Adult ADHD

Written by: Reina Connelly

According to the Mayo Clinic, adult attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be defined as mental health challenges that are a culmination of chronic issues. Some of these challenges include (a) impulsivity in various facets of life (b) hyperactivity and (c) concentration concerns. (Mayo Clinic, 2022) ADHD also can have impacts on key life areas including (a) academics (b) employment and job satisfaction (c) physical and mental health (d) social domains including friendships and relationships and (d) overall self-concept. (Ramsay, 2020) It is important to note that most adults with ADHD go untreated due to misdiagnosis and lack of education in graduate programs regarding this psychiatric concern.

However, there is hope when it comes to the treatment of ADHD. A type of therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy helps decrease impulsivity and distractions by incorporating psychosocial interventions. There have also been vast developments in how ADHD can be treated through technology, specifically “computerized cognitive training”. (Cibrian, Hayes, and Lakes, 2021) Computerized cognitive training can be in the form of phone applications and Internet-based programs which aim to help the brain through structured activities and games. (Cibrian, Hayes, and Lakes, 2021). In addition, recent scientific research suggests that practical interventions such as cooking and baking can be a treatment for ADHD since recipes provides a sense of structure. Lastly, neurofeedback interventions can be utilized to help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. “Neurofeedback interventions are intended to help patients learn to regulate their brain activity to retrain underlying neural mechanisms involved in cognition and behavior.” (e.g., Enriquez-Geppert et al., 2019).