What it is:
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurological disorder that involves difficulties with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Some adults experience more difficulties with inattention (e.g., easily distracted, memory problems, problems following directions), others experience more impulsivity/hyperactivity problems (e.g., restlessness, difficulty sitting still and waiting in line, excessive talking, etc.), and some adults experience both of these types of symptoms. ADHD can cause difficulties at school/work, within families and significant relationships, and day-to-day functioning such as organization and time management skills. These difficulties often begin in childhood and can persist into adulthood when individuals are not able to obtain effective coping skills.
Does This Sound Familiar?
- I find it extremely difficult to focus on tasks I find boring or tedious.
- I often misplace or lose things like my keys or phone.
- I find it hard to switch between tasks or I am easily distracted during a task.
- I often lose the thread in a conversation or space out.
- I often say things without thinking or interrupt others and it causes problems in my relationships.
- I can hyper-focus on things when I enjoy or are fascinated by them; often losing track of time or other things I should be doing.
- I have a really hard time delaying gratification; my brain tends to focus on “right now”.
- I struggle with tasks that require attention to detail, multiple steps, or with very distant or intangible goals.
- Internal motivation (e.g., wanting to do something) rarely works unless there is also an external motivator (e.g. deadline or external punisher).
- Other people tell me they are frustrated at how often I forget or am late to things.
- People tell me I am disorganized.
- I need to be moving, fidgeting, or multi-tasking to focus or feel settled.
Associated Concerns:
- Mood disturbance and anxiety often occur with ADHD.
- Some individuals may struggle with substance use, which is often used to self-medicate symptoms of ADHD.
- Adults commonly experience work and relationship difficulties associated with their ADHD symptoms.
Specialty Services at TAP:
Below are a list of empirically supported assessments or therapies that one or more of our specialists could provide. Click on an intervention to learn more!