So you think you have ADHD

Introduction to ADHD:

To my knowledge the first client I worked with who had ADHD was in 2015. Like many people at that time their condition was undiagnosed, although some years later things are now changing. My understanding is ADHD was formerly know as ADD, which would mean ADD/ADHD was being recognised in North America since 1902. Yes that far back and ever since then the understanding in diagnosis, education and wider society is evolving. Therapists also recognise the need to continue learning and evolving so that we can support our clients living with ADHD.

What is ADHD:

I understand ADHD or its full name, Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder is a part of a group of neurodevelopmental conditions that includes autism and dyslexia. It is generally agreed that individuals develop these conditions from a young age. Having ADHD can range and present differently in individuals, so that for example one individual may deal more with attention and focus issues. Whilst another might deal with hyperactivity and restlessness. ADHD used to be under diagnosed but in the past ten years or so, there has been an increase to the point were some professionals are concerned with over diagnosis.

Why the increase:

From what I am gleaning in practice and general social observation three key areas stand out:

• it may not be that more people have ADHD than previously. It may be that societally we are more aware of ADHD than we used to be.

• we have more things than ever competing for our attention; devices, social media and other forms of media. We are in the age of information and with unprecedented access to it.

• questions are emerging as to whether trauma and difficult life experience can contribute or overlap similar symptoms found with having and living with ADHD.

The many ways counselling and therapy can help and support clients with ADHD including:

• recognising symptoms.

• learning how ADHD and its various symptoms may be affecting their focus, sleep, moods and more generally in relationships, work and life.

• how to integrate and live mindfully with ADHD.

Alongside various medications it is widely recognised that therapy can help clients living with and trying to manage ADHD. Therapy with clients with ADHD online or Therapy with clients who I see and help in Kingston can range from clients trying to get a diagnosis or come to terms with one. It is important to understand what stage the client is at with their ADHD and overall life journey. Once this has been established there are various therapy approaches and many ADHD books highlight Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or CBT for ADHD in particular. CBT tools and techniques for ADHD can help clients make more conscious and mindful choices over compulsive, impulsive and self medicating behaviours for example. Essentially then counselling clients with ADHD who I see online or counselling clients with ADHD in person feel more and better in control of their lives.

Many famous people and celebrities are being increasingly more open about living with ADHD and from a Google search these include:

• Barry Keoghan

• Mel B

• Greta Gerwig

• Kit Harington

• Paris Hilton

• Sir Lewis Hamilton MBE

Did you know this piece of interesting general knowledge about ADHD:

• some people with ADHD can have hyper abilities; such as focusing and emotional attunement.

• therapy as well as medication can help those living with ADHD better manage their condition.

• sugar does not cause ADHD but too much sugar for any persons with or without ADHD has it’s own problems, but let’s leave that for another blog shall we.

What do you think you know about ADHD which may be just a harmless interesting piece of general knowledge? Or what might you be finding confusing about all the information re ADHD that is out there? If you or someone you know is struggling with ADHD or ADHD symptoms and you want to know if counselling can help and how we can work together, please get in contact either via email jessica@rightinsightcounselling.co.uk or by phone 07795 253 457.