Therapy for ADHD Wheaton (IL)

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder. Although adults can show symptoms, it is most frequently diagnosed in children. Boys also are twice as likely to be diagnosed with ADHD, although females are not excluded and may possibly be underdiagnosed because of a greater focus on boys.

Recurring ADHD symptoms can include:

If left undiagnosed and untreated, ADHD can lead to problems with home life, social perceptions, interpersonal relationships and performance at school and work. For a person with ADHD in Wheaton, the condition also can cause poor self-esteem and increasing self-criticism.

With meaningful professional therapy, a Wheaton resident with ADHD can come to better know their condition, its effects on others and themselves, and how to manage it. Eunoia Counseling specializes in ADHD therapy for people of all ages and backgrounds in Wheaton.

Wheaton (IL): What Causes ADHD?

Dating back more than a century, ADHD has been widely misunderstood and only recently recognized properly as a disorder.

ADHD was first mentioned in 1902 by British pediatrician Sir George Frederic Still, who described it as “an abnormal defect of moral control in children.” He found that some affected children who were otherwise intelligent could not control their behavior the way a typical child would.

In 1952, the American Psychiatric Association issued the first “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).” The manual identified all of the currently recognized mental disorders, as well as each condition’s causes, risk factors and treatments.

This first edition did not acknowledge ADHD. Published in 1968, the second DSM included a reference to “hyperkinetic reaction of childhood” for the first time. In the 1980s, the diagnosis adjusted to “attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity.”

The exact reasons behind ADHD remain uncertain. Current research still suggests that genetic factors can play a key role. Scientists also continue to examine other possible causes and risk factors such as brain injury, low birth weight, premature childbirth and exposure to potential hazards such as drug or alcohol use during pregnancy.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, research does not support ideas that ADHD can be caused by elements such as eating sugar, watching TV, playing video games or being affected by environmental factors such as family dysfunction. While these aspects might aggravate ADHD, evidence does not conclude they cause it.

ADHD Therapy for Wheaton (IL) Individuals & Families

When one person in a family or relationship has ADHD, it can extend well beyond the individual and alter others’ lives and routines. For example, a child with ADHD can draw much greater energy, time and attention from parents. Some research suggests that families with an ADHD child can have higher rates of divorce and depression.

Treating ADHD begins with a proper diagnosis. Once the affected individual has been seen and diagnosed by a mental-health professional, our therapy can provide a strong supporting component to the medical aspect.

At Eunoia Counseling, we begin with the ADHD individual. We provide the space and time to understand who the person is, what makes them special and how ADHD may be affecting their routines and relationships. Together we define how they can harness their inner ability to manage their ADHD in restoring peace and equilibrium.

As we work with the ADHD individual and family members who may be participating, we will focus on important skills such as:

Adaptive Approaches to ADHD Therapy for Wheaton (IL)

Eunoia Counseling ADHD therapy sessions are shaped to the individual’s particular factors. For example, therapy for adults with ADHD will often include different methods from those for children with ADHD.

Different approaches to ADHD therapy might include:

marital counseling and family therapy. This approach helps loved ones cope with and adjust to living with someone who has ADHD so they can support the individual in helpful, meaningful ways. It also helps establish constructive communication and problem-solving in managing ADHD.

cognitive behavioral therapy. Sometimes referred to as the gold standard for ADHD therapy, this approach develops skills for gaining greater command of behavior and changing negative thought patterns into positive ones. It can help the individual deal with daily challenges such as at school or work or in relationships, as well as address other mental-health conditions, such as anxiety, depression or addiction.

dialectical behavioral therapy. DBT is a form of cognitive behavioral talk therapy. “Dialectical” refers to the combining of opposite ideas. In treating ADHD, this often applies to differentiating what the individual might be thinking from what is really happening. DBT can help the individual see and accept the reality of their life and better align their thoughts and behaviors in relation to it.

mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. This approach can be an asset for those who would benefit from techniques such as meditation and mindfulness because of their effects on the brain and neural activity. For example, these techniques may help to reduce frequent daydreaming and increase focused attention, as well as to better identify emotional states for clearer regulation of them.

When you engage therapy with us, your initial sessions will focus on establishing comfort and trust with the therapist as you share conversations about life events, relationships and areas of difficulty, all in your time and according to your comfort.

The first session or two will differ from most of those that follow. During the initial meetings, we will focus on condition assessment and the best approach to therapy by reviewing the information provided on the intake form.

We will also talk about the scheduling and frequency of sessions as may be best for you at the outset. We further can answer any questions you have about our different types of therapy approaches, as well as our background experience and areas of expertise.

ADHD Therapy for Wheaton (IL): Contact Us Today

Our therapists have decades of experience helping many different people understand and overcome the obstacles to balance and peace in their lives. If you or someone close to you would like to learn more about our therapy for ADHD or schedule an appointment, contact us at (630) 340-8747 or info@eunoiacounselingnaperville.com.