Just one week later, there was no denying that Fall had unofficially arrived. My Facebook feed was full of posts cheering on the cool weather, the changing leaves, and pumpkin lattes.

Don’t get me wrong, I like a pumpkin latte just as much as anyone, but I start to feel a little sad when summer melts into fall. That’s because I know just how much I am affected by the changing of the seasons, and how easy it is for my mood to fade along with the sunlight.

Originally published on September 30th, 2015, this article was updated and republished on November 30th, 2023.

[wpcode id=”471443″]

As an adult with ADHD, you may have noticed that you tend to be a bit more sensitive than those around you. Tags in clothing may drive you crazy, or you may be more likely to cry during a touching movie, or you may notice little things that others don’t.

The neurological systems of people with ADHD appear to be highly sensitive, and things can affect you differently. People with ADHD are especially sensitive to change and transitions. So it’s easy to see how a change in the duration and intensity of sunlight can have an effect, as is colder weather.

If you have ADHD, you might have noticed that your mood and ADHD symptoms tend to change from one season to another.

But with therapy and a few simple changes to your lifestyle, you can significantly reduce the impact of changing seasons on your happiness and mood.

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

A psychiatrist once told me that the majority of ADHD adults she treats are significantly affected by the changing of the seasons and that many have SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Ten years ago, I would have told you that I get “the winter blues” and tend to feel a little down and gloomy in the cold months. But somewhere in my 30s, the winter blues became full-blown SAD.

SAD refers to recurrent depression that has a seasonal pattern. This usually begins in autumn and continues throughout the winter months. Most people will notice a remission in SAD during spring and summer.^[1]

In addition to your usual ADHD symptoms and challenges, you may notice the following:

• Your circadian rhythm (your internal clock) becomes disrupted, and you have a more difficult time falling asleep or waking up
• You feel sluggish throughout the day
• It’s harder than ever to find motivation and be productive day-to-day
• You withdraw from social events and activities, and become more of a homebody
• You feel unhappy, irritable, depressed, anxious, and/or hopeless

There’s no doubt that many of you are reading this and sighing, nodding your heads in agreement.

But before I drag you down with dread, I want to lift you up by offering some hope: You can beat the winter blues. You can even effectively manage Seasonal Affective Disorder. And the really good news for adults with ADHD is that treatment can actually be pretty simple!

Does ADHD Get Worse With Seasons?

Science shows that people with ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms of SAD.^[2]

But apart from bringing down your mood, productivity, and energy levels, the changing seasons might also affect the severity of your ADHD symptoms.

For instance, research found that participants experienced more symptoms of inattention during winter time than in summer time.^[3]

Your body’s circadian rhythm is the internal 24-hour clock in your brain that regulates natural processes in response to light and darkness.

During winter, there are more disruptions to this circadian rhythm. That’s because your body’s exposure and natural response to sunlight are reduced.

Any disruptions to your circadian rhythm can increase inattention in ADHD. This may also be linked to lower cognitive performance – which affects your mental processing speed and memory.^[3]

So you might notice that you have poorer focus and memory during the winter months.

Light Therapy for Seasonal Depression in ADHD

Light therapy has made a real difference for me and for a number of my coaching clients, as well. It’s the most widely used treatment for SAD and is easy to incorporate into your day.

Studies have shown that light therapy can help reduce symptoms of SAD. In one study, over 60% of participants noticed a remission in symptoms after just four weeks of therapy.^[4]

Research has also found that light therapy can improve attention, impulsivity, mood, and circadian rhythm in people with ADHD.^[3],[4]

How to Use Light Therapy for SAD

Light therapy is intended to mimic the intense sunlight that we enjoy in spring and summer.

You simply position a special light box in front of your face (with open eyes) for about 30-60 minutes a day. I set up my light box on my desk while I’m working, and on the weekends, I sit in front of it while I have my morning coffee.

Light therapy for SAD requires the purchase of a 10,000 LUX light box, which you can find online. Two companies I recommend are Northern Light Technologies and Verilux.

The options from Northern Light Technologies are more expensive, but built to last. Verilux offers less expensive products (around $100) and a larger selection, but may need replacement bulbs more frequently. Just remember that 10,000 LUX is considered the therapeutic level for treating SAD.

In addition to your investment in a light box, there are a few other things to consider before beginning light therapy:

• Light therapy is most effective when started in the fall, no later than October. However, some doctors recommend beginning light therapy in September, which is what I do.
• You need to start slow! It’s very important to read the directions that come with your light, and follow the recommendations for use. It can take a few weeks before you’re ready to use your light for a full 30 or 60 minutes. If you rush it, then you may experience headaches. Trust me, don’t rush it.
• It’s important to discuss light therapy with your doctor – especially if you take medication for ADHD, depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition. Your prescriber needs to know if you’re considering using light therapy and needs the opportunity to object if there’s a good reason that you shouldn’t be using it.
• Light therapy can cause mania in people with bipolar disorder, so don’t begin light therapy if you’ve been diagnosed with the condition. Rather, talk to your doctor about alternatives.

One advantage of light therapy is how quickly it works. You’re likely to observe improvements within the first 3-7 days of treatment.^[4]

But if you don’t notice any positive changes after two weeks of light therapy, it’s best to seek medical advice on the next steps to take.

Alternative Treatment Options for SAD

In addition to (or instead of) light therapy, there are a few other ADHD therapies you can try, as well as medical options you may want to consider to beat SAD or the winter blues:

• Talk to your doctor about starting or increasing antidepressants during the fall and winter months. This is a decision that needs to be made in partnership with your prescriber. Please don’t adjust your medication on your own.
• Supplement with Vitamin D. Depression, along with a host of other medical conditions, has been linked to Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is synthesized from sunlight and is also available in some fortified foods. Dr. Michael Holick, considered the leading authority on Vitamin D deficiency, estimates that as much as 50% of the population is deficient! A quick and easy blood test ordered by your doctor can tell you if you’re Vitamin D deficient, but it may be unnecessary. When I interviewed Dr. Holick at a health conference a few years back, he recommended that everyone who lives north of Atlanta, GA, supplement Vitamin D from September to May. You can visit Dr. Holick’s website for more information about Vitamin D, and recommended supplementation.
• Exercise every day, even if it’s just for a short time. Exercise reduces stress and improves mood. It increases oxygen to the brain, which in turn helps the brain function better. Thirty minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day is ideal, and you can accomplish that just by walking a bit quicker than usual at a steady pace. However, every little bit helps. So if you’re really feeling down and can’t push yourself to make it to 30 minutes, then aim for just 10.

Other lifestyle changes, like developing a regular sleep schedule and following a healthy diet, may also help in managing SAD symptoms.

Managing the Winter Blues With Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications

Seasonal Affective Disorder doesn’t have to slow you down this year.

There are various methods of preventing and managing this condition. Light therapy, regular exercise, and good sleep hygiene are options to help you beat the blues this coming winter.

If you’d like to join a supportive and inclusive community of people who understand what you’re going through, check out ADDA+. This resource hub provides expert-led webinars, courses, resources, and tools to help you thrive in both the ups and downs of life with ADHD.

Jennifer Koretsky is a Senior Certified ADHD Coach and the author of Odd One Out: The Maverick’s Guide to Adult ADD.

References

[1] Fonte, A., & Coutinho, B. (2021). Seasonal sensitivity and psychiatric morbidity: study about seasonal affective disorder. BMC psychiatry, 21(1), 317. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03313-z

[2] Wynchank, D. S., Bijlenga, D., Lamers, F., Bron, T. I., Winthorst, W. H., Vogel, S. W., Penninx, B. W., Beekman, A. T., & Kooij, J. S. (2016). ADHD, circadian rhythms and seasonality. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 81, 87–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2016.06.018

[3] Zerón-Rugerio, M. F., Alda, J. A., Carpio-Arias, T. V., Izquierdo-Pulido, M., & Cambras, T. (2022). Seasonality and ADHD: Summer time is associated with less symptoms of inattention among children and adolescents with ADHD. Journal of Affective Disorders, 314, 259–262. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2022.07.036

[4] Campbell, P. D., Miller, A. M., & Woesner, M. E. (2017). Bright Light Therapy: Seasonal Affective Disorder and Beyond. The Einstein Journal of Biology and Medicine: EJBM, 32, E13–E25.

The post Beat the Blues! Tips for ADHD and Seasonal Affective Disorder appeared first on ADDA - Attention Deficit Disorder Association.

This is where ADHD therapy comes into the picture as an alternative management option. Or an additional, evidence-backed treatment, even when medication is working as intended.

Studies have shown that a combination of drug and behavioral therapy for ADHD can lead to significant improvements in symptoms in adult ADHD.^[2]

These therapies enhance treatment by helping people build the structures, skills, and habits they need to thrive and succeed.

Through ADHD therapy, you can work on key areas, such as communication, focus, emotional regulation, and time management.

Exploring Different Science-Backed Therapies for Adult ADHD

While medications are effective for many, adults with ADHD can also manage their symptoms through other methods, such as behavioral therapy, ADHD coaching, and support groups.

There are a few behavioral therapies for ADHD, including:

• Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy
• Neurofeedback

You might be wondering what type of therapy best treats ADHD in adults. Well, it boils down to your personal preference and individual response to treatment.

While CBT has the most scientific evidence proving its efficacy, other therapies might work better for you. How well your treatment works also depends on your symptoms and their severity, as well as your therapist’s expertise and experience level.

The good news is you don’t have to stick to just one form of therapy. Some people find that combining two types of ADHD therapies helps them control their symptoms more effectively.

Let’s take a deeper look at how these different forms of therapy help manage ADHD.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for ADHD

CBT is a goal-oriented, short-term psychotherapy that helps you pinpoint unhealthy thinking and behavioral patterns. Research has found that CBT can help adult ADHDers manage their symptoms and boost their self-esteem.^[3]

One example of an unhealthy thought pattern that CBT addresses is the all-or-nothing mindset. This way of thinking causes you to procrastinate or avoid tasks you think cannot be done “perfectly.” Other examples include comparing yourself to others, magnifying your mistakes, and downplaying your achievements.

Through CBT, you’ll learn how to dismantle these unhelpful beliefs and habits and replace them with new, beneficial ones.

Apart from changing how you perceive yourself and your capabilities, this adult ADHD therapy can also help you work on different skills and areas. They include the following:^[4]

• Relationships and friendships
• Organization and planning
• Focus and attention
• Problem-solving
• Procrastination

Your therapist will help you devise practical strategies to overcome your ADHD-related challenges. For instance, they may guide you in building a system, such as a calendar, task list, or finding an app to help you stay on track and complete your tasks on time.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy for ADHD

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a treatment approach that combines both CBT and mindfulness meditation. Through this form of therapy, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of ADHD and its symptoms.

The CBT portion of this treatment helps you identify and modify problematic thought patterns.^[5]

You’ll also engage in mindfulness meditation under this program. Mindfulness meditation is a type of mental training thought to enhance the function of brain regions altered by ADHD.^[5]

Based on research studies, MCBT has been shown to improve the following areas:

• Attention and focus: Mindfulness trains a person to pay attention in a particular way. The aim is to purposefully focus on the present moment without judgemental thoughts. Because of this, mindfulness may help improve concentration in those with ADHD.^[6]
• Emotional reasoning: This ADHD treatment for adults teaches individuals to regulate how they experience and express emotions. For example, participants will learn to view emotional states as temporary, passing events – helping them control their emotions better.^[5]
• Impulse control: MBCT can sharpen a person’s self-awareness and emotional regulation, thus improving impulse control.
• Executive functioning: Mindfulness meditation training enhances executive function.^[4]This refers to the mental skills that allow you to plan, organize, focus, and juggle multiple tasks.
• Mental health: Research has found that MBCT can help reduce anxiety, depression, and stress.^[7]

Based on current evidence, MCBT can be offered in addition to medication or as an alternative management option for ADHDers who don’t respond well to drug treatment.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for ADHD

DBT is a form of talk therapy that teaches a person to manage their emotions and behaviors. It is one means of treating ADHD at home and can be conducted in various ways, such as through group, individual, or phone sessions.

The goal of DBT is to help a person build essential skills to cope with day-to-day activities and replace unhelpful behaviors with positive ones.

DBT focuses on the following four main components:^[8]

• Mindfulness: As discussed earlier, mindfulness helps an individual focus on the present moment in a calm and non-judgemental manner.
• Emotional regulation: This component can teach you how to express your emotions and change your response to various situations. You’ll learn to manage difficult feelings and be less vulnerable to negative emotions.
• Interpersonal effectiveness: In DBT, you’ll also find out how you can culture positive relationships, build proper boundaries, and end unhealthy friendships. You’ll work on your communication skills, listening skills, and self-respect.
• Distress tolerance: This form of training teaches you how to apply various self-soothing techniques when facing difficult situations. You’ll learn to develop healthy coping mechanisms to overcome tough times and challenges.

During therapy sessions, your therapist will teach you how to apply these skills to your daily life. They might also provide homework assignments that encourage you to practice them in your day-to-day life.

Based on research studies, DBT can reduce the severity of ADHD symptoms, depression, and feelings of hopelessness, as well as improve mindfulness. It may also enhance social skills, decrease impulsivity, and boost the overall quality of life of adults with ADHD.^[9]

Therefore, researchers concluded that this therapy might be helpful if you don’t respond well to drug treatment.^[9] 

Neurofeedback for ADHD

Neurofeedback is a type of brain training that involves measuring brain activity. It uses an electroencephalogram (EEG), a non-invasive test that measures your brain’s activity.

The measured activity is then translated into sounds or visual cues presented to you in real time. This feedback allows you to learn to control and modulate your brain activity to achieve specific goals through trial and error.^[10]

Neurofeedback therapy generally involves the following steps:

• You’re given a simple task, like reading, while having the device hooked up to you.
• The EEG measures your brain waves and activity.
• Feedback is provided in real-time.
• When you achieve optimal brain activity, the feedback provided may be as simple as a beep you hear or something more complex like moving a character in a video game.
• Whenever you get distracted or lose focus, the feedback changes. For instance, your character might stop moving in the game.

Some research has found that neurofeedback can be a promising treatment option for ADHD. In fact, one scientific analysis showed that neurofeedback might be as effective as stimulant medications in as little as 35 sessions.^[11]

Holistic Approaches to Complement Adult ADHD Therapy

Different non-medical approaches can address symptoms of ADHD along with co-occurring issues, such as depression, anxiety, interpersonal conflict, and low self-esteem.

If you’re looking for a holistic way to manage your symptoms of ADHD, you may consider asking your healthcare provider about the following options:

• Music therapy: Music therapy can be active, where you’ll play an instrument, or passive, which involves listening to music. Some research has found that active music therapy may help improve social skills and reduce aggression or impulsivity. Passive music therapy was found to enhance attention and academic skills.^[12]
• Pet therapy: Animal-assisted therapy typically involves a trained pet and an owner with a diagnosed condition, such as ADHD. A service dog, for instance, can help an ADHDer release excess energy and reduce anxiety or distress.
• Art therapy: This type of therapy can help ADHDers enhance their problem-solving skills and focus, as well as increase relaxation and reduce stress. During art therapy, you’ll work with a professional to create works of art that can help you express and work through your thoughts and emotions.
• Interpersonal therapy: Interpersonal therapy helps you process and resolve any issues or conflicts that might have developed between you and others due to ADHD-related behaviors. It can also help address personal issues, low self-esteem, and feelings of failure.^[13]
• Occupational therapy: This therapy guides ADHDers in building the skills needed to adapt well to their environment. It helps people identify barriers to success in their workplace, school, or home and find solutions to overcome them.
• ADHD coaching: An ADHD coach will collaborate with you to set up structures that bring you closer to your goals. They’ll teach you skills and strategies to improve your time management, organization, and focus.
• Support Groups: ADHD support groups offer a safe place for ADHDers to connect with people on the same journey. You’ll be able to exchange advice and gain support and a sense of belonging in a non-judgemental community.

The best management option for your ADHD depends on your symptoms, struggles, and goals.

For instance, someone who wants to build meaningful relationships and resolve conflict might benefit from interpersonal therapy. Meanwhile, a person who wishes to understand and regulate their emotions better might opt for art therapy.

Leveraging the Power of Therapy to Manage ADHD

Medications are effective for a large group of people. However, they may not improve all symptoms of adult ADHD. Plus, they affect different people in different ways.

Because of this, the best treatment approach is to combine medication, therapy, and other management options, such as counseling and coaching. This enables you to create a holistic treatment plan that addresses all ADHD-related challenges in your career, academics, or relationships.

Remember that seeking therapy, coaching, or counseling isn’t a sign of weakness. Quite the opposite, acknowledging and tackling your struggles head-on is a brave step in the right direction.

With the skills, structures, and strategies you build through therapy, you’ll be in the best position to achieve your biggest goals and ambitions.

Check out ADDA+ for more expert-driven resources that will help you thrive as an adult with ADHD. You can also visit our virtual support groups, where you can seek advice and encouragement from those who have walked in your shoes.

References

[1] Basiri, N., & Hadianfard, H. (2023). Adult ADHD Treatment Based on Combination of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) as Measured by Subjective and Objective Scales. Journal of attention disorders, 27(1), 57–66. https://doi.org/10.1177/10870547221118527

[2] Knouse, L. E., & Safren, S. A. (2010). Current status of cognitive behavioral therapy for adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 33(3), 497–509. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2010.04.001

[3] Antshel, K. M., Hargrave, T. M., Simonescu, M., Kaul, P., Hendricks, K., & Faraone, S. V. (2011). Advances in understanding and treating ADHD. BMC medicine, 9, 72. https://doi.org/10.1186/1741-7015-9-72

[4] Sprich, S. E., Knouse, L. E., Cooper-Vince, C., Burbridge, J., & Safren, S. A. (2012). Description and Demonstration of CBT for ADHD in Adults. Cognitive and behavioral practice, 17(1), 10.1016/j.cbpra.2009.09.002. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpra.2009.09.002

[5] Bachmann, K., Lam, A. P., & Philipsen, A. (2016). Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and the Adult ADHD Brain: A Neuropsychotherapeutic Perspective. Frontiers in psychiatry, 7, 117. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2016.00117

[6] Janssen, L., Kan, C. C., Carpentier, P. J., Sizoo, B., Hepark, S., Grutters, J., Donders, R., Buitelaar, J. K., & Speckens, A. E. M. (2015). Mindfulness based cognitive therapy versus treatment as usual in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). BMC Psychiatry, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-015-0591-x

[7] Aadil, M., Cosme, R. M., & Chernaik, J. (2017). Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as an Adjunct Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Young Adults: A Literature Review. Cureus, 9(5). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.1269

[8] Linehan, M. M., & Wilks, C. R. (2015). The Course and Evolution of Dialectical Behavior Therapy. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 69(2), 97–110. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.2015.69.2.97

[9] Cole, P., Weibel, S., Nicastro, R., Hasler, R., Dayer, A., Aubry, J. M., Prada, P., & Perroud, N. (2016). CBT/DBT skills training for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Psychiatria Danubina, 28(Suppl-1), 103–107.

[10] McGough, J. J. (2022). Neurofeedback for ADHD: Time to Call It Quits? American Journal of Psychiatry, 179(12), 888–889. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.20220861

[11] Enriquez-Geppert, S., Smit, D., Pimenta, M. G., & Arns, M. (2019). Neurofeedback as a Treatment Intervention in ADHD: Current Evidence and Practice. Current psychiatry reports, 21(6), 46. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-019-1021-4

[12] Martin-Moratinos, M., Bella-Fernández, M., & Blasco-Fontecilla, H. (2023). Effects of Music on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Potential Application in Serious Video Games: Systematic Review. Journal of medical Internet research, 25, e37742. https://doi.org/10.2196/37742

[13] Gentile, J. P., & Atiq, R. (2006). Psychotherapy for the patient with adult ADHD. Psychiatry (Edgmont (Pa. : Township)), 3(8), 31–35.

The post Exploring Therapy for Adults With ADHD: 11 Options & How They Work appeared first on ADDA - Attention Deficit Disorder Association.

Yet, some research suggests that less than 20% of adults with ADHD are diagnosed and treated for their disorder.^[2]

Without proper support and treatment, living with ADHD can feel like an uphill battle.

Undiagnosed ADHD often leads to day-to-day difficulties and frustrating challenges like poor focus and memory or difficulty controlling your impulses. But there are some significant life consequences as well, which can build up the longer a person remains undiagnosed. These troubles can range from stalled careers to relationship issues to not finishing crucial tasks.

That’s why diagnosis and treatment are life-changing for many adult ADHDers.

While no one test can determine if you have ADHD, working with a specialist and following the steps below can help you get a more accurate diagnosis.

If you think you might be struggling with symptoms of adult ADHD, don’t wait to get them checked out by a qualified medical professional.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get tested for ADHD.

1. Check Yourself for Signs of ADHD

Symptoms of ADHD can be trickier to spot in adults than in children because they tend to be more subtle.

The signs of adult ADHD can be split into two main categories: symptoms of inattention and symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsivity.

Symptoms of inattention to look out for include:^[3]

• Making careless mistakes and overlooking important details
• Having trouble focusing during work or leisure activities
• Leaving chores, school work, or projects incomplete
• Avoiding activities that require sustained focus
• Often getting distracted by unrelated thoughts
• Getting distracted during conversations
• Losing important items or documents
• Lacking time management skills
• Struggling to organize tasks
• Failing to follow instructions
• Missing deadlines

ADHD can also contribute to symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity, such as:^[3]

• Moving about when expected to stay seated (such as in meetings)
• Intruding or taking over other people’s activities
• Interrupting other people in conversations
• Unable to sit still for an extended period
• Fidgeting or tapping hands and feet
• Trouble waiting your turn
• Often feeling restless
• Talking excessively

Start to reflect on the challenges you face in daily life. Then, assess whether they may be tied to symptoms characteristic of ADHD.

2. Learn More About the DSM-5 Criteria for ADHD

Apart from the symptoms you face, there are other factors to consider when assessing for ADHD.

These criteria are noted in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The DSM-5 is a professional handbook that helps healthcare providers make more accurate diagnoses of mental health conditions.

The DSM-5 ADHD diagnostic criteria are as follows:^[3]

• You have at least five symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity and impulsivity.
• Your symptoms are present for six months or more.
• Your symptoms were present before the age of 12.
• You experience symptoms that affect two or more areas of your life (e.g., work, school, etc.).
• Your symptoms noticeably interfere with your functioning at school, work, or in social settings.
• Your condition isn’t better explained by another mental health condition.

Many people might experience symptoms resembling those of ADHD at some point in their life. However, an ADHD diagnosis can only be made if these symptoms fulfill the criteria above and affect your quality of life.

3. Rate Your Symptoms (But Don’t Self-Diagnose)

After understanding what adult ADHD typically looks like, you can better assess and rate your symptoms.

One way to do this is to take an online ADHD test for adults. Many self-screening tests are symptom checklists that help you learn more about the symptoms of ADHD and gauge whether you may have it.

That said, it’s essential to understand that these self-assessments are not entirely accurate and will not lead to a proper diagnosis of ADHD. An in-depth ADHD evaluation is still needed to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.

4. Discuss Your Condition With Your Primary Care Physician

After filling out a self-evaluation, you might find that your symptoms indicate ADHD. If so, seeking professional medical advice for a proper diagnosis is best.

You may feel more comfortable reaching out to a healthcare professional you trust, like your family doctor or primary care physician.

Many general care doctors are qualified to make an ADHD diagnosis. Some may also take on the role of prescribing medications and monitoring their patients’ response to the treatment.

However, in some instances, the primary care physician might refer the individual to an expert specializing in adult ADHD. This might be a psychologist, psychiatrist, or neurologist.

You’ll likely be referred if your doctor suspects your ADHD is accompanied by another mental health condition, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.

5. Find a Qualified Medical Professional To Diagnose You

Different healthcare professionals can diagnose ADHD. Each specialty has its advantages and disadvantages as follows:

• Psychologist: A psychologist diagnoses people with conditions affecting their thinking, emotions, or behavior. They cannot prescribe ADHD medications. However, they can provide talk or cognitive behavioral therapy to help ADHDers address and replace unhealthy habits and thinking patterns with helpful ones.
• Psychiatrist: A psychiatrist diagnoses and treats ADHD. They can prescribe medications and devise an ADHD management plan, as well as monitor your response to treatment and keep track of any drug side effects. However, the cost of seeing a psychiatrist is usually higher than that of a psychologist.
• Neurologist: A neurologist specializes in conditions affecting the brain and nervous system. They may be able to determine if other neurological conditions are present alongside ADHD. However, people often seek ADHD treatment and therapy from a psychiatrist or psychologist instead of a neurologist.
• Family Doctor: Your family doctor may be able to diagnose and prescribe medications for your ADHD symptoms. However, they typically lack the extensive knowledge that a psychologist or psychiatrist has regarding ADHD, especially in adults.

Take some time to research and learn more about the different roles of various healthcare providers in diagnosing and treating ADHD.

This will help you pick a medical professional who can provide you with the medical advice and support you need.

Once you’ve done your research, there are a few ways to look for a qualified healthcare professional that can help with your diagnosis.

You may consider looking into the following options:

• Look online for directories of doctors and narrow them down based on their specialty and focus.
• Contact organizations (like ADDA) that support adults with ADHD.
• Ask friends and family if they know of any ADHD specialists.
• Ask your regular doctor for a referral to a specialist.

Make sure you know the qualifications of the medical professional who will be diagnosing and treating you.

Don’t be afraid to ask about their experience with adult ADHD and what methods they’ll use to evaluate you.

Finding a specialist you’re comfortable with will also make it easier to talk about your symptoms and struggles.

6. Complete a Comprehensive ADHD Evaluation

Once you’ve found a specialist who understands your needs, you may proceed with your ADHD evaluation.

There’s no single test that can determine whether you have ADHD.

Instead, your doctor will carry out a detailed assessment, which may include the following:

• Screening for co-existing conditions, which may include an interview about your medical history, work experience, social history, and family or marital life
• Behavioral rating scales for adult ADHD, which are questionnaires that collect important objective information about your symptoms
• A diagnostic interview, where your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and daily struggles
• An interview with someone who knew you well when you were younger, like a parent or teacher
• A physical examination to rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms

Once the interviews and tests are complete, your doctor will likely go through the results of your ADHD evaluation with you. You can then work with them to develop a management plan.

Alternatively, they may refer you to another expert who can provide the best treatment options for your condition.

7. Learn About Your Treatment Options

If you’re diagnosed with ADHD, it’s essential to seek medical advice on how to get treated.

Your doctor may recommend any of the following management options for your ADHD:

• Medications: Stimulant medications are typically the first treatment choice as they’re effective for many adults and are relatively well-tolerated. Non-stimulant medications may be recommended to those who do not respond well to stimulant medications. They can also be used in conjunction with stimulant medications to increase the efficacy of treatment.^[4]
• Talk therapy: Also known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), this form of therapy can help improve symptoms of ADHD and executive function (organization, memory, and attention). Some research has also found that it can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in those with ADHD.^[5] Learn more about various ADHD therapies here.
• ADHD coaching: An ADHD coach can work with you to build structures and strategies to minimize the impact of ADHD on your daily living. They can help you work on various areas, such as goal-setting, prioritization, time management, and self-esteem.

ADHD support groups are also a great way to seek support and advice from people who have walked in your shoes.

Working with your doctor to find a treatment approach that works for you is crucial.

A proper management plan can help you improve your focus, organizational skills, time management, and performance at work or school.

By gaining control over your ADHD, it can become a valuable asset in life.

An Accurate Diagnosis Can Have a Transformative Impact

To learn more about your symptoms, check out ADDA’s ADHD test for adults. This questionnaire can help you identify any signs and symptoms that point toward an ADHD diagnosis. By taking the time to assess your symptoms, you can make a more informed choice about your next steps.

The goal of an ADHD diagnosis and treatment plan is to help you perform your best in your daily activities.

People with ADHD can set and achieve big goals in life. Getting treated simply makes the path toward success smoother and quicker.

The first step toward positive change is to reach out to a healthcare professional you trust.

You can also lean on your community to get a deeper understanding of your ADHD. Collective wisdom is empowering. With ADDA+, you’ll navigate your journey with confidence and resilience.

References

[1] Song, P., Zha, M., Yang, Q., Zhang, Y., Li, X., & Rudan, I. (2021). The prevalence of adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A global systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of global health, 11, 04009. https://doi.org/10.7189/jogh.11.04009

[2] Rivas-Vazquez, R. A., Diaz, S. G., Visser, M. M., & Rivas-Vazquez, A. A. (2023). Adult ADHD: Underdiagnosis of a Treatable Condition. Journal of health service psychology, 49(1), 11–19. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42843-023-00077-w

[3] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. DSM-5 Changes: Implications for Child Serious Emotional Disturbance [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2016 Jun. Table 7, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Comparison. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519712/table/ch3.t3/

[4] Geffen, J., & Forster, K. (2018). Treatment of adult ADHD: a clinical perspective. Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacology, 8(1), 25–32. https://doi.org/10.1177/2045125317734977

[5] Anastopoulos, A. D., King, K. A., Besecker, L. H., O’Rourke, S. R., Bray, A. C., & Supple, A. J. (2018). Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for College Students With ADHD: Temporal Stability of Improvements in Functioning Following Active Treatment. Journal of Attention Disorders, 24(6), 108705471774993. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054717749932

The post How To Get Diagnosed With ADHD: 7 Steps for Adults To Get an Accurate Evaluation appeared first on ADDA - Attention Deficit Disorder Association.

There are tons of resources right here through ADDA.  Check out a variety of non-invasive ADHD therapy options. And don’t be afraid to look for a mentor or a coach – the good ones are worth waiting for

The post Are there medications for treating executive function issues? appeared first on ADDA - Attention Deficit Disorder Association.

To begin, let me state that ADHD can only be diagnosed by a medical professional … and that’s not me. I make no claims in that direction. I AM, however, the parent of four daughters, two of whom have ADHD.  I was diagnosed with ADHD about twenty years ago.  I have also been engaged with CHADD’s Northern California chapter as their Regional Coordinator and serve on the CHADD National Board of Directors.  As such, I’ve had interactions with thousands of people with ADHD over the past couple of decades.

Originally published in 2019, this article was updated and republished on September 23rd, 2022.

It is important to obtain a proper diagnosis from a qualified mental health professional.  Other conditions can manifest similar symptoms but have drastically different treatment recommendations.  Taking a stimulant medication for sleep apnea, for example, could make your problems exponentially worse.  Sleep apnea can look EXACTLY like ADHD to the untrained eye.

ADHD is not a psychiatric condition, though it is often complicated by a number of psychiatric conditions. It’s a neuro-developmental (physical) difference that is incurable but highly treatable.

Here are seven alternative (and sometimes co-morbid) explanations that self-diagnosing individuals often miss:

• Bipolar and Bipolar 2 disorders
• Sleep disorders
• Childhood trauma
• Improper diet
• Autism
• Sensory processing disorders
• Boredom

The point is … don’t self-diagnose.

I believe medication (stimulant and non-stimulant) represents only about 20% of ADHD remediation for most adults and maybe 65% in children. If you want to thrive, you must do the work. That might include coaching, cognitive behavioral therapy, or other ADHD therapies. That’s the other 80%. But, the 20% is crucial.

Why the difference between adults and kids? Late-diagnosed adults are not only dealing with ADHD, they are dealing with the accumulated damage, baggage, and other consequences of living with untreated ADHD.

If you or your child’s ADHD is mild and simply an annoyance, something that is not seriously impacting your lives, then you don’t need to hear this rant.  BUT if you’re one of the many people properly diagnosed with significant ADHD challenges, then please read on.

Maybe it’s your child, maybe it’s you. If you’re resistant to the idea of using mainstream medication for any number of reasons, I’d suggest stepping back to see what’s real. The allure of well-marketed unproven alternatives is seductively appealing.

You have diagnosed ADHD impairments. In the throes of chronic pain and dysfunction you’ve shown up seeking help. Unchecked ADHD is ruining your life. Nothing you’ve done has made your life better, BUT you still look for alternatives to the mostly benign, rare, and temporary side effects of mainstream medications.

Yes, medication can cause temporary side effects and carries a rarely manifested risk of serious complications.

Here are some of the serious and common risk factors you should be concerned with:

Unmedicated ADHD is positively correlated with the following:

• With being a defendant in court.
• With going to prison and going back to prison.
• With living close to the poverty line.
• With having outstanding parking tickets and traffic violations.
• With paying two, three … sometimes 10 times the initial value of those tickets in  additional penalties.
• With being injured in a car wreck that the ADHD person caused.
• With having few if any real friends.
• With feeling isolated.
• With having so much clutter and debris in the house that the ADHD person becomes too ashamed to invite anyone in.
• With toxic and life diminishing levels of chronic shame.
• With becoming homeless.
• With being in the same dead-end job for years.
• With getting fired or laid off.
• With being unemployed, under employed, and/or being in a “bad fit” job.
• With elevated rates of foreclosure, eviction, and auto repossession.
• With having a stack of unopened nasty letters from the IRS.
• With disease exacerbated by chronic financial stress.
• With obesity and most of its related negative health consequences.
• With chronically over committing and under achieving.
• With failing in school… especially in college.
• With living on poor quality food to the point of damaging their health.
• With not seeing a doctor or dentist for years.
• With neglecting common sense health care practices
• With engaging in risky behaviors:  Substance abuse, DUI, and rock climbing beyond     their skill set.
• With engaging in other risky behaviors ranging from unprotected sex to reckless driving to road rage.
• With not taking prescribed medication for other physical ailments.
• With getting divorced.
• With having utilities cut off for nonpayment.
• With having utilities repeatedly interrupted for nonpayment.
• With being up to their neck in debt.
• With sleep disturbances.
• With worsened anxiety, anger management, and depressive issues.
• With earning 25% less over the course of their lives.
• With losing copious amounts of money to the “ADHD tax.”
• With retiring broke.
• With experiencing higher rates of domestic abuse (both as victim and perpetrator).
• And, with having a dramatically shortened life expectancy (11 – 18 years shorter).
• Plus, with having a shortened “healthy life expectancy” as a percentage of their already shortened lives.

Here are some sobering “side effects” of NOT medicating kids and not providing a suitably adjusted living / social / school environment, of not providing a non-judgmental living environment, if you will.

Compared to their properly treated ADHD peers, untreated ADHD kids are likely to experience the following:

• Earn and receive poorer grades – significantly poorer.
• Suffer more emotional abuse at the hands of their classmates.
• Get physically bullied more often.
• Have fewer friends.
• Are more likely to self-medicate with street drugs.
• Become substance abusers and alcoholics more often.
• Take foolish risks.
• Have more accidents.
• Die in car accidents more often.
• Spend more days in the hospital before the age of 18.
• Are more likely to die before the age of 18.
• Develop antisocial tendencies more often.
• Get in trouble with the law more often.
• Acquire more STD’s.
• Fail to graduate high school in greater numbers.
• Fail to make it to college more often.
• Fail to graduate college more often.
• Internalize the negative judgments of peers, teachers, and authority figures.
• Witness trauma more often.
• Experience trauma more often.
• Are marginalized more often resulting in a greater risk of being targeted and culled from the herd by a predator.
• Are depressed more often.
• Are more prone to anxiety issues.
• Attempt suicide more often.
• Successfully commit suicide more often.

But hey … it’s just ADHD, right?

Every one of these negative impacts is a common and KNOWN (research based) RISK FACTOR of ADHD.  Every one of these outcomes can be significantly reduced by proper medication, hard work, and conscious action.

The consequences of NOT utilizing research-proven medication and not attending to the self-care necessary are probable, often devastating, and sometimes tragically unrecoverable.

Now that you know the other side, do your homework. Be in the know and make an educated decision.

If you’d like to understand more about adult ADHD, ADDA+ offers 200+ webinars, peer support groups, work groups, and much more.

*********

Richard Webster, the author of this article, is CEO and founder of Rena-Fi, Inc. His opinions and viewpoints expressed do not necessarily reflect that of Rena-Fi, Inc.

The post “I Don’t Need Medication. It’s Only ADHD.” Seriously? Don’t Ever Say That to Me. appeared first on ADDA - Attention Deficit Disorder Association.

Originally published on September 12th, 2018, this article was updated and republished on September 19th, 2022.

What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is a form of expressive therapy. You use music in order to help you channel emotions and release them. There are two form of music therapy. In one, you create music as an emotional release. In the other, you listen to music while performing a creative activity. Both can be done in group sessions or one on one with the therapist.

If you choose to create music, your first concern may be that you do not know how to play an instrument. However, the ones provided are very basic – and anyone can play them in an expressive manner – so there is no need to worry. Neither form pressures you into speaking with your therapist. And everything happens in a relaxing environment.

How Can it Help ADHD?

When you have ADHD, your mind is moving at record speeds. Most of the time you struggle to catch up – let alone make it stop. Being so full of mental and physical energy means it is more difficult to focus for long periods of time. However, music therapy really can help your ADHD.

Music is very structured, and this appeals strongly to the ADHD mind. Your mind craves a sense of organization, and every song has a clear beginning, middle, and end, making it predictable. The beats and rhythm also have specific structures. This can help to refocus the mind as well as encourage better mental (and even physical) organization.

An ADHD mind has lower levels of dopamine – the neurotransmitter responsible for motivation, attention, working memory, and focus. Music activates both sides of the brain, engaging your entire brain so the activated “muscles” can work together and even perhaps become stronger. This leads to a boost in motivation and the ability to focus.

Group music therapy can be both a social and physical activity. You meet like-minded people, and people who understand your condition and what you are going through. Playing instruments, you collaborate and work together to create new music. Often people develop strong friendships. After all, any neurological condition can be isolating.

How to Get Started with Music Therapy?

If you want to start music therapy, there are two approaches. If you get a referral from your doctor,  they will write to the therapy centre in question so you can get an appointment and start your sessions.  It is also possible to refer yourself to a music therapy course. It may require more paperwork and a potential interview, but it is still a very quick and simple process. With either approach, you may be placed on a waiting list initially as there is a lot of demand.

To Conclude

Music therapy could be just what you need to get back on track and really focus. It’s surprisingly simple to get into the courses, and there are plenty of options. It might be worth exploring what works best for you, as well as the type of music therapy that will most benefit you. If you’re interested in the far-ranging benefits from music therapy for people all ages with mental conditions, be sure to explore this more detailed article on music therapy and mental health.

If you’d like to understand more about adult ADHD, ADDA+ offers 200+ webinars, peer support groups, work groups, and much more.

About the Author

Will is a freelance writer & blogger. If you are interested in more information on music therapy, audio guides and gear reviews , be sure to check out Will’s audio guides here .

Follow Will on Facebook or Google

The post Can Music Therapy Help with ADHD? appeared first on ADDA - Attention Deficit Disorder Association.

The post How can I find the right doctor for a clinical diagnosis and treatment? appeared first on ADDA - Attention Deficit Disorder Association.

The post How do we handle ADHD and comorbidities? appeared first on ADDA - Attention Deficit Disorder Association.

Sometimes I think of emotional regulation and ADHD like driving in a snowstorm (I live in the northeast). You’re just driving down the road, going about your business and then it starts to flurry. At first it looks pretty, but as you admire it you notice it’s actually coming down pretty hard.

Suddenly you’re a little worried, so you deliberately slow down and ask yourself some questions:

• What caused me to get so scared all of a sudden?
• Should I continue down this road?
• What do I want to do right now?

If you find that you need to stop until the snow slows down, that’s always an option as well.

It helps to remember that emotions, no matter how strong they hit us, are much like storms. They come and go and generally don’t last forever. If you like ocean waves, that’s an excellent metaphor, too.

It’s more about learning to navigate the emotions. Feeling them, acknowledging them, but not getting lost in the storm.

If you take actions or use words that hurt someone, obviously it’s important to make it right.

The best thing you can do, aside from getting perspective around emotions, is to develop a set of tools for when you need them. Therapy, medications, and good personal care are the most obvious places to start.

There are several low cost and even free discussion groups offered through ADDA and other organizations.

If you like learning on your own, one of my favorite books is from James Ochoa, Focused Forward: Navigating the Storms of Adult ADHD. It’s a quick read, and a great place to start.

Hope this helps!

-liz

The post What is the best way to deal with emotional dysregulation? appeared first on ADDA - Attention Deficit Disorder Association.

At this point there are nearly 40 medications approved for the treatment of ADHD. Physicians refer to “first line” treatments which include stimulant medications. And there’s the second line, which refers to medications like strattera. Here’s a fairly current list. 

Whether you present as hyperactive-impulsive, inattentive, or combined, prescribers will work with you to determine what’s best.

I’m not a physician so my best advice would be to ask your prescriber what is available and covered by your insurance. You might have to be patient and try more than one before you find a good fit.

Hope this helps!

-liz

The post What kinds of new ADHD medications are available for adults? appeared first on ADDA - Attention Deficit Disorder Association.

Q: If one had never been tested but finds that Ritalin perks one up to focus and concentrate is that a sign of ADHD? I have always been nervous and think the Ritalin could make the nervousness worse. 

First, I wouldn’t take an prescription medication unless it was prescribed for you. Just wanted to get that out of the way.

Next, many of the symptoms you describe do sound ADHD-like. But I am not a trained psychologist or medical doctor.

My best advice would be to find a professional who specializes in ADHD to give you a full diagnostic evaluation.

Here is a list of providers – https://add.org/professional-directory/

And a self-test from ADDA – https://add.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/adhd-questionnaire-ASRS111.pdf

Another list of providers – https://chadd.org/organization-directory/

Try a self-assessment first, then search for a provider in your area for the evaluation. Take the results of the self-assessment with you to explain your thinking. When it comes to ADHD having the diagnosis is essential to finding proper treatment.

Good luck!

xoxo

–  Liz

The post Ritalin for the Suspected ADHDer appeared first on ADDA - Attention Deficit Disorder Association.