Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of Tennessee’s most commonly diagnosed disorders. According to recent estimates from Child Mind Institute, Tennessee has one of the highest ADHD diagnoses at 9.3%. It can be challenging to manage ADHD independently, but many therapeutic approaches can help you manage symptoms better.
Understanding ADHD
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the brain’s ability to regulate behavior, attention, and impulse control. It is characterized by inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Generally speaking, ADHD symptoms are present before age 7 years; however, they often do not become fully evident until school-age children enter an environment that demands self-control and where tasks require sustained mental effort. ADHD is most commonly diagnosed in childhood or adolescence but can continue into adulthood if left untreated.
Overview of ADHD in Tennessee
ADHD is a behavioral disorder that can affect people of all ages. To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must exhibit at least six out of nine signs in two different settings.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that around 6 million children between the ages of 3 through 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD at some point. However, this number may be higher than reported due to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis.
ADHD patients are considered under Social Security disability in Tennessee, and they receive Social Security Income (SSI). $698 per month is the federal allocation for such people towards benefits. But in Tennessee, it is a bit higher at $733.
Traditional Therapy Approaches for ADHD
There are multiple traditional therapy approaches to help treat ADHD symptoms, and here are a few of them.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that helps people change the way they think, feel, and act. CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts and feelings can affect our behavior. In other words, if you believe something is true, even if it isn’t, your brain will start acting as though it’s true.
Put simply, you can think of CBT as something that can help patients take control over their thoughts and feelings. Since ADHD is all related to unusual thoughts, CBT can prove to be very useful for treating it. This can help patients identify patterns in their behavior over time and work on them accordingly.
For example, someone facing ADHD may not be able to pay attention at work. Through CBT, this individual learns how negative self-talk impacts her productivity at work so she can better manage those feelings when needed.
Behavioral therapies are very effective in ADHD, and that’s why many children are treated using this. Per a study by Spandidos Publications, 46.7% of children receive behavioral treatment. If you know someone who is facing ADHD symptoms and might need help with it, visit a therapist.
Look for local therapists with testimonials and recommendations. For instance, if you are in Nashville, hiring a local firm to have direct contact is best. So, in that case, look for therapy in Nashville and from a firm with good recommendations.
Nowadays, even high authority people are open about their endorsements. Dody Vail, Executive Director of the National Council on Alcoholism of Northeast MS, for example, has endorsed Fair Park Counseling. Having worked in the space for many years, Dody knows the therapy needed in the community.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, as the name gives out, is a form of treatment that involves talking with a therapist about your thoughts and feelings. Based on the conversations, therapists can help you understand the cause of your problems and how to fix them. Psychotherapy can also help people change their thoughts, feelings, and acts.
The goal of psychotherapy is not just to make you feel better but also to help you improve your life overall by learning new skills for managing stress and finding better ways to cope with life’s demands.
Group Therapy
Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves a group of people. It’s a lot like individual therapy but with more people. Group members can benefit from one another’s support and experience as they learn to manage their symptoms, improve their relationships, or achieve other goals.
Group therapy may be appropriate for you if:
– You want to work on your problems in a group setting rather than alone
– You prefer the support of others while working through challenges
Alternative Therapy Approaches for ADHD
Besides the traditional approaches, there are a few alternative approaches for ADHD. But it is vital to remember that alternative therapies are not a replacement for traditional therapies but can be used in conjunction with alternative therapies.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness-based therapy focuses on helping control your thoughts by making you calm and focused with mindfulness tactics like meditation. This therapy aims to help people with ADHD learn coping strategies for life stressors.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy sessions usually last about two hours per week for eight weeks and include discussion groups with other patients who also have ADHD or related disorders such as anxiety or depression.
The therapist will teach you how to practice mindfulness techniques throughout your day so you can use them when you feel stressed out by difficult situations at work or school. This helps reduce negative emotions like frustration or anger before they get out of control.
If not mindfulness therapy, even basic mindfulness meditation can help improve ADHD symptoms. A recent study published in the Frontiers Journal shows that mindfulness meditation can support differential aspects of emotional functioning in people with ADHD.
Equine-Assisted Therapy
Equine-assisted therapy is a non-medication approach to treating ADHD in Tennessee. In this treatment, an individual with attention deficit disorder works with horses and other animals to improve their social skills and behavior.
Ease into your horse riding experience by taking private lessons or enrolling in an introductory class where you can learn the basics of horseback riding, such as proper saddling techniques, trotting and cantering, jumping over fences, and more.
Conclusion
ADHD is a complicated disorder; finding the right treatment approach can be difficult. It’s important to remember that many different types of therapy can help you manage your symptoms and live a fulfilling life with ADHD. If traditional methods haven’t worked for you or your child, consider exploring alternative therapies, like neurofeedback or equine-assisted therapy.
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