ADHD Awareness – What is it and How to Get Help

9It’s October, which means it’s ADHD Awareness Month. But what is ADHD? And how can parents get help for their children? Let’s take a look.

What is ADHD?

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It’s a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause problems with focus, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. It’s most often diagnosed in children, but it can also affect adults. According to CHADD (Children and Adults with ADHD), ADHD affects 11% of school-age children and can continue into adulthood in more than three-quarters of cases.

Signs and Symptoms of ADHD

The signs and symptoms of ADHD can vary from person to person. Some people with ADHD may only have problems with one symptom, while others may experience several. The most common symptoms of ADHD include:

• Inattention: Having trouble paying attention, making careless mistakes, appearing forgetful or spacey, or being easily distracted
• Hyperactivity: Feeling fidgety, restless, or talking excessively
• Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, blurting out answers, or interrupting others

These symptoms can interfere with school, work, and personal relationships. It may be hard to perform daily tasks and ultimately get in the way of reaching your full potential. It is important to think about whether you or your child has experienced any of these symptoms and if they are impacting daily functioning.

How to Get Help for ADHD

If you think your child may have ADHD, the first step is to talk to their doctor. They can rule out other possible causes of the symptoms and refer them to a mental health specialist for an evaluation if necessary. The evaluation will likely include a physical exam, psychological testing, and a review of your medical and family history.

Once ADHD is diagnosed, there are many treatment options available that can help alleviate symptoms and improve functioning. Treatment typically includes medication, psychotherapy, behavior therapy, or educational interventions. It’s important to work with a team of professionals to create the best plan for you and your child.

ADHD and Mental Health

ADHD can impact mental health in several ways. People with ADHD are at an increased risk for developing other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. According to CHADD, up to 30% of children with ADHD and 53% of adults with ADHD experience anxiety. ADHD can lead to significant restlessness, stress, and trouble sleeping, all factors of anxiety.

If your child has ADHD, it may be time to check in with them mentally. ADHD symptoms can heighten their stress and lead to feelings of anxiety or other mental illnesses, especially when your child is experiencing stress from school or their personal life. It’s important to have an open and understanding conversation about how they’re feeling. If you think your child may be experiencing anxiety or depression alongside ADHD, talking to a mental health professional can help.

Dayrise Wellness: Teen and Young Adult Mental Health Therapy

Dayrise Wellness focuses solely on mental health therapy for teens and young adults. With this specific focus, our therapists are well-positioned to help your child with the daily pressures they are going through. At Dayrise, we understand that mental health needs for teens and young adults are unique and ever-changing. Whether your child is struggling with ADHD, anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition, we can help.

If you are looking to learn more about us or get started with a free initial consultation, click the link here to start your journey at Dayrise today!