Have You Spent Years Struggling to Stay Focused, Organized and On Task?
Do you find it difficult to stay focused on one task? Does it feel impossible for you to multitask, organize or prioritize your work or daily routines? Do you regularly feel irritable, frustrated or impatient toward yourself or others? Have you struggled to maintain a job or relationships? Does it seem like accomplishing normal tasks in a normal time frame has been a challenge for you as long as you can remember?
Most people experience the difficulties listed above from time to time throughout the course of their lives. But, those living with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) experience them more frequently and in more debilitating ways. And, it’s not that these people are less intelligent than others, which is a common misconception of people with ADHD. There are no studies that link the two. Rather, for people with ADHD, the executive function of the brain – the organization and concentration center – is not functioning properly. If you have ADHD, there is a biological reason for why you’ve been struggling for so long.
You Are Not Alone
Adult ADHD is very common. Although it is generally diagnosed during childhood or teen years, many undiagnosed adults continue to struggle with ADHD throughout their lives – not understanding why they have a harder time than others with seemingly normal activities.
If you think that you may have ADHD, it is very important that you seek an accurate and clear diagnosis. Some people who exhibit ADHD symptoms do not need to be on medication and can be helped through other forms of therapeutic treatment. But, for others, medication can yield life-changing results. A licensed and experienced BPS professional can help make this determination.
You Can Feel and Function Better
Adult ADHD is very treatable. Experience shows us that many with ADHD are highly functioning people, are very coachable and are relieved to find a solution. At BPS, you will be provided with the help you need to determine if medication is needed and the coaching necessary to help you understand and cope with your challenges. There are simple yet effective techniques you can develop to make your life much easier. A trained BPS therapist will help you identify your limitations. They can help you understand and develop the ability to express them. And, with help, you can learn new, habitual patterns of compensation to make your life more manageable. If you are struggling with memory, for example, it may be as simple as developing a system where you put your keys in the same place everyday.
Treating adult ADHD is an individualized process, and finding a highly trained therapist whom you can relate well with is key. At BPS you will be matched with a therapist who specializes in ADHD treatment and who is a good fit with your personality. With help, you can learn how to stay focused, track projects from start to finish and develop a system to stay organized. It’s like a rehab effort – you must be committed to getting better and you need a really good coach. With both in place, you truly can develop solid strategies to make your life happier, more productive and much more manageable.
But, you still may have questions or fears…
I’m afraid to learn that something is actually biologically wrong with me. That’s a hard label to swallow.
Yes, that’s a tough one. No one wants to be labeled. But, if a diagnosis could change your life, wouldn’t that be worth it? And, you may be surprised by how many people have learned that they have ADHD. These people’s lives have improved in drastic ways by finally knowing and finding the right course of therapy or medication, if that’s recommended. Right now, though, the important part is that you find out. If there are no biological issues affecting your ability to concentrate, you can finally rule that out and BPS can help you figure out what really is at the root of your difficulties. But, if it is a biological issue, medication and therapy can better your life significantly. Either way, you’ve taken the important first step to regaining control over your life and wellbeing, which can lead to feeling better today and in the long-term.
I am afraid of needing medication for the rest of my life.
The fear of being diagnosed as having ADHD and being put on medication for the long-term is an understandable and very common fear. But, sometimes the mere diagnosis and understanding that something is biologically unbalanced can provide relief. At least you’ll know that it’s not your fault and understand why all your previous attempts at feeling and functioning more normally failed. And, there is a lot that can be done to help you that does not include medication. If medication is needed, however, your psychiatrist will be able to help you find the right medication and dosage. Many people with ADHD have experienced dramatic, positive results from medication.
I think that I may have ADHD, but don’t see how I can afford the cost of a diagnosis or the cost of the therapy or medication that will be needed if I am.
It is important to first be accurately diagnosed to determine if medication and/or therapy is even appropriate. There are research proven psychological tests that can help determine if you really do have ADHD. If you are diagnosed with ADHD and medication and therapy are prescribed, you must ask yourself what’s the value of feeling and functioning more fully now and in the long-term. This is your life and your well being. Getting help to manage your ADHD may be one of the most important investments you make. Many people come to BPS having worked with other therapists who were not trained to properly diagnosis or treat ADHD or who they couldn’t relate with – which is a waste of time and money. At BPS, we’ll conduct a referral assessment and match you with a therapist who is trained and experienced in treating ADHD and whose personality is a good match with yours. Once you find that good match, making a commitment to yourself is the investment of a lifetime – imagine being much happier on a regular basis and ask yourself what that is worth. If money still is an issue, you can talk with your BPS therapist or psychiatrist to see if they work on a sliding scale. BPS may also be able to help you find lower cost options in the community.
We encourage you to schedule a referral assessment with a BPS therapist, trained by bPS Director, Dr. Jan Hittelman. We can help make the determination if psychological testing and/or consulting with a BPS psychiatrist for is necessary. If counseling is indicated, Jan will also work with you to determine what your specific issues are and to ensure a good match between you and a BPS therapist in terms of personality, style and expertise.
You can also check out our free, online therapist directory, which will match you with a therapist who has expertise working with clients with ADHD and related issues.