Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, affecting both children and adults. As a complex mental health condition, ADHD can significantly interfere with daily life, impacting school, work, and relationships. To accurately diagnose and treat ADHD, it is essential to understand the disorder, recognize ADHD symptoms, and consider related mental disorders that often coexist.

There are three main ADHD presentations:

Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: Individuals may experience inattentive symptoms such as trouble staying focused, paying attention, or following instructions.

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: Individuals show signs like impulsive behavior, difficulty waiting, and hyperactivity.

• • Combined Presentation: Features both inattentive and hyperactive impulsive ADHD symptoms.

To diagnose ADHD, a medical evaluation is necessary, often involving a detailed medical history, input from multiple sources, and comparison against the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. ADHD symptoms may vary by age and context:

Children with ADHD often show signs of being easily distracted, making careless mistakes, having trouble waiting their turn, and struggling to sit still.

Adult ADHD symptoms may include difficulty focusing, impulsive decisions, poor self-esteem, trouble with time management, and frequent forgetfulness.

In both groups, ADHD tends to impair brain development and executive function, which leads to struggles in organization, motivation, and attention.

While the exact cause of ADHD remains unknown, research has identified several risk factors:

Genetic factors and family history

Brain injuries or differences in brain structure and function

Environmental risk factors such as exposure to toxins during pregnancy

Premature birth and low birth weight

Early childhood trauma or neglect

Environmental factors can also play a role in how ADHD occurs and how severe the condition becomes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to support clinical trials and research to better understand these connections.

ADHD often overlaps with other psychiatric disorders and mental health conditions. Some of the most common include:

Anxiety disorders

Mood disorders, including bipolar disorder

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)

Conduct disorder

Autism spectrum disorder

Learning disabilities

Sleep disorders

Substance use disorders and substance abuse

These co-occurring conditions can complicate diagnosis and treatment, making it crucial to accurately diagnose ADHD alongside other disorders.

Healthcare providers diagnose ADHD by assessing whether an individual has at least six symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. They also consider the age of onset, duration, and impact on daily life. A full medical evaluation may include interviews, behavior assessments, and ruling out other medical or mental health conditions.

reatment aims to improve symptoms and help individuals thrive. At Metro Psychotherapy & Counseling, we use evidence-based interventions tailored to each client. Our ADHD treatment approach includes:

Behavioral Interventions

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps manage negative thinking, impulsive behavior, and emotional regulation.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Focuses on psychological flexibility and values-based actions.

Additional Support

Parent training and coaching (for younger children)

Educational accommodations under the Disabilities Act

Lifestyle strategies to reduce environmental factors impacting behavior

While medication can be effective, especially in combination with therapy, our primary focus is on non-pharmacological interventions that address the central nervous system without the side effects of medication.