Are you having a hard time focusing, or you tend to hyperfocus? Is time management a real challenge for you? Do you tend to wait until the very last minute to work on something that you’ve had a lot of time to do? ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder has been missed for many people, due to symptoms can look so different for everyone.
There are three types of ADHD:
1. Inattentive version (used to be known as ADD)
2. Hyperactivity & impulsivity
3. Combination: Inattentive and hyperactivity
Inattentive ADHD Symptoms:
Inattentive ADHD means the person is easily distracted, and can not hold attention for long enough to get full instructions or fully understand what is happening in front of them. When they are not focused, even missing a couple words can make a difference in understanding and following instructions. If you miss many moments, you can feel very behind.
o Inability to pay attention for sustained amounts of time. If you get distracted many times while reading a page, you might have this symptom
o Does not seem to listen when spoken to: daydreaming or deeply thinking of other things
o Misses detail, makes careless mistakes
o Loses important things (e.g. wallets, schoolwork tools, keys, phones)
o Does not follow through on instructions
o Easily distracted: any noise or moment and the full attention gets distracted to it.
Hyperactivity and Impulsivity ADHD
This looks more like the person has a constant motor always on the go. They are more likely to engage in impulsive desires and thoughts. The some of the symptoms for this version are:
o Always on the GO
o Can’t sit still- always and excuse to get up
o Squirms or fidgets
o Talks a lot, doesn’t know where to stop
o Interrupts people when they are talking
o Having a hard time waiting for their turn
o Always running and jumping on things
o Stems (for example, rocking back and forth, biting nails, legs shaking, )
o Calls out answers before the question is fully asked
These are just some of the examples, and not all of them have to be a challenge for a mental health professional or a doctor to diagnose someone with ADHD. Some of the unknown qualities on ADHD are how the brain works differently than neuro typical individuals.
One of these struggles is rejection sensitivity. The individual often believes another persons actions or responses have to do with them and not being social, smart or competent enough. This eventually builds the narrative of the individual not being good enough in comparison to others. They often feel behind, stupid, social awkward etc from their peers, creating a negative self view.
Another issue people with ADHD suffer from is overstimulation. Since they are being distracted by every sound, movement, feeling, social exchange, nuances, and lights thy can become exhausted in this stimulation, and can shut down. Someone with ADHD has to listen to their bodies and remove themselves into a quiet space occasionally to let the nervous system reset.
Individuals with ADHD feel emotions very intensely and very quickly. Understanding narratives, emotions and creating coping strategies in the therapy process can help them honor their gifts and take care of themselves.
Immediate availability for our Gaithersburg and Frederick offices, as well as virtual sessions are available. Contact us today to schedule your FREE initial consultation so we can begin to help you feel your best!