Treatment for ADHD in Adults
Effective Psychotherapy For Adults With ADHD
Newport Beach | Orange County CA
Do You Struggle With Organization, Focus & Timeliness?
What Does ADHD Look Like In Adults?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is typically diagnosed in children and teens (Froehlich, Lanphear, Epstein, Barbaresi, Katusic, & Kahn, 2007; DSM-5). As the research on ADHD did not gain momentum in the field until approximately 20 years ago, many people with ADHD have grown up undiagnosed. Many adults struggle with undiagnosed ADHD or symptoms of attention deficit who could benefit from diagnosis and treatment.
ADHD is rooted in differences in brain function. Research has identified possible neurological explanations for symptoms of ADHD (see Rubia, Smith, Brammer, Toone, & Taylor, 2005; Yu-Feng, 2007), particularly related to activity in the prefrontal and temporal cortices in the brain. Symptoms of ADHD begin to emerge early in childhood as social expectations are increased, such as simple household chores or interacting with other children.
ADHD is a diagnostic category used to describe consistent inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that prevents people from everyday functioning. If you struggle with any of the following, you may struggle with treatable symptoms of ADHD:
Staying organized
Interrupting others in conversation
Keeping track of thoughts
Motivation to finish tasks
Sitting still during meetings
Impulse control
Although people commonly refer to ADHD as one disorder, three subtypes of ADHD have been identified.
So, what can we do to help?
Treatment for ADHD in adults is similar to treatment for kids, as the first step involves accurate assessment of symptoms and diagnosis. Many other disorders can manifest in similar ways, and the treatment is different for each disorder.
The three main subtypes of ADHD include:
Predominantly inattentive presentation
Difficulty maintaining attention or focus to one task
Often makes careless mistakes
Difficulty organizing or keeping track of schedule
Frequently loses things
Easily distracted
Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation
Constant squirming, fidgeting, bouncing
Difficulty being quiet or waiting
Interrupts others frequently
Agitated, unable to sit still
Combined presentation
A combination of inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms
Typically the most severe type
Many of these symptoms are common in childhood and are overlooked as “bratty” or “typical” behaviors. In determining a diagnosis, the severity and duration of the symptoms are the determining factor between the normal and the dysfunctional. Left untreated, ADHD can impact the life trajectory of a child. This means that many adults may have missed opportunities in life due to untreated symptoms.
Here are a few examples of other issues that look like ADHD:
Depression
Inability to focus or concentrate
Irritability and aggression
Slower processing speed
Anxiety
Difficulty staying on task
Fidgeting and squirming
Racing thoughts
Lack of focus
Learning Disability
Difficulty with certain work or school related tasks
Specific areas of learning deficits
Of course, ADHD can also be present with other disorders. Psychologists call this comorbidity, which identifies multiple disorders that feed into and worsen the others. For example, difficulty focusing would likely make us feel depressed, angry or anxious.
Accurate diagnosis might also include specific testing for ADHD using neuropsychological tests. If you would like to learn more about testing for ADHD, check out the page on Diagnostic Assessment under ADHD.
Once we have a clear diagnosis, I design a treatment plan to help manage symptoms and improve functioning in the affected areas. For example, if you struggle to keep tasks organized at work, we would begin by identifying coping strategies for that deficit.
Treatment objectives for ADHD might include:
Improving organizational skills
Down-regulating or calming the body
Developing insight regarding attention difficulties
Increased awareness of self and others
Learning to express attachment needs
Over the course of treatment, I carefully monitor progress and identify any additional areas for improvement.
Part of the treatment plan may also involve meeting with your primary care provider (PCP), psychiatrist, or other prescribers to consult regarding the use of medication.
Medication can be an effective way to moderate hyperactive behaviors (Nair, Ehimare, Beitman, Nair, & Lavin, 2006). However, stimulants tend to be overprescribed in the United States (Jensen, Kettle, Roper, Sloan, Dulcan, Hoven, & Payne, 1999). Adults are at lower risk than children for the negative effects of taking stimulant medication, collaboration with your prescriber is necessary. We will work as a team to determine the most effective strategy for treatment.
If your child struggles with inattention or hyperactive behaviors, take a look at the Treatment of ADHD page to learn more.
If you believe you or a loved one struggles with symptoms of ADHD, please contact me today. Let’s begin the process of improving your life and getting you on track to being your best self.
Interested? Let’s connect!
If you or your child are interested in therapy services, contact me as soon as possible. I would love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have about my practice.
It is never too late for your child to receive treatment. I believe I can help make a difference in your child’s life.
Together, we can help them reach their potential.
Dr. Montgomery holds dual certifications in Clinical Psychology (California Board of Psychology PSY28475) and Family Therapy (California Board of Behavioral Sciences MFT49608). He has dedicated his professional and academic activities to understanding and addressing psychological, behavioral and interpersonal health in children, adolescents, and families.
Education:
Psy.D. Clinical Psychology
M.A. Clinical Psychology
M.S. Counseling Psychology
B.A. Psychology