Adult Therapy for ADHD in Orange County, California

Therapy for ADHD in Newport Beach, California

“That’s been one of my mantras - focus and simplicity. Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it’s worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains.

— Steve Jobs

Do I Have ADHD?

ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder often identified in early childhood (Moffitt et al, 2015). However, some people learn to cope and compensate for symptoms of ADHD early in life – which means they make it into adulthood without ever being diagnosed. One easy way to identify the presence of ADHD for an adult is to examine the duration of the symptoms. Have you struggled with focus and attention control? Do you struggle with organizational skills or deadlines? Have these issues been present for most of your life?

Here Are A Few Of The Most Common Signs Of ADHD Adulthood (DSM-5):

ADHD broken down into three main categories: Predominately Inattentive Type, Predominately Hyperactive-Impulsive Type, and Combined Type (which includes symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity). The symptoms of ADHD are rooted in issues with executive functioning and/or motor drive. Executive functioning is a broad term used by psychologists to explain the brain’s capacity to organize thoughts, plan ahead, and integrate perceptual information (Willcutt et al, 2005). Issues with executive functioning are most easily identified with poor attention control and organizational skills. Motor drive is used to describe the body’s level of agitation or motivation to move and be active, which is most often seen as the squirminess and “bouncing off the wall” level of activity in younger children with hyperactivity. Adults with ADHD may be seen having difficulty with necessary work tasks or keeping track of bills.

Adults with ADHD can be difficult to diagnose (see Harold et al, 2015). This is due to the high similarity of symptoms between ADHD and other mental health issues:

This is why adults who think they may have ADHD should always seek services from a licensed psychologist or other mental health professional who is trained to do ADHD assessment. Clinical psychologists and psychotherapists (like our team at OC Psychology Center) are trained to accurately assess ADHD and rule out the presence of other mental health issues. Our team of mental health professionals is determined to help you find answers. We can help adults who struggle with attention and organization, regardless of whether or not they meet criteria for ADHD. Contact OC Psychology Center for Assessment and Therapy today to schedule your first appointment.

What Does Treatment For ADHD in Young Adults Look Like?

The first step for anyone who struggles with ADHD or a similar mental health issue involves an accurate diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, treatment for ADHD may look different than treatment for anxiety or depression - particularly for adults. Although many of the issues related to having ADHD can be resolved through psychotherapy services, a combination of medication and therapy tends to be the most effective (National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference Report, 2000). We coach our clients and consult with their prescribing doctors to identify the best choice of medication for their care.

As You Begin To Meet With Us For Therapy And Begin A Consistent Regimen Of Medication, You Will Begin To Notice:

• Increased capacity to focus on important tasks

• Decreased feelings of jitteriness and worry

• Improved organizational strategies

• Greater efficiency in your work and play

• Feelings of confidence and control

Our mission is to help adults and their families find answers and solutions through assessment (testing and diagnosis) and psychotherapy (treatment) services. To read more about our assessment services, check out our other pages on psychological testing and diagnosis. To learn more about what assessment looks like here in our clinic, read on!

How Does OC Psychology Provide ADHD Assessments For Adults?

Our ADHD assessment services are entirely confidential and scheduled based on your availability. You will meet one-on-one with one of our licensed professionals to complete a testing battery that is designed based on your needs. For ADHD testing, this typically involves behavioral, executive functioning, cognitive, and academic assessments. Assessment may require scheduling multiple blocks of time (2-6 hours) depending on the testing, along with a final feedback session where we provide you with the results and our recommendations. A copy of the report will also be given to you to use, and can be sent to your doctor if requested.

Further Reading: Managing Stressors as an Adult

About our team

Psychologists & Counselors Specializing In The Unique Challenges Of Young Adulthood.

Want to learn more about our team of youth and young adult behavioral health specialists?  Click the button below to learn more about our credentials and areas of specialty.