Metro Atlanta ADHD Counseling

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders in children and is now increasingly diagnosed in adults as well. While ADHD is common, it can be difficult to diagnose, and the best treatment option isn’t always clear. At CNSL, our therapists provide ADHD management and support options for our Georgia clients.

What Is ADHD? 

ADHD is a type of neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how the brain develops and functions. While it is commonly diagnosed in children and may extend into adulthood, ADHD may also be diagnosed later in life. Children who have ADHD may have difficulty controlling decisions, be overly active, or may act impulsively. Adults with ADHD may continue to have major symptoms that extend from childhood and impact everyday life and functioning.

Symptoms of ADHD

The symptoms of ADHD may look different in children than they do in adults. In children, common symptoms include:

• Daydreaming
• Forgetting tasks
• Fidgeting and being unable to sit still
• Talking too much
• Being unable to resist temptation
• Difficulty taking turns
• Difficulty getting along with others
• Taking unnecessary risks

While it’s normal for children to have a lot of energy or exhibit many of the behaviors listed here, a child with ADHD experiences these symptoms in a more severe and persistent way. Children with ADHD may have an especially hard time paying attention and sitting still, and they may constantly seem restless and are very easy to distract.

In adults, symptoms may be a little different. Some adult ADHD symptoms include:

• Impulsivity
• Low tolerance for frustration
• Easy to anger
• Difficulty coping with stress
• Difficulty multitasking
• Poor planning ability
• Difficulty prioritizing tasks and problems

In adults, ADHD can be extremely interruptive and make it hard to maintain productive personal and professional relationships. In children, it can interfere with learning and productivity and lead to behavioral issues. 

ADHD Treatment

ADHD is often treated with a combination of prescription medication and behavioral therapy; however, it is very important that people—especially parents seeking treatment for their children—understand all of their options. Behavioral therapy can help kids develop great skills for managing their ADHD, including things like creating checklists, using a planner, and rewards charts. Children with ADHD may also benefit from things like working to develop healthy eating habits, participating in physical activities like team sports and age-appropriate exercise, limiting screen time, and getting the right amount of sleep based on the child’s age.

Similarly, adults with ADHD may also benefit from behavioral therapy. Working with a therapist can help a person learn how to identify and reduce their impulsive behavior, prioritize tasks, improve self-esteem, manage anger, and more.

Can Working with an ADHD Therapist Help Me? 

If you or your child have ADHD, working with an ADHD therapist may help. While medication is a consideration, medication isn’t always the appropriate solution or best treatment option. At CNSL, our ADHD therapists provide behavioral therapy for both children and adults of all ages. To learn more about ADHD treatment and how it may benefit you or your child, reach out to us by phone or online. Our therapists are accepting new patients.