ADHD ADD
Attention deficit disorders such as ADHD and ADD are symptoms of executive functioning deficits. Executive functioning refers to a set of mental skills related to focusing on a task, exercising self-control, planning ahead, and being self-aware. These skills are organized within two categories of executive functioning: behavioral regulation and cognitive abilities.
Adults and children are susceptible to attention deficit disorders (ADHD, ADD). The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the prevalence of attention deficit issus among adults as well as children. Without the novelty of different environments such as going to a workplace or school, the neurochemicals needed to stay on task became harder to access.
Neurochemical Deficits
The brain chemicals needed for focus include dopamine, acetylcholine, and noripenephrine. Dopamine feels good while acetylcholine promotes focus, and noripenephrine delivers the healthy stress needed to act.
Flow States
The inability to focus limits an individual’s ability to reach the much coveted flow state. Flow states or engagement are one of the leading causes of happiness. Without the ability to focus long enough to reach a flow state, we are missing out on an important piece of well-being.
Treatment
Essential to understanding and treating ADHD and ADD is an executive functioning assessment. Silicon Valley Providers will address this upon intake. Once an intake and executive functioning assessment has been completed a treatment plan will be discussed.
An inability to pay attention and impulsivity or hyperactivity are traditional symptoms of ADHD. When these symptoms are present for an extended period of time and they negatively impact academic, social, or occupational actvities, treatment is warranted.