ADHD: What Symptoms should you look for?

By: Diane Ulloa

For many people who have ADHD it is difficult for them to pinpoint a specific action or reaction that is attributed to their neurodivergent mind. For many, ADHD comes with difficulty towards staying focused or forgetfulness. For others, it can be expressed differently. Sometimes it is shown in how one manages their money or perhaps one’s emotions in a traffic jam or impatience waiting in line. There are many symptoms that can be explained by ADHD diagnosis. If someone is struggling with ADHD but is unaware of how to identify it, they can look for these symptoms:

• Impulsiveness
• Disorganization
• Problems prioritizing
• Poor time management skills
• Problems focusing on a task
• Trouble multitasking
• Excessive activity or restlessness
• Poor planning
• Low frustration tolerance
• Frequent moodswings
• Problems following through and completing tasks
• Hot temper
• Trouble coping with stress

Although it may feel like everyone and anyone has these symptoms, ADHD is diagnosed when the symptoms are severe and interfere with everyday activities.

Patients with ADHD generally also have another mental health disorder such as depression or anxiety. Psychotherapy helps people manage these symptoms and uses Cognitive-behavioral therapy [CBT] which is one of the most commonly used treatments for patients with ADHD. CBT is also considered to be the most effective psychotherapy. CBT for ADHD involves changing people’s thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors to better deal with everyday situations. Psychotherapy gives people with ADHD tailored support and advice, and improved communication skills, along with the opportunity to develop coping skills for stress and many situations that will occur in daily life.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health please contact our psychotherapy offices in New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Psychotherapy & Psychiatric Services. Contact our NJ offices respectively at (201)368-3700 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://counselingpsychotherapynjny.com

Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adult-adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350878

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/30/business/women-adhd-money.htmlhttps://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/adhd-psychotherapy#Types