Understanding ADHD in Adults: Embracing Your Neurodivergent Strengths in Therapy
Do you get easily distracted or find it challenging to hold attention, stay engaged in conversation, and keep up with the demands of daily life? You might be in a meeting, for example, and suddenly realize your mind has wandered, leaving you with no idea what was just discussed. You may often feel restless and agitated, become easily frustrated, or find it challenging to sit for long periods.
This is what ADHD does. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a type of neurodiversity that involves a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interferes with everyday functioning. At Williamson & Associates in Olds, Alberta, we are committed to supporting individuals with ADHD, helping our clients regain control and improve their quality of life.
Understanding ADHD in Adults
About 1.8 million Canadians experience attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. According to the Centre for ADHD Awareness Canada (CADDAC), 4–6% of adults in Canada have ADHD.
ADHD is typically diagnosed in early childhood. However, childhood ADHD commonly continues into adolescence and adulthood, bringing specific challenges. Moreover, many adults were never diagnosed with ADHD as children, leaving them to struggle with understanding why they feel "different" from others or face various challenges in everyday life. You may have been labelled lazy, poorly behaved, or disrespectful as a child. Now, as an adult, you might experience excessive spending, engage in risky behaviours, or overindulge in food, alcohol, or other substances.
As we begin to understand and accept the reality of ADHD in therapy, it's common for adults to look back on their childhood and wish they had known this information sooner. The relief that comes with understanding and accepting ADHD can be profound. These early experiences often shape how we see ourselves, leading to beliefs like "I'm difficult," "I'm stupid," or "I'm crazy." However, as we deepen our understanding of ourselves, we can heal from these past experiences and change this narrative. This is where emotionally focused therapy, EMDR, or ART can become incredibly freeing.
However, with ADHD, it's not about curing the condition. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, and it can't be changed. Medication can help manage the symptoms but doesn't alter the condition. And that's actually a positive thing because there are many incredible advantages to having a neurodivergent brain. Instead, therapy focuses on understanding how ADHD affects a person's daily functioning by identifying which executive functioning skills are most impacted.
ADHD and Executive Function
The brain and executive function in individuals diagnosed with ADHD develop differently than in neurotypical persons, causing differences in how a neurodivergent brain processes information. This can lead to challenges in focusing, organizing thoughts, staying on tasks, and controlling impulses. Executive function involves cognitive skills such as attention, memory, cognitive flexibility, and emotional control. Executive skills help us govern our cognitive abilities, organize our time, solve issues, maintain relationships, and manage behaviour. So, being neurodivergent, you may experience challenges with the following:
attention
impulse control
emotional regulation
working memory
time management
organization
planning
perfectionism
prioritizing and procrastination
endurance
Adult ADHD often presents as inattention and disorganization rather than hyperactivity. You may find making simple decisions challenging. Or you may frequently put things off, miss deadlines and appointments, and constantly feel like an imposter. This can make managing your profession, family, and daily activities challenging.
Co-Occurring Conditions with ADHD
It is not uncommon for someone with ADHD to be diagnosed with other conditions such as oppositional defiance disorder (ODD), intermittent explosive disorder (IED), borderline personality disorder (BPD), etc. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms more challenging to manage. For example, ODD might add defiant behaviours to the mix, while IED can cause sudden outbursts of anger. BPD can bring emotional instability, further complicating focus and impulse control.
When these conditions are present, it's essential to tailor treatment to address both the ADHD and the co-occurring issues for the best outcomes. Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is especially helpful for emotional regulation that so often causes difficulties in an individual with ADHD's life.
Advantages of Being Neurodivergent
For years, ADHD was seen primarily as a challenge, but there are significant strengths associated with it. Individuals with ADHD possess unique strengths that can be highly advantageous in various aspects of life. Their high energy levels, when focused, can drive them to excel in careers, hobbies, and personal goals. At the same time, their ability to hyperfocus allows them to dive deeply into tasks they're passionate about. Many individuals with ADHD are spontaneous and highly creative. These qualities empower them to think outside the box, take calculated risks, explore new opportunities, and generate innovative ideas. Additionally, their strong intuition helps them navigate social and professional situations effectively, and their natural multitasking abilities make them well-suited for fast-paced environments.
Working with a therapist at Williamson & Associates helps you embrace these positive aspects and shift the focus from challenges to the incredible potential of your neurodivergent mind.
What’s the Most Effective ADHD Therapy
In ADHD therapy, an eclectic approach can be incredibly practical, combining different techniques to meet individual needs.
DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) focuses on emotional regulation, a crucial skill for managing your ADHD in everyday situations. DBT helps you develop strategies to handle strong emotions and tolerate stress, making daily challenges more manageable.
Emotionally focused therapy (EFIT) helps you to understand better and manage your emotions, which can reduce the emotional dysregulation often associated with ADHD.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) can help with ADHD by addressing and reducing the impact of past negative experiences, making it easier to manage your symptoms and improve focus.
EMDR offers a way for both the conscious and subconscious mind to process past traumatic experiences and change the negative narrative about yourself.
Through these approaches, you can better understand yourself, embrace your strengths, and live a more fulfilling life.
ADHD Therapy in Alberta
Understanding and accepting your ADHD is crucial for unlocking its unique strengths. By embracing these aspects and seeking therapy at Williamson & Associates, you can enhance self-awareness, effectively manage symptoms, and heal from past experiences.
Contact us today to explore how to harness your creativity, energy, and intuition to lead a fulfilling and successful life.