ADHD in Children & Adults
McLean Counseling Center
Struggling with focus and attentiveness? Learn about ADHD Treatments in Arlington, VA.
What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. In the past, ADHD was often seen as something only children struggle with. In recent years, the medical field and general population have become more aware of ADHD as an issue that affects adults as well. Common symptoms of ADHD include:
Signs of inattention:
- Becoming easily distracted and jumping from activity to activity
- Becoming bored with a task quickly
- Difficulty focusing attention or completing a single task or activity
- Trouble completing or turning in assignments
- Losing things such as school supplies or toys
- Not listening or paying attention when spoken to
- Daydreaming or wandering with lack of motivation
- Difficulty processing information quickly
- Struggling to follow directions
Signs of hyperactivity:
- Fidgeting and squirming, having trouble sitting still
- Non-stop talking
- Touching or playing with everything
- Difficulty doing quiet tasks or activities
Signs of impulsivity:
- Impatience
- Acting without regard for consequences, blurting things out
- Difficulty taking turns, waiting or sharing
- Interrupting others
What is Executive Dysfunction?
Executive dysfunction occurs when the brain has difficulty with important functions related to memory, attention, and thinking. Executive dysfunction isn’t an official diagnosis, but rather, a set of symptoms often associated with ADHD. However, executive dysfunction can also be related to other mental health disorders such as depression and autism. When someone has ADHD, they are likely to possess many or all of the symptoms of executive dysfunction. Impairments caused by executive dysfunction include difficulties activating oneself on non-preferred tasks, maintaining attention and concentration, knowing what to focus on when, working memory (holding something in mind), shifting focus, and planning and organization.
Some common signs of executive dysfunction include the following:
- Forgetting to complete tasks
- An inability to keep track of personal items, such as cell phones and keys
- Difficulty following conversations
- Trouble remembering and prioritizing the steps in complex tasks
- Frequently running late
- Difficulty breaking big tasks into their smaller components
- Trouble meeting deadline
- An inability to multitask
How to Know if You Should Seek Help
ADHD and executive dysfunction aren’t black-and-white conditions. Everybody can have difficulty planning, sitting still, paying attention or controlling impulsive behavior once in a while. For some people, however, the problems are so pervasive and persistent that they interfere with every aspect of their life: home, academic, social and work. If any of the symptoms listed above continually disrupt your life, it may to time to seek help.
Our Approach to ADHD & Executive Dysfunction Treatment
If you think you or your child may struggle with ADHD and/or executive dysfunction, McLean Counseling Center is here to help. Our treatment approaches include behavioral interventions, talk therapy, and medication. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your needs so you can focus on thriving.
Contact Us
(703) 821-1073
admin@mcleancounselingcenter.com
1307 Vincent Place McLean, VA 22101
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