. I'm going to just briefly mention a 'quick fix' which actually can work sometimes, and then I'll explain a bit more about an approach that can be helpful in the longer-term. "The Quick Fix" One of the most difficult things to do is to stop overthinking everything, especially when you have ADHD.  Taking those first steps to perform any action that is 'outside of one's own thought processes' is not at all easy.  So, in this quick-fix, you might recognize how easy it is for it not to work, and how easy it is to simply fall back into into a cycle that keeps you stuck in that one place.  With this technique, you are doing your best to draw your immediate focus away from what you are feeling and thinking. Find the target, and go for it. No thinking about what it means, how hard it will be, what it will cost, what could happen next, how it's going to feel, and so on.   Push down on the bed with your arms and hands as much as you can, look at the door (as a target to get to) push yourself up (as though you were helping someone else to move), keep your eyes on the target, drag yourself towards it, grab the handle, pull the door open and push yourself into the next area.   This may sound a little strange, but sometimes, depending on what is going on inside of you at the time, it can actually do the trick. Right there and then, in that specific moment.  Rather like escaping from the binds that were holding you in place. I like to think of this as a "stop 'n go" technique and I would love to hear about how you get on, if you do manage to try this. Starting on the longer (but more sustaining) path:  A longer-term approach is more complex but well-worth the effort.  I'll do my best here to explain how you can get started, and I would always advise you get some help, from anyone, to help to manage the difficult feelings along the way.  This could be a professional, or just someone who cares about you in everyday life - anyone who you can take a moment with just to say 'I feel like crap and it's okay'. Learning to Negotiate with Yourself A helpful way could be to start learning to 'negotiate with yourself'.  I don't mean going through mental lists of what you think you got wrong in life, mistakes you've made, observing yourself from the outside with a judgmental attitude. What I mean is just having a discussion with yourself, trying to take an objective, reasonable perspective and taking a look at the bigger picture in an honest and direct way. So, how would you normally solve a problem? The first step would usually be noticing that there is a problem.  It seems basic, but identifying that 'something's up, can help put you into a more helpful state of mind.  Right now, you may not be able to say what the problem is, identify it clearly, name it, and so on - but that's okay.  We're at step 1. Step 2 is to double check on what you actually 'know' to be true, and try to separate that from what you 'feel' might be true.  This will help you to be less judgmental of yourself - we are not making any decisions or coming to any conclusions about anything - all we truly know (and can prove) is that there's something causing a problem and we're acknowledging it. Having acknowledge the existence of 'a problem', we can do a number of things.  Asking for help if you can - asking others for ideas, thoughts, feelings, engaging in some level of exploration.  Again, no judgements are being made, because we are just at the exploration stage. If asking for input from anyone else is not possible or may not be something you think is helpful - the next step is to consider asking someone who 'might' know something.  That person is of course, you.  It isn't clear, it isn't obvious, but at least you know that somewhere, within the vaults of your own mind, there are some pieces of the puzzle - and that at some point, you will have more information, which can help to give you a clearer picture. At this point, you don't want to be drawn into another argument with yourself or being swept away down another train of thought leading to the same places as before.  So you pull yourself back to the beginning and look at the main points that you can prove to be true. a. There is a problem b. If I do the usual thing, I won't get the outcome I want. c. I know that somewhere in me, there are bits of information that can help. So, we now have more 'true' information than we did before.   Time to breathe and think about it.  Try to give your brain and body time to process all this.  Continue the negotiation process ... When you have done a little breathing and are feeling a little more settled, you can continue the process by summarizing the thoughts into brief points (as we did above) and reiterating them to yourself. Acknowledging what you know (and can prove) to be true. The next step is to keep an eye on your breathing, and keep trying to draw your focus back to the process - remind yourself why you are doing this, and again, reiterate the summary.  If you do manage to pull your focus back to the process, even just for a moment, then it is time to take the next, and most important step so far. Positive Reinforcement What you will have achieved in this exercise, is to exert control over your own body and mind - even if it was just for a few moments. You changed something. You actually did do something that was not easy.  The easy thing to do would have been to just 'go with the flow that I know!'  But you didn't.  You actually changed something that you've been fighting and struggling with, you took charge of something, in that moment, and you redirected the flow - even if only for a few seconds.  You will now have achieved something meaningful.  The reason you need to stop and really acknowledge your progress, is because you are giving yourself a little bit of 'positive reinforcement'.  By doing this, you are helping your rational brain and also your emotional and psychological brain, to be able to recognize that you are doing something helpful. You are not trying to deceive yourself - you are just acknowledging that which is true. With more and more practice, your brain can start to recognize you as a 'powerful actor' rather than attempting to keep you in one place.  You start to learn to trust yourself a little more, not being too afraid of getting things wrong, making mistakes, and learning to think about things in a way that is 'true'.  YOU did something, rather than something being done TO you.  Acknowledge, summarize, and reinforce. By doing all of these things, you are starting to negotiate with yourself in an honest and direct way.  You are acknowledging the good things equally and giving yourself some credit for when you've actually achieved something helpful.  When this happens, you are essentially giving yourself time and space to store some genuine 'good' feedback.  This gives you energy that you can hold onto for later on, to help you feel more able to manage more complex challenges. This could be enough for one day, and I would suggest trying this as best as you can and as often as you can.   Final Note ... In those moments, when you become frustrated with yourself, and you pass judgement on yourself in a negative way - try to remind yourself about what you actually KNOW, instead of what you FEEL.   Ask yourself, "Would I pass judgement upon someone else, with so little provable information?"   It might be time to give yourself the benefit of the doubt and start to give yourself a chance, as you would give anyone else a chance to figure things out.  The best that you can do right now, is to treat yourself like someone you care about.  Even when it feels weird - give yourself the same kindness, compassion, and time - to get where you need to be, to be able to get a handle on things and make helpful steps forward.  Like a baby learns to take those first wobbly steps - in time, learns to walk more confidently, and then to run, ... and then can reach the door handle and charge though the door - feeling empowered and ready to deal with whatever challenges lay ahead.

As you know, the nature of ADHD is that it is difficult to control impulsive behavior. Inattention symptoms can lead to responsibilities being neglected, poor organization and difficulty completing tasks. Whilst hyperactivity symptoms will manifest as thrill seeking, a high need for stimulation and impulsive decision-making. You say it pervades every aspect of your life, and mention two scenarios of spending money and over-eating in particular, although I understand these are just illustrating two examples of where it can affect your life. Spending large sums of money could be seen as thrill seeking - buying new "stuff" can initially give a high, but when it is impulsive, it may not exactly turn out to be money well spent, which in turn will lead to regret, and in the worst case scenario, possible financial insecurity. It also shows the symptom of lack of responsibility - perhaps the money would have been better served elsewhere.  Overeating can often be utilized to soothe overwhelming feelings that come with ADHD, or to try to relieve boredom or stress. It sounds like it is having a really big impact on your day-to-day life, especially as you say you feel as though you have no control over it.  ADHD creates structural differences in the brain, most notably in an area that is responsible for impulse control. So, although we cannot alter the structural differences in the brain, there are things we can do to help. You don't mention whether you take medication, but working with a doctor can be helpful for the management of symptoms. Therapy can also be helpful for ADHD. In therapy we can look both at the past and at the future. Looking back through your life at how it has impacted on different areas of your life - schooling, friendships, your relationship with parents/family, romantic relationships, work life can be important. ADHD can have a significant impact on behavior and therefore on these areas of life, and perhaps you have blamed yourself for this, which is a heavy burden to carry. Understanding those experiences better in a non-judgemental environment in therapy can help you to let go of unhelpful feelings of shame or self-criticism, feeling defeated and low self-esteem that might have arisen from these situations. We can also look forwards to shape your life better suited to you. Sometimes, there may be a feeling of expectation, perhaps as other people are "wired" differently to you as they are neurotypical, so they are able to do things a certain way. Accepting that their way may not work for you and being comfortable with this, allows for you to develop strategies that work for you in life. Doing things differently can be the answer. Typically, you might try to do things in the way others do, because you have accepted that this is the "right" way of doing things. When in fact, it doesn't work for you and makes life more frustrating and difficult for you.  In counseling, through psychoeducation, you can also gain an understanding of how you operate, and how your brain and your nervous system operate so that you can manage your life better and overcome the difficulties you have faced. Through understanding comes greater self-awareness and the ability to accept certain differences and also the ability to try different strategies to better manage your life.

I really appreciate your question as it is a very interesting one. Regarding the improvement of our attention, it's good to try mindfulness techniques, as you probably are doing by using that meditation that you are talking about.  While practicing meditation based on mindfulness, it's important to take some tips into account: 1. In the beginning, you should try daily with a little amount of time, 3 minutes is more than enough.  2. It's completely normal that your mind goes away to your thoughts (memories, your to do list, your worries, judgements ... anything). When this happens, you mustn't blame yourself or feel disappointed, it's completely normal and is the reason why we do it. In fact, to notice that and bring your mind back to the present moment is actually the exercise, so treat yourself kindly at this point.  3. Try to practice it without too many stimuli around at the beginning, as it's more challenging and is better to try first on your own without distractions.  4. Try to utilize something to help you put your attention on something, like focusing on your breathing or on the things you see in your room.  Besides, be aware that meditating is not the only way to develop your span of attention, you can also do other mindfulness techniques: 1. A very good one is putting your attention on the people you speak with during the day. It's also meaningful as you become a good listener. You only need to pay attention to people and whenever your mind goes away, just notice that and bring your mind back to the conversation. Remember to do it without interrupting and being kind to yourself.  2. You can do some stops during the day to be aware of the present moment.  3. You can identify your emotions whenever you are feeling them and try to explore and experience them. Whenever your mind goes to your thoughts, bring it back to the physiological experience of your emotions.  Finally, be aware that, nowadays, there are so many things that can make you be less in the present moment and are not good if you are trying to increase your attention, like your mobile phone in general and specifically social media with their continuous stimulation.  I am sure you will achieve your purpose. Wish you the best. 

Hi Jr, Thank you for your time in asking this important question on the "Ask a Licensed Therapist" forum. I also want to thank you for being an essential health care worker. I know that you mentioned in your question that you worked tirelessly through out the pandemic. Your qualities of hard work, determination and dedication must certainly be one of your many strengths. In addition, your altruism is incredibly inspiring. I hope that you are doing what you can to take care of yourself, despite your selfless career and very busy work schedule. Based on your question, I can tell that you are going through a very difficult situation and that you are currently experiencing intense financial stress due to recent job loss. What are some of the ways in which you can manage the financial stress that you have been facing? Would you be willing to make a step by step action plan as you prepare to apply for and start a new job? I want to encourage you to take a step back and contemplate how your career goals may have changed and what you need to do to attain your employment objectives. It is true that stress of any kind, including financial stress, can exacerbate a multitude of mental health symptoms. I hope that you are doing what you can to practice self care skills. I will forward you this link which outlines a list of coping skills that you can try. It sounds like you lost your coach, your mental health provider as well as your primary care provider all at one time. How are you managing things in your life now that this has happened? Having this occur all at one time would be over whelming for any one. I hope that you can make a plan to figure out what the next steps will be for you to begin the process of connecting with some new providers and rebuild your support system. It seems like you are open to finding another job opportunity in the near future. I sincerely wish you all the best in applying for a new job as an RN. I recommend seeking new employment opportunities on Indeed or LinkedIn if you have not done so already. In the meantime, you can focus on preparing yourself for your interview and begin the process of submitting applications by editing your cover letter and your resume. Also, there are some virtual and in person job fair opportunities on the Massachusetts state website. Here is the link to this resource: https://www.mass.gov/massachusetts-virtual-job-fair In addition, to the job opportunities listed on the states' department of labor and workforce web site, there are other free resources, such as resume writing classes and other career services through Mass Hire. For more information, check out this webpage: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/masshire-department-of-career-services I am so sorry to hear that you were assaulted last year. It sounds like this incident happened while you were at work. Would you be willing to process your experiences and make sense of what happened during individual counseling sessions? At this time, I recommend that you attend weekly counseling sessions and meet with a trained therapist who can help you to navigate your thoughts and feelings about this incident. Going to a support group for survivors of assault may also be a great idea to contemplate taking part in. In the meantime, I can share with you two EMDR resourcing techniques that may be beneficial for you to reconnect to your self and find some semblance of healing. I highly recommend trying out this inner peaceful place guided visualization activity as well as the butterfly hug technique. Here is the link to the butterfly hug technique: https://emdrfoundation.org/toolkit/butterfly-hug.pdf This is a link to a youtube video based on the butterfly hug technique: https://youtu.be/iGGJrqscvtU  This is the script for the inner peaceful place activity: https://emdrtherapyvolusia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Calm_Safe_Place.pdf  I realize that what you have been going through has been an enormous challenge and that this experience is not ideal for you to endure. I would like to encourage you to practice some mindfulness exercises, as well as the coping skills and EMDR resourcing strategies. Mindfulness techniques help individuals be more connected in the present moment and live more fully in the here and now. I want to share with you some free mindfulness audio clips in case you would like to practice some mindfulness exercises:  https://wellness.mcmaster.ca/your-health/mindfulness-and-relaxation/ Lastly, I want to address your concerns about ADHD. What have your symptoms of ADHD been like in the past? How can you tell if these symptoms are getting worse? I know that you mentioned that you are taking a stimulant medication to manage your ADHD. Would you be willing to meet with your prescriber for a follow up appointment? In the meantime, I would like to share with you an art therapy directive that you can try out in order to manage your symptoms of ADHD. Using art materials of your choice, create a drawing or painting that is an expression of how you are feeling. Take minute to title your art work and then use scissors, or just your hands, to rip and cut the paper into smaller pieces. After you have done that, use tape or glue to create a secondary image of something that brings you peace of mind, happiness and joy. Title your final product. This collage activity may be worth a try in order to assist you in managing your feelings. Thank you again, Jr, for taking your time to share your experience on the BetterHelp platform! I hope that my response as well as some of the resources that I have shared with you will be helpful for you in some way. I wish you all the best in your therapeutic journey. Take good care and have a nice day!

Hello , I am really sorry to hear that you are struggling and I was wondering if there is anything I could do to support you through what your feeling and going through at the moment. Having counselling through this service will help you to no end, however I can understand that money is a problem, especially the way things are in the world at the moment.  It sounds as though you have been going through this for some time and now things have got worse. I would suggest starting with your GP and get a face to face appointment explain what you're feeling and what you're going through. However, you are at the moment contacting me through this platform and there is a lot of help available through here: there are work sheets, counselling, group sessions, and messaging with individual counsellors. Make sure you reach out to people friends and family and writing your feelings down in a journal can really help you. There are also lots of exercise groups around and swimming which really helps with mental health problems. Write down what's on your mind and what you're feeling anxious about. Please keep doing this - it's not a five minute fix but you will start to notice a difference in a few weeks. I hope this helps and you get the help you need. Please don't cut yourself off from others this will make you feel worse. 

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, although not a formal diagnostic category, describes a range of symptoms that often accompany ADHD. This includes heightened sensitivity, difficulty letting go of past hurts and/or rejection. It may also involve a personal belief that you let someone down and social insecurity. This can be distressing, and leads you to be more sensitive to perceived rejection and consequently easily triggered by certain situations. Some common symptoms of RSD may include:      1) low self esteem       2) avoidance of social situations or particular social settings       3) fear of failure       4) anxiety       5) feeling hopeless       6) high expectations of self    Some tips are: 1) Reinforce your strengths in order to overcome rejection. Acknowledge positive efforts, work and engage in rewarding activities to help increase self confidence.  2) Use daily affirmations. You can do this by incorporating daily positive affirmations and self talk such as: All I need is within me I am getting better every day.  I am confidant. I am strong.  3) Stop, think and then act accordingly. Practice taking a pause before responding to statements that may seem to be directed towards you. It is common to have difficulty distinguishing between a general statement or a directed statement. Practice a statement such as "That's interesting. Let me think about that."  4) Remind yourself that some people make negative statements that are more reflective of them and not of you. 5) Remind yourself of the positives within your marriage and when interacting with your wife.  6) Emphasize family and friends connections. Engage in fun and memorable activities together in order to counter the emotional sensitivities you may feel. 7) Lifestyle changes can often accompany gestational therapy to aid in managing your emotional response. It can be hard to control hurt feelings but having a plan and tools in place can help you exercise more control over your emotions. It can also improve and reduce your stress level, which in turn will make you feel more at ease and calm. This will then make it easier to control your emotions. You can try incorporating: daily exercise such as a walk eating a balanced diet practicing good sleep hygiene in order to feel well rested  8) Finally, be kind to yourself your thoughts, words and actions. 

Hi AA! Thank you so much for asking this valuable question on the BetterHelp platform! It sounds like you have come to the right place! It seems like you are contemplating what your specific mental health diagnosis might be! I can tell that you have a lot of self awareness, which is truly a wonderful trait. It is really great that you are doing what you can to participate in the journey of self exploration. I can imagine how much you must want to figure out if you have an anxiety disorder, such as social anxiety, or a diagnosis of ADHD. A co-morbid diagnosis could be a possibility, as well. It appears that you are looking to rule out a diagnosis in order to clarify your own mental health experience. All in all, I am very grateful that you have chosen to reach out for support on the BetterHelp platform in order to explore more about yourself and your specific goals! First and foremost, I want to inform you that the therapists who are contracted to provide therapy and counseling services on the BetterHelp platform are not able to provide subscribers with a formal mental health diagnosis. The therapist that you work with may be able to assist you in exploring the possibility of a diagnosis and help you to come up with strategies to manage the symptoms that you are having.That being said, I will share with you this: a diagnosis is a cluster of symptoms that are representative of numerous people in a variety of populations. I advise you to check out reliable and valid resources by the American Psychological Association about the aspects of differential diagnosis. The Diagnostic Statistical Manuel provides the most up to date information regarding symptom presentation and statistics for specific diagnostics. There is still always an option for you to meet with a therapist for therapy sessions. The individual counseling services on better help may be very beneficial for you! You also may want to check out the group counseling options, as well as the groupinars, that are available on the better help platform! It is completely up to you what you decide on when it comes to the options for therapy services. It sounds like the video that you watched in the special education class at your university was triggering for you. What aspects of the video stand out to you as important? What aspects of the participant's experience did you have a connection with? What did your professor or the other students in the class say about the video? Perhaps processing this video with some one else who had also seen the video might be a helpful experience for you. If that is not going to be an option, you may choose to journal about the experience about watching the video. It sounds like your struggle with communicating with others, utilizing interpersonal skills and making new friends has been an ongoing issue for you for quite some time. It seems like you were able to relate to the person in the video who had been diagnosed with ADHD. I can tell that you have a lot of empathy and compassion for this individual in the video. This is absolutely a strength of yours!  I like to send the following two resources to my clients who are concerned about a possible or preliminary diagnosis of ADHD. Below is the like to the BASC 3, which is an AHDH information tip sheet: http://images.pearsonclinical.com/images/assets/basc-3/basc3resources/DSM5_DiagnosticCriteria_ADHD.pdf Here is the link to a PowerPoint presentation that provides more detailed information about the diagnosis of ADHD. It is forty seven pages, so it may be a good idea to set some time aside to review this resource. http://downloads.pearsonclinical.com/videos/100317-BASC3/BASC-3-ADHD-Diagnosis-Evaluation-and-Treatment-of-ADHD-Webinar-Handout-100317.pdf I hope that some of these resources are helpful for you in some way! In addition to participating in psycho education and learning more about the ADHD mental health diagnosis, you may want to practice some mindfulness techniques. I recommend trying progressive muscle relaxation, guided visualization exercises, and sensory grounding techniques. You will be able to learn these various strategies on your own through a simple internet search. The idea is that you can connect with your physical, emotion and even spiritual sense of self! You can absolutely be present in the moment, no matter what your mental health diagnosis turns out to be. In addition to mindfulness based meditation and other relaxation techniques, I recommend journaling, art making and utilizing positive affirmations. Journaling on a daily basis about your thoughts, feelings and experiences can certainly be helpful, healing and therapeutic. Pairing the journaling experience with a hot cup of tea or some relaxing music, may also amplify the effects of journaling. Art making as a fuel for healing can be incredibly powerful. I recommend trying a collage activity, making a puzzle, creating a drawing or painting. Try drawing or painting your inner peaceful place. Maybe you can make a collage about your mental health symptoms. In addition, positive thinking can be life changing. Start your day with a positive quote that truly resonates with you. Check out the author Louise Hay for some  positive affirmations. Her book, "You Can Heal Your Life," might give you some guidance on how to personalize affirmations and shape your world view. I recommend that, if you are seeking out a formal mental health diagnosis, that you reach out to a psychologist for psychology testing. You may be able to ask your primary care physician for a referral to a local psychologist in your area. There are specific, standardized tests and psychological assessments that can be administered to obtain an objective diagnosis. Thank you again, AA, for your time in asking this valuable question on the "Ask a Licensed Therapist" forum. I want to take a moment to wish you all the best on your therapeutic journey now and in the future! I hope that my response has been helpful for you and that you have a great day!

Hi Bri, it is very nice to meet with you today, and hope we can find some answers and solutions for your symptoms of hyperactive thoughts, potentially some anxiety, racing thoughts affecting sleep, and difficulty managing task. These symptoms can be very frustrating. ADHD or ADD can be assessed with  Vanderbilt screening or other screenings to rule out the condition the doctor will ask you about symptoms related to the category and rule out other conditions too. Unfortunately, much of the time anxiety and ADHD are comorbid - meaning they like each other and they like depression as well. So if ADHD onset early and was never treated you can develop other conditions as well. If you feel the root cause is ADHD/ADD start with the symptoms and share those in detail with your doctor, the duration/onset, and when these symptoms occur. Your doctor then can screen you for any underlying conditions such as anxiety and depression with some assessment screenings. Often times, if the ADHD/ADD is treated, these other symptoms potentially dissipate or decrease and that would be the goal. Also, learning some coping strategies and cognitive behavioral skills will help you manage and find alternatives/solutions for your symptoms. To help you sleep try some meditation or something self-soothing to you and calming to help you fall asleep faster. Do you do better with routine or structure? This could also be helpful for you to help you stay focused and grounded in the task you are trying to complete. I would start by making an appointment with a psychologist and/or physician or psychotherapist. It was great talking to you today and look forward to helping guide you to help you feel better in relation to the root causes of your symptoms. I can send you some material on coping skills to get started as well. A balanced diet, sleep, and exercise are key to keeping your body balanced and equilibrium state of mind. When the mind races it is difficult to be in the moment actually able to process what you are trying to learn or accomplish. Take care, Ms. Harmon-Rodriguez, LPCC-S

Hi Rayna,  Thank you for reaching out with this very good question. It sounds like the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is causing significant concerns and I want to address all of them. Classic criteria for ADHD is impulsivity, decreased ability to focus and decreased ability complete tasks. It sounds like in your relationships you have been dealing with these classic parts of ADHD and it is making it difficult to communicate with your mate. In your next relationship, I would encourage you to be transparent and open from the beginning. Let your mate know that you have this diagnosis and also express that it has caused difficulty communicating effectively in the past. Ask your partner to one, be patient with you and also ask that two, your mate give you more time to answer questions or communicate your feelings. You may also need to ask that your partner state all their concerns and you take the time needed to clearly think about your response to the concerns. You might even want to try writing your thoughts and feelings down so that it is clear what you would like to say so that you are effective in your communication. In addition to being transparent and open with your mate, you may also want to engage with a therapist who specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. CBT helps people identify their thoughts, feelings and behaviors and while working with your therapist he or she can help you change your thoughts and feelings so that you act in ways you would like to.  It also sounds like mood swings are also a concern for you as well and addressing mood swings will also be important for you moving forward in relationships. When you are living with mood swings it is important that you are intentional in working to better control yourself. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy will also be helpful with this. Another evidenced based practice that will be helpful is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). DBT teaches mindfulness skills that will help with awareness and there are also distress tolerance skills that you can learn to utilize to better control feelings that we all experience from time to time. Learning these positive coping skills and utilizing them in your daily relationships will be a helpful addition to the medication you are using that is already helping with positive changes.  Best of luck to you! Please be patient with yourself as you work toward positive changes!  Ayoka Hannah