Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders within the child and adolescent population and represents one of the most prevalent mental conditions in this age range. Previously, it was believed that ADHD symptoms diminish as individuals transition into adulthood, aligning with the gradual maturation of the brain. However, it is now widely recognized that ADHD often persists into adulthood and if this goes undiagnosed it increases the risk of developing other conditions like anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders.
As an ADHD Therapist in Los Angeles, I work with adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD who are looking for support, tools and a deeper understanding of how to work with and manage their symptoms
WHAT IS ADHD TREATMENT IN LOS ANGELES LIKE?
If you think you have ADHD or have recently been diagnosed with ADHD, you might sometimes find it difficult to navigate through daily life due to issues with organization, planning, and decision-making.
I help adults with ADHD who come to see me feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by ADHD-related symptoms and are tired of seeing everyday tasks as being insurmountable, sick of struggling to maintain focus, stay organized, and manage their responsibilities.
The diagnosis of ADHD might have been a recent revelation, or perhaps you've been aware of it for some time but realize that medication alone isn't the miracle drug you were hoping for.
Imagine a life where you have the tools and strategies to tackle your ADHD head-on. I provide therapeutic services specifically designed for adults with ADHD who are facing difficulties with executive functioning - those crucial mental skills that impact everyday life. I work hard to understand the unique challenges you face and support clients every step of the way in building tools and strategies to help.
At Oliver Drakeford Therapy, you will gain the knowledge and practical skills necessary to tackle executive functioning challenges. Our therapy sessions are tailored to address the specific areas that adults with ADHD often struggle with, such as organization, planning, and decision-making. I provide a safe and non-judgmental environment where you can explore your strengths and develop strategies to overcome these neurodivergent challenges in creative helpful and productive ways.
ADULT ADHD SYMPTOMS ARE SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT
When we think of ADHD in children, the images that often come to mind are those of hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and difficulty focusing. In adulthood, these symptoms undergo a transformation. The overt restlessness seen in children may subside, but it often gives way to subtler, yet equally challenging manifestations. The DSM-5 criteria for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) do not specify whether they are aimed at children or adults. Instead, the criteria provide a general framework for diagnosing ADHD in individuals of all age groups, including children, adolescents, and adults.
ADHD symptoms can often be subtler or more internalized in adults, making them less obvious but no less impactful on daily functioning and quality of life. Understanding the distinct nature of ADHD in adults is going to be crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management, as the condition can profoundly affect various aspects of personal and professional life. As of yet, there is no official diagnosis for 'Adult ADHD', although there are moves towards including this in years to come, including this research which suggested 39 symptoms of Adult ADHD.
FROM HYPERACTIVITY TO EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING ISSUES
The progression of ADHD from childhood to adulthood often involves a significant shift in how symptoms manifest, particularly transitioning from the more overt hyperactivity seen in children to subtler yet complex executive functioning issues in adults. It becomes less about constant physical motion and more about internal restlessness and struggle with self-regulation in cognitive tasks. Perhaps you can relate to this if you're noticing any cognitive challenges that your neuro-typical friends don't seem to have, like difficulties with organization, planning, and decision-making. These are 'executive functions', which are critical mental skills for managing everyday life. With or without medication, these often become the primary areas of struggle for adults with ADHD, impacting both their personal and professional worlds.
This is where ADHD therapy and treatment for ADHD can be extraordinarily helpful, so please book a free consultation call with me to discuss your specific needs and hopes.
Time Management and Organization
One of the most evident manifestations of executive functioning difficulties in adults with ADHD is in time management and organization. The transition from childhood hyperactivity to adult challenges such as a distorted sense of time leads to struggles like chronic lateness or misjudging the duration of tasks. Organizational skills, including task tracking and maintaining orderly spaces, become daunting due to these executive function deficits. This struggle is a fundamental attribute of adult ADHD, deeply rooted in executive functioning rather than mere inattentiveness or disinterest.
Core Executive Function Symptoms in Adult ADHD
Barkley and Murphy's study identifies nine key symptoms that are instrumental in the assessment of ADHD in adults, reflecting significant executive functioning issues. These include:
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Impulsivity in decision-making.
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Challenges in halting ongoing activities or behavior when necessary.
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Tendencies to commence tasks without adequate direction-following.
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Poor adherence to promises or commitments.
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Difficulties in sequencing tasks properly.
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Proneness to excessive speeding while driving.
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A tendency to daydream during activities requiring concentration. These symptoms not only highlight executive functioning deficits but also suggest a nuanced understanding of ADHD in adults, emphasizing cognitive processes over physical hyperactivity.
The findings suggest that these executive function symptoms are more prevalent and discriminating in adults with ADHD compared to control groups. This underscores the importance of executive functioning issues in distinguishing adult ADHD, aligning with Barkley's theory that posits executive functioning as a core construct in understanding ADHD.
Decision-Making Difficulties
For adults with ADHD, decision-making processes are often impeded by impulsivity, a hallmark of the condition's childhood presentation but morphed into a different challenge in adulthood. Decision-making requires careful deliberation and weighing of outcomes, yet impulsivity can lead to premature decisions without fully considering long-term ramifications. This impulsivity stems from the neurobiological aspects of ADHD, underscoring the complexity of the condition beyond mere lack of self-control.
My Approach to ADHD THERAPY.
Living with ADHD can be challenging, impacting various aspects of life. However, recent advancements in research have led to more effective diagnosis, treatment, and management of this neurological disorder. At Oliver Drakeford Therapy in Los Angeles clinic, we work hard to understand the complexities of ADHD and offer a supportive environment for individuals dealing with it. ADHD impacts people in different ways so our first step will be in understanding specifically what areas you want support and to work on. Our approach to helping you depends on your goals and range from insight-oriented understandings of inner conflicts and the origins of the anxiety CBT and DBT for emotional regulations, and even psychodrama to get an experiential understanding of your symptoms. People with ADHD often carry shame and negative self-beliefs which sometimes come to the surface during treatment. We aim to provide a safe space where you can embrace your neurodivergence, find validation and healing.