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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can make it hard to focus, stay organized, or manage impulses. It often persists into adulthood and can co-occur with other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression.
At Otter House Wellness, we provide specialized care to treat ADHD through tailored therapies, medication management, and holistic approaches.
Learn more about the personalized treatments we offer to help you manage ADHD symptoms and take control of your life.
About Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is both a mental health and a behavioral condition that makes it hard to sit still, stay focused, or think before acting.
ADHD isn’t just a childhood issue — symptoms may start in early life but often persist into adulthood, affecting work, relationships, and everyday tasks.
Adults with ADHD might feel like their minds are always racing. Staying organized, meeting deadlines, or keeping track of details can feel overwhelming. Meanwhile, restlessness or impulsive decisions can create complications in life, both major and minor.
But Otter House Wellness can help adults manage ADHD and lead more calm, fulfilling lives.
Key Facts on ADHD
ADHD affects millions of children, adolescents, and adults around the world. Research shows that:
- Around 15.5 million U.S. adults had an ADHD diagnosis in 2023.
- About half of those diagnosed with ADHD received their diagnosis as adults.
- Worldwide, between 2% and 5% of adults experience ADHD symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
- Pharmacotherapy, including stimulant medications like methylphenidate and amphetamines, remains the first-line treatment for adult ADHD.
- Roughly one-third of diagnosed adults take stimulants to manage ADHD symptoms.
What Causes ADHD to Form?
While the exact cause of ADHD isn’t fully understood, contributing factors include:
- Genetics: ADHD often runs in families. Parents or siblings of someone with ADHD are more likely to have it. Genetics play a significant role but no single gene is responsible.
- Brain structure and function: Studies show differences in the structure and size of brain regions in people with ADHD compared to those without it.
- Neurotransmitter imbalances: ADHD is linked to imbalances in brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine, which affect focus, impulse control, and hyperactivity.
- Prenatal and early-life factors: Being born prematurely (before 37 weeks) or having a low birth weight can increase the risk of ADHD.
- Medical conditions or injury: Epilepsy and brain damage, whether during pregnancy or from a severe head injury later in life, are linked to a higher risk of developing ADHD.
Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD symptoms affect focus, impulse control, and activity levels. Common symptoms include:
- Difficulty staying organized, focusing, or following instructions
- Restlessness, fidgeting, or excessive talking
- Acting impulsively, such as interrupting others or making quick decisions without considering the consequences
Symptoms can appear in different ways over time. For adults, inattention can lead to forgetfulness or missed deadlines, while hyperactivity may feel like inner restlessness rather than constant movement.
Types of ADHD
ADHD is classified under three main categories, according to the symptoms experienced. Once you’re able to identify which type you or your loved one is living with, you’ll have a better idea of how to manage these.
Inattentive Type
Adults with inattentive type ADHD can struggle with focus, organization, and follow-through. This type is sometimes referred to as “ADD” because it doesn’t include the signature ADHD hyperactive symptoms.
Symptoms of inattentive type ADHD are:
- Difficulty paying attention to details, leading to careless mistakes
- Frequently losing items like keys, wallets, or important documents
- Being easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or external events
- Forgetting daily tasks or appointments
- Trouble organizing time, tasks, or workspace
Hyperactive-Compulsive
Adults with hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD experience symptoms of restlessness and impulsivity. This type can make it difficult to sit still, slow down, or control immediate reactions, which can affect work, social situations, and daily life.
Symptoms of hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD include:
- Feeling restless or constantly needing to move, like fidgeting or pacing
- Talking excessively or interrupting others during conversations
- Acting on impulse, such as making quick decisions without thinking through the consequences
- Struggling to engage in quiet activities or feeling “always on the go”
Combined Type
Combined type ADHD is the most common form. Adults with this type experience a mix of symptoms from both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, which can create challenges across different areas of life.
An adult with combined type ADHD needs to have at least 5 symptoms from both the hyperactive and inattentive types.
Understanding which type you’re living with means you can manage your ADHD and reduce its impact on your daily life.
Complications of Untreated ADHD
Untreated ADHD can impact your work, relationships, and mental health. You may struggle with time management, organization, and focus, leading to missed deadlines, job instability, and financial difficulties.
Relationships may also suffer, as impulsivity and forgetfulness can create misunderstandings and frustration. Safety can be a concern too, as impulsive behavior and inattention may lead to accidents, risky decisions, or difficulties with everyday tasks.
When repeatedly knocked by these challenges, you can see how someone might develop low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression. Some may turn to substance abuse to manage their symptoms and feelings, which adds another layer of physical and mental health challenges.
Without treatment, these complications tend to worsen over time. But addressing ADHD through therapy, medication, and coping strategies can help you gain control over your symptoms.
ADHD Treatment at Otter House Wellness
At Otter House Wellness, we know that no two people are alike. And that includes the way that our clients experience and cope with ADHD. Because of this, we tailor our targeted, evidence-based treatment programs to meet each person’s unique needs.
Through our three levels of comprehensive care we help you learn how to manage your ADHD and reduce its impact on your life.
Outpatient Behavioral Health Treatment
Our three levels of outpatient treatment support you at any stage of your ADHD recovery. These include:
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): PHP provides intensive, structured care for those experiencing significant challenges with ADHD and related mental health conditions. With therapy, skill-building interventions, and medication management, it’s ideal for those needing daily support to stabilize symptoms and regain control without requiring an overnight stay.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): IOP offers a step down from PHP, providing therapy and skills training several days a week. This structured program helps you address ADHD symptoms while balancing work, home, and daily responsibilities. Therapy sessions may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to improve executive function, social skills, and time management.
- Outpatient services: For those with milder symptoms or who’ve made progress through PHP or IOP, our outpatient program provides flexible care. You’ll receive ongoing support through therapy, medications, and ADHD-focused interventions to maintain your treatment plan while keeping up with your daily routines.
Medication Management
At Otter House Wellness, our treatment teams work closely with you to make sure your medications are both effective and safe.
The most common medications for ADHD are stimulants, including methylphenidate and amphetamine. These medications increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters that improve focus, attention, and impulse control.
Medication doesn’t cure ADHD but can reduce its symptoms significantly. Under the care of our nurses and psychiatrists, we monitor the effects of your medications, adjust dosages as needed, and address any side effects.
Therapy for ADHD
Where medication helps treat the causes and symptoms of ADHD, therapy addresses the behavioral, emotional, and relational challenges that come with it.
At our treatment center, therapy for ADHD can include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT helps you manage impulses, organization, and negative thought patterns. It also addresses co-occurring mental health conditions.
- Family therapy: ADHD can strain relationships. Family therapy improves communication and problem-solving, helping family members better support you.
- Group therapy: Connecting with others who share similar challenges can strengthen social skills and provide valuable peer support for managing ADHD symptoms.
Other therapies are available, and the right one for you depends on your evolving needs as you move through treatment.
Find Your Calm with ADHD Treatment at Otter House Wellness
If you’re ready to manage your symptoms and regain control of your life, we’re here to help. With our expert team of compassionate caregivers, you can address your ADHD and any related challenges such as anxiety disorders or substance use disorders.
To discuss your diagnosis of ADHD and to start your journey toward a life of calm and control, contact us today.
