ADHD Counselling Online

Adult ADHD Counselling

Around 1 in every 20 Australians are diagnosed with ADHD (previously called ADD) with symptoms beginning in childhood. ADHD is typically under diagnosed in girls and adults and treatment for the disorder usually involves both medication, prescribed by a GP or psychiatrist as well as psychological treatments. Kind Mind Psychology have professional online ADHD psychologists trained in improving the lives of adults with this disorder. 

What is Adult ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is not limited to childhood; it can persist into adulthood causing difficulties in many areas of the adults life. ADHD individuals have noticeable differences in certain brain structures and functions. Adult ADHD is a complex neuro-developmental condition that is influenced by genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors. This affects your brain’s executive functioning - your ability to self-regulate and control thoughts, words, behaviours and emotions. ADHD is characterised by a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interferes with daily functioning and quality of life.

What are the types of ADHD recognised in the DSM-5?

There are three main types of ADHD recognised in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These types are:

1. Inattentive Type: is where a difficulty sustaining focus and attention is predominate causing trouble organising tasks, making careless errors, and frequently forgetting appointments or obligations. Symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity are less common with this type.

2. Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: is marked by significant hyperactivity and impulsivity where it is difficult to sit still, impatience with waiting for your turn, impulsive behaviours. Symptoms of inattention are less common with this type.

3. Combined presentation: involves a combination of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity symptoms are exhibited. 

What are the symptoms of Adult ADHD?

The symptoms and diagnostic criteria for adult ADHD are similar to those in children but may manifest differently due to the different demands and responsibilities of adulthood.

Common Symptoms of Adult ADHD:

1. Inattention: Adults with ADHD may struggle to sustain focus and attention to detail with certain tasks. They can easily (and often) forget appointments and obligations, make careless mistakes, and find it hard to organise tasks and activities.

2. Hyperactivity: While the hyperactivity component of ADHD tends to decrease in adulthood, some individuals may still experience restlessness, difficulty staying seated, or a constant need to be "on the go."

3. Impulsivity: Impulsive behaviour in adults with ADHD may lead to problems in social and professional settings. They may make hasty decisions, interrupt others, and have trouble waiting their turn.

4. Emotional Dysregulation: It is very common for adults with ADHD to struggle with managing their emotions. They may experience mood swings, anxiety, have difficulty handling frustration, and be more susceptible to stress and depression.

5. Procrastination and Time Management Issues: Managing time, prioritising tasks, and meeting deadlines are common challenges for adults with ADHD.

How is Adult ADHD Diagnosed?

Diagnosing adult ADHD involves a comprehensive assessment process performed by a team including your GP, a psychologist, and a psychiatrist. The assessment typically includes a review of the individual's medical and family history, a physical examination, and a detailed assessment of behavioural and cognitive symptoms. Additionally, information from childhood is often considered to confirm the presence of symptoms in earlier life. The professional online psychologists at Kind Mind Psychology can help with the assessment process as they are trained in the assessment and screening for ADHD. 

Online Psychology Therapies for Adult ADHD:

Treatment for adult ADHD includes medication prescribed by a medical professional and counselling sessions to address the psychological symptoms. These are the treatments offered online:

1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and coaching, can help adults with ADHD develop coping strategies and improve executive function skills. These therapies can assist in addressing issues related to time management, organisation, and impulsivity. Our professional online psychologists can coach you through identifying unhelpful thoughts and beliefs which are causing distress and poor coping skills, and teach ways to challenge these thoughts and beliefs to improve your emotional wellbeing and behaviours.

2. Psychoeducation: Education about ADHD is an important step for adults to understand the nature of the disorder, its impact on their life, and strategies for self-management. Psychoeducation can help to reduce self-stigma and improve self-advocacy and self-esteem. Your professional online therapist will educate you on the many strengths ADHD offers and how to harness these to enhance your life.

3. Lifestyle changes and Self-Care: It is common for undiagnosed Adults with ADHD to self-medicate through the use of substances like alcohol or other drugs, only to cause more harm in their lives i.e., addiction issues.

Making changes in your lifestyle choices, such as quitting or reducing substances, participating in regular exercise, improving nutrition, and getting into a healthy sleep routine go towards improving ADHD symptoms. Stress management techniques and mindfulness practices can also be valuable to improving concentration and attention.