ADHD

It's not laziness...

What is ADHD?

ADHD is more than “just can’t stop moving.” For many people, ADHD is primarily an executive function challenge: starting tasks, being/remaining organized, managing time, planning effectively, regulating emotions, and following through consistently. ADHD may present as distractibility, forgetfulness, procrastination, time blindness, difficulty planning or prioritizing, feeling overwhelmed, and feeling out of control. Many high-functioning individuals may look like they are doing fine on the outside; however, they are privately working twice a hard to keep up. Many times they rely on last-minute urgency, overworking, or perfectionism, and develop stress, burnout, and frustration.

People with ADHD may also develop challenges in their close relationships. Challenges with executive function often bleed over into personal life, and look like laziness or indifference. People with ADHD partners often do not understand the challenges individuals with ADHD face.

When should you see a psychiatrist for ADHD?

  • Symptoms are significantly affecting daily life–challenges keeping up with responsibilities, school or work, relationships, or basic routines–despite genuine effort and support
  • The diagnosis isn’t clear. Many conditions may look similar on the surface, such as anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms,bipolar disorder, learning differences, sleep disorders such as narcolepsy and sleep apnea, and other medical factors.
  • Medication is being considered. Psychiatrists have specialized training in mental health and medicine management.
  • There are multiple concerns co-occurring. Complex symptom groups, such as tics, mood concerns, substance use, severe anxiety/panic, sleep disruption, or significant medical concerns create unique challenges that a psychiatric provider is equipped to navigate with you.
  • Prior treatment has been insufficient. If symptoms keep returning, and previous medicine trials have been insufficient, a psychiatrist can clarify what is going on and identify the most appropriate next steps to pursue.

High functioning ADD

Many adults with ADHD are successful, high-achieving and outwardly put together. Internally, they are exhausted. Compensatory mechanisms of stress, overworking, people-pleasing, and last-minute urgency lead to burnout and flameout. ADHD may be reflected in:

  • Being chronically overwhelmed; difficulty keeping up with life tasks
  • Disorganization, missed deadlines, inconsistent follow-through despite being well-intended
  • Difficulty with task initiation, especially if a task is boring, unclear, or emotionally tasking
  • Time blindness, procrastination, relying on adrenaline to get things done
  • Emotional reactivity, frustration tolerance issues, relationship strain
  • Burnout from masking symptoms and constantly trying to “catch up”

A meaningful ADHD evaluation is so much more than a quick check-list and script. Assessments typically include:

  • Detailed history and symptom identification
  • Screening for overlapping symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, sleep disorders, substance use, other medical concerns
  • Review of potential current medicine contributors
  • Standardized scales OR in-office psychometric ADHD performance testing
  • Collaboration with therapists and other providers when warranted
  • Referral for extended psychometric testing when needed to clarify diagnoses

Trouble focusing is one of the most common reasons people seek help, but trouble focusing isn’t always ADHD.

Focus concerns may be caused by: anxiety, depression, chronic stress, trauma, bipolar disorder, and poor sleep, among many other causes. Getting the diagnosis correct matters; treating the wrong thing is not helpful and can be harmful.

ADHD Lifelong patterns across multiple settings
Anxiety Worry/rumination, “busy brain”
Depression Low motivation, slowed/stuck thinking
Sleep problems Poor concentration, fatigue
Trauma/chronic stress Hypervigilance, emotional overload, unsettled
Bipolar disorder Fluctuating symptoms associated with other mood symptoms

At Edmond Psychiatric Associates, we don’t just throw medicine at symptoms. We identify the cause, leading to meaningful and enduring improvement. If the above symptoms resonate with you, please consider making an appointment to problem-solve your health concerns together.