Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is a type of neurodivergence that affects many people. Unlike mental illnesses, ADHD can be conceptualized as a fundamental difference in how a person's brain works. However, like mental illnesses, ADHD can be managed with a combination of talk therapy and medication. Here are some tips for adults who struggle with symptoms they believe are caused by ADHD.

1. Seek out a specialist.

Your primary care physician's office is a good place to begin seeking help, but your search for ADHD treatment shouldn't stop there. General physicians receive some mental health training as part of their degree programs, but they aren't as knowledgeable as specialists. If your doctor isn't able to help you to your satisfaction, you can seek a referral to a psychiatrist, especially one who specializes in treating adults with ADHD, like an ADHD treatment specialist.

2. Discuss the possibility of a diagnosis.

Many cases of ADHD are diagnosed when patients are minors. The signs of ADHD in children tend to be recognized as hyperactivity, creating disruptions in class, and an inability to focus. However, some children are better at masking these symptoms than others, and ADHD may present differently in girls than in boys. As a result, some people reach adulthood without receiving a proper diagnosis. If you believe you have the symptoms of ADHD, you should discuss the possibility of being evaluated with your ADHD treatment specialist. Receiving a positive diagnosis is the first step on the road to getting the treatment you need for this condition.

3. Attend therapy.

Therapy sessions can help people who have been diagnosed with ADHD. While therapy won't cure the condition, it can help people develop the skills they need to work with their brains instead of against them. Therapists will encourage patients to create reminders for themselves to minimize the forgetfulness that tends to come with ADHD. They may also suggest that patients practice breaking tasks down into smaller, more manageable components and setting timers to encourage short bursts of focused work. Additionally, therapists can help patients combat the feelings of depression, failure, and negativity that can come with being diagnosed with ADHD.

4. Take medication.

Medication can be immensely helpful for people with ADHD. Stimulants, which typically make people more excitable and energetic, tend to have the opposite effect on people with ADHD. People with this condition often find that stimulants help them calm down and focus. An ADHD treatment specialist can work with you to find the type of medication that best helps you.