Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

If you or someone you care about is struggling to focus, stay organized, or manage impulses, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with ADHD but the good news is it responds well to cognitive therapy. At the Ottawa Centre for Cognitive Therapy, we are here to teach you ways to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life as part of your ADHD treatment.

What is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

ADHD is a condition that affects how your brain functions. It is first observed in childhood and can continue into adulthood for some. You might have trouble paying attention, being hyperactive, and often act without thinking, which disrupts how you function in your daily life. But with proper care and ADHD treatment, we can reduce these challenges and help you feel more in control.

Understanding ADHD

Understanding how ADHD affects you is a key part of effective ADHD treatment. The more you know about your symptoms, the better we can help you manage them.

Below are the the three types of ADHD:

Inattentive Presentation

• Fails to give close attention to details or make careless mistakes
• Has difficulty sustaining attention
• Does not appear to listen
• Struggles to follow through with instructions
• Has difficulty with organization
• Avoids or dislikes tasks requiring sustained mental effort
• Forgetful, loses things and is easily distracted

Hyperactive-impulsive Presentation

• Extreme restlessness
• Fidgety and can’t sit still
• Difficulty engaging in activities quietly
• May feel like they’re being pushed around by a motor inside them.
• Talks excessively
• Blurts out answers before the question is fully asked
• Difficulty waiting or taking turns
• Interrupts or intrudes upon others

ADHD Combined Presentation

• This form includes both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, which can make daily tasks feel overwhelming.

ADHD Development and Risk Factors

ADHD symptoms are often apparent during elementary school years and can continue into adolescence and adulthood. While the physical symptoms of hyperactivity may lessen as one grows older, other symptoms like restlessness, impulsivity, and difficulty planning can persist. Some risk factors include:

• • • • Personality – Some people are naturally more impulsive or have trouble controlling their emotions. This might make them more prone to ADHD.
      • Genetics – ADHD often run in families
      • Environmental – Low birth weight, premature birth, or exposure to certain substances before birth can increase the risk of ADHD.

ADHD Treatment at the CCT

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a highly effective approach for treating ADHD. It helps you develop coping strategies, improve organizational skills, and address emotional challenges. CBT has been shown to be particularly effective for ADHD, as it can help you learn new ways of thinking and behaving that can improve your symptoms.

Source: American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787