Everyone experiences stress, restlessness or trouble concentrating, especially if they’re going through a difficult time. While these symptoms don’t necessarily indicate a mental illness, they are considered some of the most common symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or attention deficit disorder (ADD). However, if these symptoms are present in multiple settings and start to affect your school, work or social life, ADD rehabilitation is a choice to consider.
What Are ADHD and ADD?
ADHD or ADD is a developmental disorder associated with ongoing patterns of hyperactivity, impulsivity or inattention. ADHD typically begins during childhood and continues into adulthood. Symptoms can vary based on the person. For instance, some people with ADHD experience symptoms of inattention while others may primarily be affected by hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Symptoms of inattention can cause complications with tasks, such as:
- Paying close attention to detail, resulting in making mistakes at work or during activities
- Following instructions and completing tasks in the workplace
- Sustaining attention for long periods
- Being easily distracted by unrelated stimuli or thoughts
- Misplacing things such as a wallet or keys
- Listening closely when being spoken to
Symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity can include:
- Fidgeting with hands or feet
- Squirming in your seat
- Inability to engage quietly in leisure activities
- Talking excessively
- Experiencing extreme restlessness
- Difficulty sitting for extended periods
- Interrupting others
- Answering questions before they’re done being asked
Stress and other mental or physical health conditions can cause symptoms like ADHD. Typically, if an adult experiences at least five persistent symptoms in either category in two or more settings that reduce the quality of social, school or work functioning, a health care provider may diagnose them with the disorder.
ADHD can also commonly occur with other mental disorders, including anxiety, mood and substance abuse disorders.
How Do ADHD and ADD Affect Adults?
Many adults with ADHD may not realize they have it because family members or other authority figures didn’t catch it when they were younger. Often, they may seem restless and try to do several things at once, preferring quick fixes rather than taking the time to gain greater rewards.
Adults with ADHD may also find it impossible to remember appointments, stick to one job or stay organized. Daily tasks, including arriving to work on time, staying productive or getting up in the morning, can also be difficult if the disorder is undiagnosed. Experiencing a combination of these symptoms for an extended period may be a sign to contact a health care provider or mental health professional for an evaluation.
A standardized behavior rating scale, or an ADHD symptoms checklist, can be used to determine whether an adult matches the criteria for the disorder. Psychological testing may also be conducted on executive functioning, working memory and reasoning skills. These results can rule out other diagnoses, such as learning disabilities. After receiving an official diagnosis, you can decide your next move.
When Should You Seek Help?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 4.4% of adults are diagnosed with ADHD. However, many adults who experience ADHD symptoms never receive a formal diagnosis, which means these symptoms often go untreated. It’s also possible for someone to struggle with another condition alongside ADHD. Commonly associated conditions include:
- Learning disabilities
- Sleep disorders
- Depression and anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Substance use disorders
Symptoms from other conditions can make managing ADHD more difficult. It’s rare for people to enter rehab for ADHD exclusively. They’re often dealing with another issue that pushed them to seek help in the first place.
For example, one study reveals 15.2% of individuals with ADHD also meet the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) criteria for a substance use disorder compared to only 5.6% of individuals without ADHD. Untreated ADHD can lead to feelings of low self-esteem, anxiety and depression. Individuals may turn to drugs and alcohol as a way of self-medicating these feelings and other symptoms.
Can you go to rehab for ADD and ADHD if your symptoms are starting to feel unmanageable? Yes, professional treatment is available and may make coping with ADHD or another condition easier.
What Are the Benefits of ADHD and ADD Rehab?
After receiving an ADHD diagnosis, there are many professional treatment options available that can be beneficial for managing your disorder. Several medications are designed specifically to treat symptoms, but evidence-based therapeutic solutions can also help. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most common.
The purpose of CBT is to help patients understand how their condition works both generally and personally. For ADHD, CBT addresses any confusion about the disorder, allowing individuals to recognize how it affects their everyday lives. Therapy sessions are usually available in both an inpatient and outpatient mental health program, giving people the power to choose which environment works best for them.
Another benefit of receiving professional treatment for ADHD is that people can also access care for other mental health issues or a co-occurring substance use disorder. A therapist will conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify what a patient is struggling with and develop an individualized treatment plan.
Can ADHD and ADD Be Treated Without a Professional?
Therapy and medication are usually the most effective treatments. However, if ADD rehab isn’t your treatment of choice, there are steps you can take at home to manage your symptoms, including:
- Regular exercise, especially when you’re feeling restless
- Eating healthy meals
- Maintaining a structured sleep schedule
- Working on time management and organization, such as prioritizing time sensitive tasks and writing down appointments or important messages
- Scheduling activities with supportive friends or family members
- Taking medications as instructed
- Avoiding drugs and alcohol
A Better Life Is Possible
Deciding to get mental health treatment isn’t easy. Individuals may be reluctant to admit they need help or believe they can do it alone. If you or a loved one is struggling with symptoms that may indicate ADHD or another condition, Restore offers options designed to treat co-occurring disorders. Contact us today to speak to a trained counselor and learn which treatment option is right for you.
