ADHD Counsellor Chesterfield & Mansfield

CBT Counselling for ADHD in Chesterfield and Mansfield generally focuses on management strategies for the symptoms and an environment of understanding and care to express the struggles. If you need a diagnosis for ADHD there are a number of free online tests that will indicate the likelihood of it but you will need to see a psychologist or a psychiatrist to attain an official diagnosis. The general route for a diagnosis is through your local GP though private appointments can be found online.

In children alone, five and ten percent of children in the UK have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and two thirds of these will still experience symptoms when they reach 25. The prevalence of the condition and the difficulty in obtaining a diagnosis can make life much more difficult for parents and affect the child’s performance at school. Medication can be offered in some cases, but counselling is often more effective at helping people manage their behaviour. ADHD in adults is also becoming more acknowledged with many cases being undiscovered with children growing up pre millennium.

ADHD is characterised by an inability to pay lasting attention to work and play, a disorganised approach to tasks, not listening to people, becoming easily distracted and being generally forgetful. An affected child might also fidget or squirm when sat down, have trouble staying sat down, be unable to play quietly and run or climb too often. Impulsive behaviours include interrupting others, talking too much and an inability to take turns. The similarity of these symptoms to ordinary childhood behaviour makes the condition difficult to diagnose, and a professional therapist is likely to be required. The sufferer may be predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or a combination of both.

There are also a couple of conditions which can occur alongside ADHD which may also require attention from a counsellor. One of these is oppositional defiant disorder, which involves arguments, temper problems and a compulsion to defy instruction. Conduct disorder is another commonly co-existing problem, which involves things like lying, stealing, rule breaking and general anti-social behaviour. These problems can make things even more difficult but they can also be managed through therapy.

The causes of ADHD aren’t precisely known, but there are many potential explanations. One of these relates to an imbalance of natural neurotransmitters within the brain, and another is dependent on genetic inheritance. Studies on identical twins have provided evidence for the genetic argument, but it still isn’t necessarily the cause. The child’s home life can be a factor, particularly if there is a high degree of stress. Some psychologists also believe that the child is unable to filter the relevant information from the plethora of sensory data we receive every second, which leads to a lack of focus. Regardless of the cause, the treatment should always incorporate counselling.

There are a few different medications commonly offered for ADHD. The most well-known is methylphenidate (Ritalin), which is designed to help improve focus. Another option is dexamphetamine (Dexedrine), and the final one is atomexetine. These are all amphetamine-style stimulant medications, and accomplish roughly the same thing. The main problem with using medication for ADHD is that it has been shown to be considerably less effective without therapy.

Counselling for ADHD in our Glapwell offices Chesterfield and Mansfield usually focused on teaching the child or individual to manage the symptoms of the condition. Our counsellor will help with stress management, encourage better behaviour and help with general social skills. It’s important to remember that there is no “cure” for ADHD, so the treatments provided are designed to make everyday life more manageable. Remember that medication should never be offered without counselling or other behavioural interventions.

If you or your loved one may be suffering from ADHD give us a call. The demanding and trying nature of the condition can make life difficult if it isn’t managed effectively, so therapy at our Chesterfield and Mansfield offices can be very beneficial. We know you’re going through a difficult time, and you don’t have to struggle through it alone. We’re here to help you.