Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how you pay attention, control impulses, and manage activity levels.

Common Symptoms

Inattention

Difficulty sustaining focus on tasks
Frequently losing things
Forgetfulness
Trouble organizing activities
Being easily distracted
Making careless mistakes
Frequent daydreaming
Struggling to follow detailed instructions

Hyperactivity-Impulsivity

Excessive fidgeting or movement
Feeling restless
Talking excessively
Difficulty staying seated when expected
Interrupting others
Difficulty relaxing or playing quietly
Difficulty waiting one’s turn
Making quick decisions without considering consequences

Diagnosis

An assessment typically involves three main parts:

Gathering a clinical history through an interview with your mental health provider
The completion of one or more rating scales
An objective measurement of symptoms
- Click here to learn more about ADHD testing (QbCheck) at Zoe

How Therapy Can Help

Therapists at Zoe can help teach practical skills and strategies to manage symptoms, improve daily functioning, and reduce the impact ADHD has on school, work, and relationships. Ways we can help:

Improve organization and time management by learning how to plan tasks, use reminders, prioritize responsibilities, and break large projects into smaller steps
Build coping strategies by developing techniques to manage distractibility, procrastination, and impulsive decision-making
Strengthen emotional regulation by recognizing frustration, managing stress, and responding more effectively to challenges. ADHD often co-occurs with anxiety or depression, making these skills especially valuable.
Improve relationships and communication by practicing social skills, listening skills, and strategies for reducing interruptions and impulsive behaviors

How Medications Can Help

Psychiatric nurse practitioners at Zoe can prescribe medications that improve the brain’s ability to regulate attention, impulse control, and activity levels. There is no cure for ADHD, but medications can reduce symptoms enough that it becomes easier to use the skills learned in therapy to stay organized, complete tasks, and function effectively at school, work, and home.

For many clients, the best results come from combining medication with psychotherapy. Medications can be effective in reducing ADHD symptoms (making it easier to focus and control impulses), while therapy teaches practical skills (such as planning, organization, emotional regulation, and problem-solving) that can help you manage life more effectively.

Click here to learn more about stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications.

Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational or educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health issue without consulting your healthcare provider.

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