Dr. Sylvia Gindy, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Tal Gershon, LMHC
Mental Health Counselor
Valerie Graf, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker
Flor Villagrán, LMHC
Mental Health Counselor
Adeyemi Aladenika, LMHC
Mental Health Counselor
What is ADHD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, commonly known as ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in childhood and continues into adulthood. It is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, which can affect your relationships, academic or professional performance, and overall well-being.
While ADHD is commonly diagnosed in childhood, it can persist into adulthood and continue to pose challenges in professional and personal life. Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD experienced several symptoms of ADHD before age 12. As adults, they currently experience symptoms of Inattention and/or symptoms of Hyperactivity-Impulsivity. These symptoms are present in two or more environments and interfere with, or reduce your quality of life.
Types of ADHD
ADHD has three primary types:
- Predominantly Inattentive
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive
- Combined Type
Inattentive involves difficulties in focusing, organizing, and finishing tasks. Hyperactivity-impulsivity is characterized by restlessness and impulsive behaviors. The Combined type involves both Inattention and Hyperactivity-Impulsivity.
Signs You May Have ADHD
Signs of Inattention include:
- Trouble paying attention to details or making seemingly careless mistakes at work
- Trouble sustaining attention for long tasks, such as preparing reports, completing forms, or reviewing lengthy papers
- Difficulty listening closely when spoken to directly
- Trouble following instructions and finishing duties in the workplace
- Difficulty organizing tasks and managing time
- Losing items frequently, such as keys, wallets, and phones
- Easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or stimuli
- Frequently forgetful in daily activities, such as paying bills, keeping appointments, or returning calls
Signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity include:
- Experiencing extreme restlessness, difficulty sitting still for extended periods, and/or wearing others out with one’s activity
- Fidgeting with or tapping hands or feet, or squirming in seat
- Unable to engage quietly in leisure activities
- Talking excessively
- Having difficulty waiting your turn, such as waiting in line
- Interrupting others
How Does ADHD Affect Adults?
Many adults are not aware that they have ADHD. It may feel as though it is impossible to get organized, stick to a job, or remember to keep appointments. Daily tasks such as getting up in the morning, preparing to leave the house for work, arriving at work on time, and being productive on the job can be especially challenging for adults with undiagnosed ADHD.
Some people are not diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood because teachers or family did not recognize the condition at a younger age, they had a mild form of ADHD, or they managed well until they experienced the demands of adulthood. Sometimes, young adults with undiagnosed ADHD have academic problems in college because of the intense concentration needed for college courses.
Some common challenges for adults with ADHD include:
Anxiety disorders can manifest in a variety of ways, and it is important to be aware of the signs that someone may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Here are some common signs:
- Career and Education: Struggling to keep consistent employment or academic success due to problems with organization, time management, and completing tasks.
- Interpersonal Relationships: Impulsivity and inattention can lead to misunderstandings, communication issues, and challenges with forming and maintaining relationships.
- Emotional Regulation: Adults with ADHD may experience heightened emotions, mood swings, and difficulty managing stress.
- Substance Abuse: There is an increased risk of substance abuse among adults with ADHD as a means of coping with their symptoms.
It’s never too late to seek a diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Effective treatment can make day-to-day life easier for you.
How Therapy Can Help You Manage ADHD
Anxiety disorders can manifest in a variety of ways, and it is important to be aware of the signs that someone may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Here are some common signs:
- Psychoeducation: Learning about ADHD, its symptoms, and its impact on your life increases your awareness and understanding. Advocacy skills teach you how to advocate for your needs and communicate effectively with educators, employers, and peers fosters a supportive environment. Goal setting helps you set realistic and achievable goals, which improves your motivation and confidence.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a evidenced-based therapy used to treat ADHD. It helps you become more aware of your thoughts and behaviors, learn to manage distractions, improve organizational skills, and gain time management skills. Therapists may also use mindfulness practices to improve focus and decrease impulsivity.
- Behavioral Coaching: ADHD coaches work with you to set specific goals, develop action plans, and provide ongoing support to achieve personal and professional success. Coaches help you develop practical skills, such as time management and organization. They offer a safe and understanding environment for you to discuss your experience and receive encouragement for yout progress.
- Stress Management: Stress Management is commonly used to manage ADHD, because symptoms of ADHD can be exacerbated when you’re under stress. Stress Management is a type of therapy that helps you identify and understand your triggers, cope with stress, and use healthy coping strategies to reduce the effects of chronic stress.
- Medication: Medication is another tool for managing ADHD. Stimulant medications increase neurotransmitter activity in the brain, improving attention, focus, and impulse control. Our qualified team of therapists do not prescribe medication, but we can work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan for you. In many cases, a combination of behavioral therapy and medication provides the most comprehensive treatment for ADHD.
Remember, the treatment of ADHD should be tailored to the specific needs of each person. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate and effective treatment plan for treating your ADHD.
ADHD Therapists in New York City
Are you ready to manage your ADHD? Invest in therapy to learn about and treat your ADHD. Our team of experienced therapists is dedicated to helping you navigate your life with ADHD and live your happiest, healthiest life.
Therapy for ADHD isn’t about “fixing” you. Instead, it’s about supporting you in understanding your unique brain, harnessing your strengths, and developing methods for managing life’s challenges. With therapy, ADHD can become a manageable part of your life, allowing you to thrive in your personal and professional endeavors.
Remember, change takes time. But with work and intention, you can overcome the challenges you face. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward managing your ADHD.