ADHD Therapy in Hamilton, ON

It's important to remember that seeking help for ADHD is not a sign of weakness but a proactive step towards better managing your condition!

With the right therapy and support, individuals with ADHD can develop strategies to overcome challenges and thrive in their personal and professional lives.

Book a free consultation at Access Therapy to find a qualified ADHD therapist to help you find the support and treatment you need to thrive!

Understanding ADHD

ADHD is often misunderstood, leading to misconceptions and stigma surrounding the condition.

Many people mistakenly believe that ADHD is simply a behavioural issue or a result of a lack of discipline. However, ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with neurological and genetic origins.

There are three main types of ADHD, each with its own set of symptoms and challenges:

Types of ADHD

Inattentive Type

Inattentive ADHD, also known as ADHD-PI (Predominantly Inattentive), is characterized by difficulties with attention to detail, organization, and follow-through.
People with this particular type of ADHD often have trouble sustaining focus on tasks or activities, leading to careless mistakes and incomplete work. They may also seem forgetful, easily distracted, and disorganized.
Specific examples of symptoms of inattentive ADHD include:
Difficulty paying attention: Individuals may have trouble staying focused on tasks, conversations, or reading material. They might often get referred to as "daydreamy" or as if they are not listening.
Forgetfulness: Forgetting to complete tasks, losing things necessary for tasks or activities, and being forgetful in daily activities are common signs.
Poor organization: Difficulty organizing tasks and activities, managing time efficiently, and keeping track of belongings can be challenging.
Avoiding tasks that require sustained attention and mental effort: People with inattentive ADHD may avoid or procrastinate tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as schoolwork or paperwork.
Difficulty following instructions: Difficulty following through on instructions and completing tasks, especially if they are tedious or require sustained mental effort.
Easily distracted: Being easily distracted by external stimuli, leading to difficulty staying on task or completing tasks efficiently.
Struggles with details: Overlooking or missing details in work, schoolwork, or other activities, leading to errors or incomplete work.
Poor time management: Difficulty managing time effectively, leading to lateness or missed deadlines.
It's important to note that individuals with inattentive ADHD may not exhibit all of these symptoms, and the severity of symptoms can vary. Additionally, these symptoms can impact various aspects of life, including academic performance, work productivity, and relationships.
Hyperactive-Impulsive Type

Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, or Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation (ADHD-PH) is characterized by high levels of physical activity, impulsivity, and difficulty controlling impulses.
People with this type of ADHD may struggle with sitting still, waiting their turn, and controlling their impulses, which can impact their ability to focus and interact with others.
Specific examples of symptoms of hyperactive-impulsive ADHD include:
Excessive fidgeting: Constantly moving hands or feet, tapping, or squirming in their seat, even when it's not appropriate.
Difficulty remaining seated: Frequently getting up from their seat in situations where they are expected to remain seated, such as in the classroom or during meetings.
Inability to engage in activities quietly: Often being loud and boisterous, even in situations where it's important to be quiet.
Talking excessively: Talking excessively or blurting out answers before questions have been completed.
Difficulty being patient or waiting their turn: Interrupting others, blurting out answers, or intruding on conversations or games.
Impulsive decision-making: Making decisions impulsively without considering the consequences, which can lead to risky behaviours.
Difficulty engaging in leisure activities quietly: Being loud and disruptive during leisure activities or unable to engage in quiet, focused activities.
Acting before thinking: Acting on impulse without thinking through the consequences, which can lead to accidents or conflicts.
Difficulty following instructions: Struggling to follow instructions or complete tasks that require sustained mental effort, often due to impulsivity and distractibility.
Restlessness: Feeling restless or constantly needing to be on the move, even in situations where it's not appropriate.
Combined Type

Combined Presentation ADHD (ADHD-C) is a subtype of ADHD characterized by the presence of symptoms from both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories.
Individuals with ADHD-C exhibit a wide range of symptoms that can significantly impact their daily lives.
Some examples of symptoms of Combined Presentation ADHD include:
Hyperactivity: Excessive fidgeting, restlessness, or difficulty staying seated in situations where it is expected.
Social challenges: Difficulty in social situations, such as interrupting others, not waiting their turn, or having trouble playing cooperatively with peers.
Academic or work challenges: Difficulty completing assignments, staying focused during lectures or meetings, and managing time effectively.
Emotional dysregulation: Mood swings, irritability, or difficulty managing emotions, which can impact relationships and daily functioning.

ADHD is more common than many people realize. Millions of children have been diagnosed with ADHD, with an estimated 6 million based on data from 2016-2019.

While the exact cause of ADHD is not known, it is believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Factors like genetics, exposure to toxins during pregnancy, premature birth, and brain injuries have all been studied concerning ADHD.

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Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD

Diagnosing ADHD involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, like a psychologist or psychiatrist. Often, the first step is to reach out to your family doctor and discuss why you think you (or your loved one) might have ADHD, they can then offer you some options for diagnosis if it’s necessary.

There are two main reasons to seek a diagnosis:

For access to medications
To get accommodations in school or work.

A diagnosis is not required to seek ADHD therapy.

The process typically includes gathering information from the individual, their family, and teachers or colleagues, if applicable

The healthcare provider will assess the presence and severity of ADHD symptoms based on standardized criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

Untreated ADHD can lead to academic or occupational difficulties, low self-esteem, and challenges in social relationships.

That’s why it’s important to explore ADHD diagnoses as early as possible to help manage ADHD effectively and improve long-term outcomes.

Treatment Options for ADHD

Treatment for ADHD typically involves a combination of medication, ADHD therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Therapy

ADHD behaviour therapy and cognitive therapy can be effective non-pharmacological interventions.

Behavioural therapy for ADHD focuses on modifying behaviours and developing coping strategies to manage symptoms. Techniques like positive reinforcement, time management skills, and organizational strategies can all be helpful tools for individuals to manage their ADHD.

Cognitive therapy, on the other hand, identifies and changes negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to ADHD symptoms. By helping individuals develop problem-solving skills and improve self-control, cognitive therapy can help manage impulsivity and improve focus.

Medication

Psychiatrists might prescribe medication to an individual with ADHD to better manage their symptoms. Common medications for ADHD are stimulants like Adderall and Vyvance.

These medications can improve focus, attention, and impulse control in individuals with ADHD. But they might also have side effects like decreased appetite, sleep disturbances, or irritability.

Benefits and Potential Side Effects

Each treatment approach for ADHD has its own benefits and potential side effects. Medication can be effective in managing symptoms, but it might not be suitable for everyone and may require regular monitoring by a healthcare provider.

Cognitive and behaviour therapy ADHD therapies offer alternative treatment options that can be used alone or in combination with medication to optimize symptom management and improve overall functioning.

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Behavioural Therapy for ADHD

ADHD behavioural therapy is a structured approach that aims to modify specific behaviours. It is based on the principles of learning theory, focusing on the relationship between behaviour and its consequences.

The goal of behavioural therapy is to replace negative or disruptive behaviours with positive ones, improving self-control and overall functioning.

Some techniques in behavioural ADHD therapy for adults include:

Task bundling: This technique involves putting a task you dread and have little motivation for– like laundry– with something you love– like watching your favourite show. Backpacking off of the dopamine hit of the desired task makes the dreaded one more approachable and manageable.

Time management skills: Behavioural therapy also focuses on teaching individuals with ADHD effective time management skills. This may include breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable parts, setting realistic goals, and using tools such as timers or planners to stay organized.

Cognitive Therapy for ADHD

Cognitive therapy, also known as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), is a psychological treatment approach that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours. It is based on the premise that our thoughts influence our emotions and behaviours, and by changing our thoughts, we can change how we feel and act.

While both cognitive and behavioural therapies are effective in treating ADHD, they target different aspects of the disorder.

Behavioural therapy focuses on modifying specific behaviours associated with ADHD, such as impulsivity or inattention, using techniques like positive reinforcement and token economies.

Cognitive therapy, on the other hand, addresses the underlying thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to ADHD symptoms. It helps individuals identify distorted or negative thinking patterns and develop more adaptive ways of thinking. By changing these cognitive patterns, individuals can better manage their emotions and behaviours related to ADHD.

Some strategies used in an ADHD cognitive behavioural therapy approach include:

Cognitive restructuring: This technique involves identifying negative or irrational thoughts related to ADHD symptoms and replacing them with more positive and realistic thoughts. For example, a person with ADHD who often feels overwhelmed by tasks may learn to reframe their thoughts to focus on what they can accomplish rather than what they cannot.
Problem-solving skills: Cognitive therapy teaches individuals with ADHD how to effectively problem-solve and manage challenges in daily life. This may include breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, setting achievable goals, and developing strategies to overcome obstacles.
Mindful and relaxation techniques: These techniques help individuals with ADHD become more aware of their thoughts and emotions, allowing them to respond more effectively to stressors and distractions. Mindfulness practices such as meditation and deep breathing can also help improve focus and attention.
Behavioural experiments: Cognitive therapy often includes behavioural experiments to test the validity of negative thoughts and beliefs. By experimenting with new behaviours and observing the outcomes, individuals can gain insight into the relationship between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, leading to positive changes.

Managing ADHD Symptoms in Work and Daily Life

ADHD can present unique challenges for adults, as symptoms may manifest differently than in children. Adults with ADHD may struggle with time management, organization, and maintaining relationships.

They may also experience difficulties in the workplace, such as poor performance, frequent job changes, and conflict with colleagues.

Therapy approaches for adult ADHD patients often focus on developing practical skills and strategies to manage symptoms in daily life. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is particularly effective, as it helps adults identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to ADHD symptoms.

Strategies for Managing ADHD Symptoms

Time management: Adults with ADHD can benefit from using tools like planners, calendars, and reminders to manage their time effectively. Breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable parts can also help them visualize time.
Organization: Creating a structured environment and establishing routines can help adults with ADHD stay organized, like using labels, storage bins, and digital organization apps.
Communication skills: Developing strong communication skills can help adults with ADHD navigate social interactions and relationships more effectively. It’s also beneficial to learn to express needs and concerns clearly so folks with ADHD can reduce misunderstandings and conflict.
Stress management: Managing stress is crucial for adults with ADHD, as stress can exacerbate symptoms. Mindfulness techniques, meditation, and exercise can all help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Workplace accommodations: Adults with ADHD may benefit from workplace accommodations, like flexible work hours, noise-cancelling headphones, and written instructions. Employers can also provide training on ADHD awareness and support to their employees to better educate their employees.