When you learn of a new diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), you may wonder where it came from or why it affects you or your child. Like most conditions from the DSM-5, the exact cause of ADHD is unknown. The most likely explanation involves heredity, as it is very common to see a child diagnosed who also has a family member with ADHD. In fact, approximately 25-50% of children with ADHD have a parent with [...]
A recent study examined the costs of untreated Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Due to the persistent nature of ADHD, failing to address symptoms and deficits in childhood often leads to lingering challenges in adulthood. Work and social disruptions are common examples. In some cases, children with untreated ADHD may go on to have substance use or legal issues. Increased accidents and injuries are also seen with teens and adults with ADHD. All of these factors have [...]
The global COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Americans particularly hard. While the impacts on physical well-being are obvious, emotional well-being has also taken a toll. Isolation and loneliness in early quarantine, concern about contracting the virus, worry about loved ones, and significant disruptions to daily life were feared to affect Americans’ mental health. Financial and food insecurity are also prominent stressors. Not surprisingly, demand for therapy and psychiatric medication increased, and Americans have sought help in [...]
In this blog, I have written about the differences that are often seen between boys and girls (and men and women) with ADHD. To recap, girls and women tend to present with more inattentive and executive functioning symptoms that may not be immediately apparent to those around them, often leading to underdiagnosing. Boys and men, however, tend to have more outwardly obvious symptoms, including hyperactivity and impulsivity. There also tends to be a stereotype about [...]
The current COVID-19 pandemic has driven many previously in-person services online, with remote work and service-delivery options. Most mental health providers, particularly therapists, transitioned from traditional in-person sessions to phone or video sessions. One could wonder about the effectiveness of this method, especially since much of therapy’s success derives from the connection between therapist and patient. A new study considers this question and has found that some therapy services are actually more beneficial when conducted [...]