ADHD affects a significant portion of the U.S. population, as more than 4% of adults and 11% of children have a current diagnosis.¹ It can impact attention, impulse control, and memory in ways that make it difficult to function and succeed in work and school. Fortunately, treatments like medication and behavioral therapy can lead to real improvement.
New Directions Mental Health offers comprehensive ADHD therapy across southwestern Pennsylvania, along with access to medication and additional treatment options. Call 724.374.7414 or fill out a quick form to get started.
Note that our clinicians do not offer official ADHD assessments or diagnoses, but we can refer out for this service.
Recognizing the Signs & Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD is characterized by difficulty concentrating, impulsivity, and often hyperactivity. Children are typically diagnosed during their school years, when these behaviors start to disrupt classroom life. Adults with ADHD may struggle with everyday responsibilities like household chores, completing work tasks, or communicating well in your relationships.
Symptoms differ from person to person, and a formal diagnosis requires evaluation by a qualified professional, such as a doctor or mental health specialist.
Symptoms of ADHD in children and teens can include:²
- Difficulty maintaining focus during tasks or play
- Seeming disengaged or unresponsive when spoken to
- Excessive talking or frequent interrupting
- Intense emotional reactions to small events
- Difficulty staying organized or tracking belongings
- Forgetting everyday responsibilities like chores
- Fidgeting or difficulty staying still
- Seemingly boundless energy
- Trouble engaging quietly in activities
- Careless errors in schoolwork
Symptoms of ADHD in adults
Many people, especially women with more inattentive presentations, don’t receive a diagnosis until adulthood. Diagnosis generally requires five or more symptoms lasting six months or longer.
ADHD symptoms in adults can include:²
- Impulsivity
- Disorganization and difficulty prioritizing
- Poor time management
- Trouble focusing on tasks
- Difficulty multitasking
- Excessive restlessness
- Lower tolerance for frustration
- Mood swings
- Trouble completing tasks
- Ongoing anxiety or difficulty relaxing
Types of ADHD
ADHD is generally divided into categories based on whether inattention or hyperactivity is more dominant:
- Type I – Inattentive type: Trouble focusing, forgetfulness, and executive function difficulties, without significant hyperactivity.
- Type II – Hyperactive-impulsive type: Constant movement, excessive talking, and difficulty with self-control.
- Type III – Combined type: Six or more symptoms of both hyperactivity and inattention.
Struggling With ADHD Symptoms? We're Here to Help
New Directions Mental Health provides personalized, compassionate ADHD care across the greater Pittsburgh area. Our team can help you get back on track through therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
What Causes ADHD?
ADHD develops through a mix of genetic, biological, and environmental factors:
- Genetics: A close family member with ADHD increases your risk.
- Biology: ADHD is linked to smaller sizes in certain brain regions, differences in processing chemicals like dopamine, and difficulty managing sensory input.
- Environmental factors: Maternal depression, insufficient early support, and brain injury during childhood are among the environmental influences tied to ADHD.
How ADHD Is Treated
While there’s no cure for ADHD, symptoms can be effectively managed through therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Our compassionate, expert clinicians can help you determine which combination of supports will best suit your symptoms and situation.
Note that our clinicians do not offer official ADHD assessments or diagnoses, but we can refer out for this service.
Therapy
CBT and related therapies help build practical tools for managing ADHD, including organizational strategies, focus techniques, and breaking tasks into smaller, manageable pieces. CBT also helps address the emotional impact that often comes with ADHD, such as shame and anxiety from the inability to focus on tasks you need to get done. A therapist can also help you repair any relationship difficulties and learn better communication and coping strategies.
Mindfulness-based approaches support better awareness of your body and your emotions. Our clinicians create a plan tailored to your unique symptoms and goals, drawing on multiple therapeutic approaches as needed.
Medication
Our psychiatric providers help determine whether medication is a good fit, since responses vary widely. Stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall, which boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels, are commonly prescribed. Antidepressants may also be used alone or in combination with a stimulant.³
Finding the right medication and dosage can take some adjustment, and our providers stay involved throughout that process.
Lifestyle Changes
Consistent exercise, adequate sleep, and quality nutrition all support ADHD symptom management. Practical strategies like organizing your home and work spaces, using task management tools, and body doubling can also improve day-to-day functioning. Our therapists can help you determine which lifestyle changes could really move the needle on your quality of life and come up with a plan for implementing these strategies.
What's the Outlook for Someone with ADHD?
ADHD tends to respond well to treatment, with many people experiencing real relief through consistent medication and therapy. However, factors like bullying, alcohol overconsumption, and excessive internet use can worsen symptoms, even for those on medication or in therapy. Additionally, when ADHD goes undiagnosed or untreated, symptoms often intensify over time.⁴
Why Choose New Directions Mental Health for ADHD Treatment
Having the right support can make all the difference. New Directions Mental Health is committed to helping clients across Pennsylvania manage ADHD in a supportive, judgment-free environment.
Benefits of choosing New Directions Mental Health for ADHD treatment include:
- In-network with most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, helping keep costs manageable.
- Multiple convenient locations, along with telehealth for those who prefer virtual care.
- Personalized care plans developed collaboratively around each client’s specific needs.
- Support for building self-esteem, time management skills, relationship strategies, and both short- and long-term goals.
Find ADHD Treatment with New Directions Mental Health
We’re committed to comprehensive ADHD care in Pittsburgh, Wexford, and across southwestern Pennsylvania, offered both in person and online. Our team collaborates closely to deliver personalized evaluations and care plans in a safe, welcoming setting.
Call 724.374.7414 or fill out a brief form to schedule your first appointment.
FAQs About ADHD
What is ADHD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulty with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that can affect daily life and functioning.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
ADHD is diagnosed through a clinical evaluation that includes a detailed history, symptom checklists, and sometimes psychological testing. Our clinicians are experienced in evaluating ADHD across age groups.
How do I control my ADHD?
Working with a therapist who specializes in ADHD can be transformative, helping you address any underlying shame around your symptoms and develop practical coping strategies. Many people also find that stimulant medication significantly improves focus and control.
What is the 20-minute rule for ADHD?
This approach involves setting a 20-minute timer to work on a task before taking a break or stopping. A defined time limit can help create motivation and momentum for many people managing ADHD.
At what age does ADHD peak?
ADHD is typically diagnosed around age six, though more severe cases may be identified as early as four. Diagnosis often coincides with starting school, as attention and behavior challenges become more disruptive in a classroom setting. About one-third of children diagnosed with ADHD continue to experience symptoms into adulthood.
What triggers can worsen ADHD symptoms?
Common triggers include insufficient exercise, high stress, poor sleep or nutrition, hormonal changes, disorganized living or work spaces, and additional unaddressed mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
What ADHD treatments are available at New Directions?
We offer comprehensive ADHD treatment including psychiatric evaluation, medication management, behavioral therapy, and coping strategies for both children and adults.
Can ADHD treatment be done through telehealth?
Yes, many ADHD services including follow-up visits and therapy sessions can be conducted via secure telehealth for your convenience.
Do you treat both children and adults with ADHD?
Yes, our team provides ADHD treatment for children, teens, and adults with personalized plans tailored to developmental needs and life stage.
ADHD Insights
To learn more about ADHD and treatment options, check out these blogs today.
Sources:
- https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350889
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11766-adhd-medication
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165178125002367