How do I know if I have ADHD?
Maybe you’re a bit scattered. Maybe you tend to procrastinate or lose important items. Or maybe your friends and family tell you that you have ADHD. But how do you know if you really do have ADHD and what do you do about it?
What is ADHD?
Outwardly, ADHD often looks like hyperactivity and or a persistent issue with inattention. At its core ADHD is an issue with the motivation to maintain focus. Individuals with ADHD often describe the process of engaging in a process-oriented task like being in a rowboat on a rocky sea late at night and being asked to thread a needle. Thinking about ADHD in these terms makes sense why someone would put off sending emails, organizing their finances, or taking care of other important work and school related tasks.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
ADHD can be diagnosed by medical providers such as doctors, therapists, psychiatrists or via a lengthier neuropsychological evaluation. The neuro psych evaluation is often required by work and school places as a requirement to gain access to helpful accommodations. Working with a therapist is a place where you can get tailored treatment and skills and a deeper understanding of what your ADHD means to you.
What can be done about ADHD?
ADHD is treatable with stimulant medication, which is one of the most effective ways to reduce impulsivity and inattention.
However, therapy is a place where individuals with ADHD can receive coaching and find solutions to the day-to-day issues that arise around organization and time management.
Therapy is also a place to safely explore the emotions which arise around having lived without a diagnosis as well as the impact ADHD can have on relationships and self-esteem.
About Emily Gumm
Emily is a psychotherapist based in Chicago Illinois. Her therapeutic approach is collaborative and relaxed. We live in a complex, contradictory and sometimes painful world. Sometimes in trying to give to everyone, you cannot give as much to the relationships that are the most important – much less to yourself! You are not broken and you are doing your best to navigate your connections and personal value. By partnering with you, you find yourself supported in making the changes you want. You can live a fulfilling life, with strong connections, all while taking care of you.
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