Someone who has-functioning ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) may not realize they meet the criteria to be diagnosed with this mental health disorder. Others may suspect or know they have ADHD, but they feel they don’t have all the stereotypical difficulties the illness is known for. As a result, they don’t seek the help available that can change their lives.
Montare Outpatient created a program to treat ADHD at all levels, including those who have high-functioning ADHD. Our therapists meet with each person to determine their specific needs and design a program based on that. This means each individual receives a tailor-made program that meets them where they are and helps them improve their symptoms.
Understanding High-Functioning ADHD
Many people with ADHD experience symptoms with great severity often to the point it dramatically impacts their ability to work, go to school, or have viable personal relationships. Others have what is referred to as high-functioning ADHD. While this is not a formal diagnosis, it is a term commonly used to describe people who have ADHD but not to the point that it drastically interferes with their daily lives and responsibilities.
For example, a person with severe or moderate ADHD may feel so overwhelmed with their symptoms that they find it difficult to find or hold down a job or attend school. Their symptoms become a hazard and they often withdraw from life, especially if they don’t seek treatment.
Symptoms of High-Functioning ADHD
- Difficulty Concentrating: Despite being able to focus intensely on tasks of interest, individuals may struggle to concentrate on less stimulating activities.
- Disorganization: Issues with organizing tasks and activities, leading to frequent forgetfulness or missed deadlines.
- Impulsivity: Making hasty decisions without considering the consequences, which can affect relationships and work.
- Procrastination: Difficulty initiating tasks or projects until the last minute, even when they are important.
- Difficulty Managing Time: Poor time management skills, often underestimating or overestimating the time needed for tasks.
- Forgetfulness: Easily forgetting daily tasks, appointments, or responsibilities, despite efforts to stay organized.
- Emotional Dysregulation: Fluctuations in mood, including irritability or quick temper, especially when under stress.
- Hyperfocus: Intense concentration on a specific task or activity that can lead to ignoring other priorities or losing track of time.
- Restlessness: Physical or mental restlessness, difficulty staying seated or quiet when necessary.
- Executive Functioning Challenges: Problems with planning, prioritizing, and completing tasks, which can impact daily life and work productivity.
- Difficulty Switching Tasks: Trouble transitioning from one activity to another, often feeling stuck or overwhelmed by multiple tasks.
- Struggles with Relationships: Challenges in maintaining relationships due to forgetfulness, impulsivity, or emotional reactivity.
An individual with high-functioning ADHD typically has less severe symptoms, symptoms that occur less often, or both. In addition, someone with high-functioning ADHD may have learned healthy coping skills to help lessen the amount and severity of their symptoms. They may have learned these coping mechanisms on their own or by attending therapy, an outpatient, or a residential treatment center.
Do People Go to Treatment for High-Functioning ADHD?
Anyone with high-functioning ADHD can receive attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder treatment. Some people may not think they qualify for it if their symptoms aren’t complex and constant like they are for many people with ADHD. However, a high-quality treatment program and skilled therapy staff can help those with high-functioning ADHD reduce the severity of their symptoms and how often they occur.
Anyone who feels as if they may have ADHD but aren’t sure or wonder what level they have should obtain a thorough assessment by a mental health professional. The evaluation will determine if the individual has ADHD and if it falls under the classification of high-functioning. From there, a treatment plan can be set up that meets the specific needs of the person.
In addition, an evaluation can determine if someone has more than one mental health disorder. For example, they might also struggle with depression, bipolar disorder, or PTSD. Many people with a mental illness also have an addiction to alcohol or drugs. The right treatment program can create a plan to treat the person for each condition simultaneously, saving them both time and money.
Treatment Options for High-Functioning ADHD
One of the most effective types of therapy for people with high-functioning ADHD is called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Both outpatient and residential therapy programs that place importance on using modern and very effective treatment plans for ADHD often use CBT as their first choice. CBT teaches people to learn how to improve their difficulty paying attention and reduce their urges to act impulsively. CBT gives people newfound skills for learning to problem-solve. For instance, whereas they previously might give into an impulse or believe they don’t have the ability to control their symptoms, CBT shows them how to identify issues and apply their new healthy coping skills.
Individual therapy also provides a person with a way to rethink how much they can control when it comes to their ADHD symptoms. They learn important organizational skills and find it easier to manage their time at work, in school, at home, and socially.
Finally, most people who have high-functioning ADHD benefit by taking medications. Choices include stimulant and non-stimulant medications, and antidepressants. These medications are available by prescription and their usage should be overseen by a medical doctor or mental health professional to monitor the results and make any needed changes. Any side effects should immediately be reported to the prescriber.
Contact Montare Outpatient to Start Treating ADHD Today
Have you struggled with high-functioning ADHD and either don’t think you qualify for treatment or haven’t known where to turn to get it? Montare Outpatient believes that each person who comes to us for treatment deserves the highest quality of care. Our program provides world-class treatment for people who have high-functioning ADHD and want to improve their symptoms and quality of life. Our team of skilled therapists gives each person a full assessment so we can design a plan that meets their unique needs. From there we can create a menu of therapies that aid people with ADHD. We also provide access to any necessary medications that help manage and minimize many of the symptoms of high-functioning ADHD.
For more information about our highly effective, modern treatment plan for ADHD, contact us today. We are happy to answer your questions and provide a free insurance verification.
