ADHD Support

*Please note: We offer adhd treatment support in Geelong. Head Start Counselling cannot assess or diagnose ADHD. Our service may contribute to symptom reduction and help to address comorbid anxiety and depression, for example. 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that significantly impacts attention regulation, impulse control, and often involves hyperactivity. Such attention dysregulation extends its reach across both children and adults, influencing various facets of daily life. 

Origins:

• The roots of ADHD are influenced by an intertwining of inherited traits and external influences. Recent studies highlight the strong familial nature of ADHD, suggesting a substantial genetic contribution, especially among children. 
• While specific genes associated with dopamine receptors have been implicated in influencing ADHD, it's crucial to acknowledge that this condition doesn't arise from a singular genetic factor. Instead, it's the culmination of various genetic elements interacting with environmental factors. 
• Certain prenatal exposures, such as maternal stress or smoking, have been identified as potential risk factors elevating the likelihood of ADHD. However, understanding the exact balance between genetic and environmental triggers remains a complex puzzle needing further exploration.

Symptoms:

• Adult ADHD symptoms often present as difficulties with organisation, time management, and maintaining focus. Individuals might struggle with impulsivity, leading to rash decisions, or interrupting conversations.
• Chronic forgetfulness and distractibility can impact work performance and relationships. Restlessness and an inner sense of unease might be present, causing difficulty in relaxing or remaining still. 
• These symptoms often challenge day-to-day tasks and can result in chronic procrastination or difficulty completing tasks. Emotional fluctuations, such as quick temper or mood swings, are common. 
• Common comorbidities with adult ADHD include anxiety disorders, depression, learning disabilities, sleep disorders, and bipolar disorder.

ADHD is Broadly Classified Into Three Main Types:

• Predominantly Inattentive: This type involves challenges primarily related to attention and focus. Individuals may struggle with sustaining attention, being easily distracted, organising tasks, and frequently making careless mistakes. Hyperactivity and impulsivity might not be as noticeable.
• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive: This type mainly involves hyperactivity and impulsivity. People with this type might seem restless, fidgety, talkative, and impulsive. They might interrupt conversations, act before thinking, and have difficulty waiting for their turn.
• Combined: This type involves a mix of inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive symptoms. It's the most common type and presents with a combination of challenges related to attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Who Might Experience ADHD

Contrary to what was previously thought, ADHD doesn't always go away as people enter adulthood. Evidence shows that many adults diagnosed with ADHD had symptoms when they were kids. Families also often have more members with ADHD, suggesting it might run in families.

How to Address ADHD:

Managing ADHD in adults involves a multifaceted approach tailored to individual needs. Here are some strategies that might help:

• Medication: In Australia, a booking with your psychiatrist to diagnose ADHD is required. Upon diagnosis, stimulant or non-stimulant medication may be prescribed in conjunction with talk therapy. 
• Therapy and Counselling: Behavioural therapies, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), can assist in developing coping strategies, improving time management, and addressing emotional regulation. 
• Skill Building: Learning organisational skills, time management techniques, and strategies for handling distractions can significantly help in daily life.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and reducing stress can alleviate symptoms.
• Support Groups: Joining support groups or communities can offer understanding, guidance, and a sense of belonging.
• Environmental Changes: Creating a structured environment, using planners or reminders, and minimising distractions at work or home can aid in managing symptoms.
• Education and Awareness: Learning more about ADHD helps in understanding personal challenges and finding effective strategies to navigate them.

Next steps:

• If someone suspects they have ADHD, it's a good idea to reach out to a healthcare professional, like a doctor or psychiatrist, who specialises in ADHD. Getting a proper assessment is key. It's also helpful to learn more about ADHD and its management strategies. 
• Our resources page has some helpful self-assessment tools, however keep in mind these aren't designed to provide a diagnosis. 
• Some find support groups or therapy beneficial in navigating daily life with ADHD.
• Building routines, staying organised, and exploring different tools and techniques that suit individual needs can also make a big difference in managing symptoms. 
• Ultimately, seeking professional guidance and finding a supportive network can greatly assist in understanding and coping with ADHD.

How we can help

In Australia, a psychiatrist is required to provide a diagnosis of ADHD. However, counselling may contribute to symptom reduction by identifying patterns of burnout, relationship difficulties, depressive cycles, time management difficulties and help to address comorbid anxiety and depression, for example.