Our minds and bodies are made in amazingly complex ways. Sometimes they function in predictable ways, and at others they work in an atypical fashion. A person may struggle to cope if they find themselves unable to focus on tasks or if they act impulsively when calm consideration is needed in a situation. Some of these difficulties and struggles to align one’s intentions and actions may stem from various disorders, such as ADHD.
Get connected with a Christian Counselor
Please contact our reception team at
(817) 918-1787
ADHD, which stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that is often diagnosed in childhood, but typically extends into adulthood. There are three types of ADHD a person can be diagnosed with, and they are marked by certain predominant symptoms.
The three types of ADHD are:
- Predominantly inattentive. This form of ADHD is marked by challenges with organization, staying on task, and focusing.
- Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive. With this type of ADHD, the individual will be hyperactive, meaning that they are often moving excessively, whether by fidgeting, having lots of energy, being unable to sit still, and being talkative. Being impulsive refers to making decisions or acting without carefully thinking through the consequences.
- Combined presentation. This form of ADHD is diagnosed when the criteria for both inattentive and hyperactive/impulse types are met.
There is a wide range of behaviors that are associated with ADHD. Knowing the signs can help with seeking an early diagnosis.
Some of the more common behaviors to look out for include:
- losing items frequently
- having difficulty focusing or concentrating on tasks
- being forgetful about finishing tasks
- struggling to organize daily tasks
- interrupting others while they are talking, carrying out a task, or playing
- finding it hard to wait your turn
- being easily distracted by things happening around you
- having difficulty sitting still
- having trouble playing or carrying out tasks quietly
- struggling with sitting still or remaining seated in class
- talking excessively
- making frequent mistakes or missing details while studying or working
- struggling to maintain focus while listening, reading, or conversing with others
ADHD affects both children and adults, with an estimated 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults having ADHD. While it may be more commonly diagnosed among school-aged boys than girls because of how ADHD is often first identified through problems with schoolwork and classroom disruption, that does not mean that boys are more likely than girls to have ADHD. It does mean that boys tend to present with the more obvious signs of ADHD than girls.
All of us at some point experience inattention as well as changes in our energy levels. However, this happens more often and to a greater extent for a person with ADHD than one without the condition. As a result, a person with ADHD can seem restless, have trouble concentrating, and act impulsively. ADHD can thus have a significant impact on one’s home life, studies, work, and relationships.
Some day-to-day activities might be more difficult for a person with ADHD, and this can include getting to sleep at night, listening to and carrying out instructions, getting ready for school or work on time, being organized and managing time well, performing activities like shopping, completing tasks, coping with stress, and managing social interactions. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may also lead to impulsiveness and risk-taking, which can have negative consequences depending on the decisions one makes impulsively.
Additionally, if ADHD isn’t adequately treated, it can lead to poor self-esteem, sensitivity toward criticism, and impaired social function in both children and adults. Because of how ADHD affects one’s sleep, it can also lead to sleep and anxiety disorders.
If you or your child are dealing with ADHD, the Christian counselors at Keller Christian Counseling in Texas are available to walk alongside you to help you cope effectively with it so that it doesn’t impair your life or diminish your daily functioning and enjoyment of life.
There are effective options available for the child or adult with ADHD. While there may not be a cure, perse, there are effective ways to manage it. For instance, for children who have ADHD, the recommended first-line approach is to seek appropriate educational support and behavioral strategies that take the form of parent management training and school intervention. Thus, parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) is one way to help young children with ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder.
For adults with ADHD, therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help in addressing the effects of ADHD. In the case of adults and in younger children, where necessary, medications can also be prescribed, and these are either stimulants or nonstimulants. The most commonly prescribed ADHD medications are central nervous system stimulants which work by increasing the amount of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine.
Where stimulants do not work well or have unwanted side effects, your doctor may suggest nonstimulant medication which also work to increase the brain levels of norepinephrine.
If you or your child are journeying with ADHD and you want to pursue support strategies and therapies that incorporate a Christian worldview, reach out to the Christian counselors at Keller Christian Counseling in Texas. Your counselor will walk alongside you and your family compassionately to help you cope with ADHD, accomplish your goals, and live a fulfilling life.
Get connected with a Christian Counselor
Please contact our reception team at
(817) 918-1787