Therapy for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Tame your ADHD, Not Your Spirit.
Welcome to our Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) therapy services at Toronto Psychology Centre. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive support for transition-aged youth, adults, and families. Our services include individual therapy, family therapy to support teens with ADHD, and parenting support for children with ADHD. Whether you prefer in-person therapy in downtown Toronto, where we offer a welcoming environment, or secure and convenient online therapy accessible across Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Quebec, we are here for you.
Our professional and caring team of social workers and psychologists recognize the unique strengths and challenges of ADHD. Individuals with ADHD often display remarkable creativity and an exceptional ability to think outside the box—qualities that make them standout performers in life’s short races.
At our Centre, we strive to nurture and direct your natural creativity toward achieving long-lasting, productive outcomes. We are here to help you excel not only in quick sprints but also in mastering the marathon of everyday life.
To that end, our team will help you improve your executive functioning and the emotional impacts of ADHD such as anxiety, depression, low confidence, relationship, and work challenges.
Together, we collaborate and channel your passion using a structured approach that enhances your skills. This framework aims to foster greater peace and contentment in your life. Let’s work together to stabilize your focus and help you achieve your aspirations!
Understanding Symptoms of ADHD & Their Impact
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in childhood. It has a genetic component, with a higher probability for those with close relatives experiencing the disorder.
From a diagnostic perspective, ADHD is categorized into three presentations: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. Each presentation is marked by a different pattern of core symptoms, which significantly impact daily functioning. Additionally, executive functioning challenges are a central issue for people with ADHD, contributing to difficulties in planning, organization, and time management, while emotion regulation also presents hurdles.
Inattention
→ This core feature is marked by an inability to regulate focus, high levels of distractibility, forgetfulness, and difficulties with organizational and planning skills.
- These aspects of inattention can lead to challenges maintaining focus on tasks, frequently misplacing items, or losing track of activities midway, which can disrupt productivity and negatively impact self-esteem.
- Hyperfocus, is part of inattention, as it represents an inability to properly direct, engage, and disengage attention on where it needs to be directed to achieve a goal.
- Memory issues commonly thought to be associated with ADHD are problems with inattention, as it prevents encoding of information into memory.
Hyperactivity-Impulsivity
→ Transition-age youth and adults may not exhibit overt hyperactivity but often experience an internal feeling of restlessness, described as being constantly ‘on edge’.
→ Impulsivity in ADHD is characterized by excessive energy levels, impatience, and often off-track behavior, including risk-taking.
Executive functioning
This major aspect of ADHD involves various challenges such as cognitive flexibility, self-control, along with skills in planning, prioritizing, organization, and time management.
→ Procrastination: This stems from challenges in planning, decision-making, prioritizing, task initiation and sustaining attention.
→ Time management: Time management is a critical aspect of executive functioning challenges in ADHD, often characterized by difficulties in planning and scheduling. This includes a tendency to underestimate the time needed for tasks, a phenomenon known as ‘time blindness.’ Individuals with time blindness may struggle to perceive and allocate time accurately, leading to chronic delays and increased stress.
→ Disorganization: A prevalent challenge for individuals with ADHD is the struggle to maintain an organized environment or schedule. Often, this manifests in an over-reliance on a ‘piling system’ where documents and items are stacked haphazardly rather than being properly filed. This approach, while it might seem convenient, can hinder efficiency and contribute to clutter, making it difficult to locate needed items quickly.
Emotional Dysregulation
This lesser-recognized co-occurring feature includes heightened irritability, sudden mood changes, and a low frustration tolerance, complicating emotional management and interpersonal relationships.
Understanding these interconnected symptoms is crucial for effective management of ADHD. Implementing tailored strategies and treatments enhances the ability to navigate daily tasks and improve overall quality of life, fostering better personal and professional outcomes.
Diagnosing ADHD
Is ADHD Over-Diagnosed?
There has been ongoing debate in the field regarding whether ADHD is over-diagnosed, with some suggesting that the broadening of diagnostic criteria has led to an increase in misdiagnosis.
However, leading experts like Russell Barkley emphasize the importance of careful, evidence-based assessment to distinguish true ADHD from other conditions with overlapping symptoms. While it’s crucial to avoid unnecessary labeling, it’s equally important to ensure that those who genuinely have ADHD receive an accurate diagnosis.
Understanding the importance of an accurate diagnosis, we approach our assessments with care and empathy, tailoring them to your unique needs while ensuring the process is thorough and as stress-free as possible.
For more detailed information on our diagnostic process and to learn how we can support you or your loved ones, please visit our assessment webpage.
A Symphony Of Neural Networks
Imagine your brain as a grand symphony orchestra. This orchestra has two main groups:
The Default Mode Network & The Task-Related Network.
The Default Mode Network is like the string section that plays gently in the background when the orchestra is at rest, not performing any specific piece. This network is active when you’re daydreaming or letting your mind wander without a particular task in mind.
The Task-Related Network, on the other hand, are like the brass and percussion sections that come alive when it’s time to perform a focused, goal-oriented piece. They spring into action when you need to concentrate on tasks at hand.
In a typical orchestra, these sections play at different times. The strings (Default Mode Network) quiet down when it’s time for a powerful performance from the brass and percussion (Task-Related Network), ensuring a clear, undistracted presentation of each piece.
However, with ADHD, the coordination between these sections is akin to both playing simultaneously more often than they should. This unusual harmony can make it challenging to switch smoothly from a state of rest to focused task performance. Think of it as the string and brass sections playing loudly at the same time, making it difficult to discern the melody.
The Role of Dopamine: The Conductor
Dopamine in the brain acts like the conductor, signaling when it’s time for the strings to soften and the brass to play boldly, and vice versa. In ADHD, this conductor isn’t directing as effectively as it should, leading to a mix-up in signals. This results in both networks being active when ideally, only one should take the lead, creating challenges in focusing or switching tasks smoothly.
It’s important to note that this conceptualization is one of many perspectives in the field of ADHD research. The study of ADHD encompasses a vast array of cognitive and neural mechanisms, and the information provided here is a selective overview.
Understanding ADHD as a dynamic interplay between different brain networks helps clarify why focusing can sometimes be challenging. By learning strategies to enhance mental flexibility and organizational skills, individuals can ‘tune’ their brain’s activity.
Techniques drawn from therapy can empower you to manage attention and actions more effectively, leading to improved daily functioning and more balance. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy offers hope for mastering the complexities of ADHD, fostering resilience & a greater sense of control.
Is Hyperfocus The Hidden Strength (And Challenge) Of ADHD?
Have you ever been so absorbed in an activity that the rest of the world seemed to vanish?
Many individuals with ADHD experience a phenomenon known as hyperfocus—an intense concentration on specific tasks that causes time and surroundings to fade into the background. This level of focus typically occurs during activities that are particularly interesting or rewarding.
Why Does Hyperfocus Happen?
ADHD is often linked to difficulties in maintaining attention, but it’s more accurately described as a challenge in regulating attention. Hyperfocus is the flip side of inattention, where deep concentration is sustained on a specific interest, often to the exclusion of other necessary tasks.
This occurs due to the brain’s response to dopamine, a neurotransmitter crucial for pleasure, motivation, and reward. In individuals with ADHD, certain activities trigger a significant release of dopamine, heightening interest and dramatically narrowing focus. While this can be beneficial for tasks requiring detailed attention, it can also lead to the neglect of other responsibilities.
Dopamine and Executive Functions
Attention regulation in ADHD is not only influenced by dopamine but also by executive functions—self-regulating processes that manage impulsive behaviors and cognitive flexibility. These systems are essential for directing attention appropriately across various tasks. In ADHD, underdeveloped or impaired executive functions can hinder the ability to shift focus from highly rewarding activities to those that are less immediately gratifying but equally important.
The Double-Edged Sword of Hyperfocus
Hyperfocus can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it leads to productivity and satisfaction in activities you love, allowing for deep dives into hobbies, work projects, or learning. On the other hand, it can cause you to lose track of time and neglect other important tasks or social interactions. The surge in dopamine during engaging tasks, coupled with impaired executive functions, makes it difficult to shift focus. Conversely, tasks perceived as less engaging can lead to decreased efficiency, often experienced as boredom or low motivation, resulting in avoidance and procrastination.
Embracing Hyperfocus in a Healthy Way
Understanding and managing hyperfocus involves recognizing the triggers and learning to distribute your focus across a range of activities. This not only improves your ability to control your focus but also helps in minimizing the downsides of missing out on other important life events.
On our journey through ADHD therapy, recognizing and embracing the strengths while managing the challenges can lead to a fulfilling and balanced life.
Co-Occurring Issues With ADHD
Living with ADHD often means navigating a complex landscape of co-occurring experiences and challenges. It’s not uncommon for individuals with ADHD to experience additional issues such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Rejection Sensitivity
- Substance Use
- Sleep Difficulties
- Learning Disabilities
These types of issues can compound the difficulties of managing ADHD, making everyday tasks even more daunting.
One of the most pervasive experiences among those with ADHD is a profound sense of shame and inadequacy. This often stems from a lifelong struggle with symptoms that can be misinterpreted by others as laziness or lack of effort.
People with ADHD frequently internalize these negative perceptions, leading to low self-esteem and a chronic feeling of not being in control of their own lives.
How Does ADHD Affect Adults?
ADHD symptoms commonly impact the following areas:
Workplace Difficulties
Challenges with executive functioning complicate the completion of many job-related tasks. Adults with undiagnosed or unmanaged ADHD may struggle to maintain employment, manage workload and responsibilities, or find satisfaction in their work. Effective treatments like therapy and medication, along with choosing a career aligned with their strengths, can significantly improve workplace success.
Relationship Challenges
In people with ADHD, their vibrant and spontaneous nature can sometimes lead to challenges in social interactions. They may act on impulse or miss social cues, which can complicate relationships, especially when misconstrued as disregard/self-absorption or disrespect.
People with ADHD often have difficulties monitoring what others are saying and what they themselves want to say. They often interrupt others, so they won’t forget a point they want to make. This is usually misunderstood. However, this same spontaneity and enthusiasm can also bring a unique and valuable perspective to social exchanges, enriching relationships when understood and appreciated.
An important aspect often observed in adults with ADHD is rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD). RSD is an intense emotional response caused by the perception that one has been rejected or criticized by important people in their life. For those with ADHD, this can be particularly challenging, as they might react very strongly to what others might see as minor slights or disagreements. This heightened sensitivity can lead to rapid and intense emotional fluctuations, affecting their self-esteem and the harmony of their relationships.
Recognizing and addressing RSD within the context of ADHD can lead to more supportive and understanding interactions, as partners and friends learn to navigate these emotional responses more effectively.
Through understanding and accommodating the challenges faced by individuals with ADHD, relationships can become more resilient and fulfilling, emphasizing empathy and appreciation for each other’s unique attributes.
Self-Esteem Issues
Adults with ADHD might attribute their professional and relational difficulties to personal failings, carrying forward feelings of inadequacy from childhood experiences of academic struggle and negative labeling. Viewing ADHD as a trait with both challenges and benefits can aid in rebuilding your self-esteem. Moreover, it can be helpful to view ADHD as part of the self, rather than one’s identity.
High-Risk Behaviors and Substance use
Individuals with ADHD may gravitate towards highly stimulating activities that deliver an adrenaline rush and increase dopamine levels. Without proper treatment, they are prone to engage in risky behaviors and substance abuse. A combination of behavioural, educational, psychological, and medical interventions can effectively mitigate these tendencies.
Co-occurring Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression frequently accompany ADHD, as challenges in adhering to neurotypical standards can provoke worry and feelings of worthlessness. Anxiety and depression symptoms often accompany unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Therapists who provide treatment for ADHD are equipped to address these concurrent issues.
What Makes ADHD Different For Girls & Women?
Understanding ADHD in Women: A Journey Towards Recognition
Have you ever wondered why it seems like boys are more often diagnosed with ADHD than girls?
ADHD has long been understood as a condition primarily affecting hyperactive young boys. First described by Sir George Frederick Still in 1902, the early observations centred around visible behavioural disruptions, which led to the misconception that ADHD was mainly a “boy’s condition.”
Shifts in Perception
Over time, our understanding has broadened. By the 1980s, the focus expanded to include inattentive symptoms, recognizing that ADHD is as much about challenges in attention regulation as it is about hyperactivity. Yet, a persistent gender bias in diagnosis meant that many girls went unrecognized.
Girls and women with ADHD often exhibit less overt hyperactivity and more subtle signs like inattention and emotional dysregulation, which can easily be overlooked or misinterpreted as anxiety, depression, or simply “not trying hard enough.”
Prevalence and Differences of ADHD in Girls and Women
Stephen Hinshaw’s research on ADHD, particularly in girls, has helped to shed light on the prevalence and characteristics of the disorder in females. According to his findings:
ADHD Prevalence in Girls: Hinshaw has noted that ADHD is less commonly diagnosed in girls than in boys, with ratios often cited as approximately 2:1 or 3:1 (boys to girls). However, he suggests that these numbers might underestimate the true prevalence in girls because girls often present with the inattentive subtype, which is less disruptive and, therefore, less likely to be recognized and diagnosed.
Estimated Rates: In general population studies, the prevalence of ADHD in girls is estimated to be around 3-7%, compared to 8-12% in boys.
Unique Challenges for Women
ADHD presents distinct challenges for women, often manifesting in more internalized ways compared to men. Rather than displaying overt hyperactivity, women are more likely to grapple with inattention, time management difficulties, and emotional regulation issues. These internal struggles often go unnoticed or misunderstood, leading to challenges in both personal and professional environments.
The impact can ripple across various aspects of life, from emotional health and social relationships to career progression and daily responsibilities, ultimately contributing to heightened stress, low self-esteem, and feelings of inadequacy.
Impact on Daily Life
The impact of ADHD on women extends beyond childhood, deeply affecting their emotional well-being, social relationships, and professional advancement. Here’s how it often plays out:
Emotional and Mental Health: Women with ADHD often struggle with intense emotions, anxiety, and depression. Emotional dysregulation can lead to overwhelming feelings of inadequacy, making it difficult to maintain a positive self-image.
Relationships and Social Interactions: Misinterpreting social cues and difficulties in maintaining relationships are common, with ADHD symptoms often mistaken for disinterest or negligence. This can lead to frequent misunderstandings and social isolation.
Career and Academic Challenges: Organizational and time management challenges can obstruct career advancement and academic success, making it difficult to meet deadlines or manage projects effectively.
Daily Life Management: Everyday responsibilities can feel daunting, leading to procrastination, task avoidance, and a sense of being perpetually behind.
Coping Mechanisms and Strategies: To compensate, many women with ADHD may overwork or strive for perfection, masking their symptoms temporarily but ultimately leading to burnout and heightened anxiety.
Tailored Services: Therapy for women with ADHD can be particularly beneficial when it focuses on the unique ways ADHD manifests in women. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), for instance, is effective in helping to manage symptoms by improving executive functioning skills, enhancing problem-solving abilities, and providing emotional support.
ADHD in women is often overlooked, but with the right support and understanding, it’s possible to transform these challenges into strengths. By addressing both the symptoms and the emotional impacts of ADHD, girls and women can achieve greater balance and fulfillment in their lives.
For more information, we recommend listening to an episode of Mel Robins’ interesting podcast, “The truth about ADHD & Women”
Positive ADHD Attributes
How can ADHD fuel creativity and success?
ADHD is often discussed in terms of its challenges, but there are also several positive traits and potential advantages associated with the condition, as highlighted in both research and anecdotal reports.
Here are some of the positive characteristics linked to ADHD:
- Adaptability
- Big picture thinking
- Creativity and innovation
- Curiosity
- Empathy and intuition
- Energy and enthusiasm
- Entrepreneurial mindset
- Hyperfocus
- Spontaneity and flexibility
Overcoming ADHD Challenges
Too many lost scraps of paper and unfinished projects?
Our ADHD therapy is rooted in practical, evidence-based strategies designed to effectively manage symptoms of executive functioning and improve daily living. We focus on several key areas:
Time Management
We teach techniques such as the use of planners, setting priorities, and breaking tasks into manageable steps to help reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed and enhance productivity.
Organization
Strategies include systemizing possessions, creating structured routines, and using reminders and checklists to aid in maintaining order and reducing clutter.
Emotion Regulation
ADHD therapy interventions for emotion regulation focus on helping individuals develop strategies to manage intense emotions and impulsive reactions. Techniques often include cultivating more adaptive thinking through identifying and reframing negative thought patterns, mindfulness practices, and emotional skills training.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Suggestions include structured routines, exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep, all of which can significantly impact symptoms.
Positive environments
Creating supportive environments both at home and at work/school that cater to the needs of someone with ADHD.
Relationship Skills
In addition to traditional ADHD coaching for executive functioning skills, therapeutic interventions may be integrated to enhance interpersonal skills crucial for healthy relationships. This includes teaching effective communication, healthy emotional expression, reading social cues, and appropriate responses in social contexts.
Strategies for managing impulsivity and maintaining attention in conversations also help clients engage fully, build stronger connections, reduce misunderstandings, and foster a supportive network.
Effective Therapy
Can evidence-based therapy turn your daily ADHD challenges into opportunities?
Our therapists engage in a partnership with you to cultivate skills that extend beyond the therapy session, enhancing your daily life.
Evidence-Based Practices
At Toronto Psychology Centre, we understand that everyone with ADHD has their own unique challenges and strengths. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for ADHD enhances self-regulation and bolsters executive function, helping adults fine-tune their time management, task prioritization, and project simplification to mitigate overwhelm.
CBT helps individuals recognize and adjust counterproductive thought patterns that can lead to emotional turmoil, empowering them to think more constructively and adopt adaptive thinking strategies.
Additionally, it provides strategies to effectively manage stress and build resilience against the common frustrations associated with ADHD. This approach not only tackles the immediate challenges of ADHD but also establishes a foundation for sustainable coping skills, significantly improving quality of life and functionality.
Understanding that ADHD often co-occurs with anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues, we incorporate a whole-person strategy that includes complimentary evidence-based therapies. This comprehensive care is designed to manage the primary symptoms of ADHD, while also addressing the associated emotional states and broader psychological impacts.
Our commitment is to provide personalized care to meet your specific needs and goals. Through our adaptive treatment plans, we strive to empower you, enhance your functioning, and enrich your life experience, ensuring you receive the most effective and supportive care possible.
Empowerment Through Therapy
We perceive ADHD not merely as a challenge but as a unique neurodiverse pattern of attention, action, and emotion that can foster remarkable creativity and dynamism when skillfully managed. Our therapy sessions are designed to empower you with strategies that enhance your ability to navigate life’s complexities, elevating your overall quality of life.
Family Therapy To Support Teens With ADHD
Parenting a teen who has ADHD can be challenging because of increasing academic pressures and intensifying social dynamics. Adolescents with ADHD typically have an increased desire for independence and freedom. At the same time, however, they often struggle with managing responsibilities at home and school, regulating screen use, navigating peer and online interactions, and coping with strong emotions. To support families navigating these challenges, we offer family therapy as an effective alternative to individual therapy for teens struggling with ADHD. Family therapy provides a collaborative approach that focuses on enhancing communication, creating structure, and strengthening family bonds.
Why Choose Family Therapy for ADHD?
Improving Communication and Understanding:
ADHD can make effective communication difficult, leading to misunderstandings and conflict. Our family therapy sessions help parents and siblings gain a deeper understanding of ADHD, enabling them to communicate more effectively with their teen. By fostering open dialogue, we aim to create a more supportive and harmonious home environment.
Creating Structure and Consistency:
Teens with ADHD thrive on routine and predictability. Family therapy helps you establish clear expectations and consistent routines related to sleep times, homework, and chores that reduce the chaotic moments often associated with ADHD. This structure not only helps your teen manage their time better but also reduces stress for the entire family.
Developing Problem-Solving Skills:
Problem-solving can be particularly challenging for teens with ADHD. Through family therapy, we provide a safe space for families to develop and practice these essential skills together. By learning to navigate challenges collaboratively, your family can better manage the complexities of ADHD.
Strengthening Family Relationships:
ADHD can put a strain on family relationships, often leading to frustration and resentment. Family therapy works to rebuild these connections by promoting empathy, understanding, and cooperation within the family unit.
Empowering Parents and Siblings:
Family therapy isn’t just about supporting your teen; it’s also about empowering the entire family. We equip parents and siblings with practical tools and strategies to support their teen with ADHD effectively. Together, we can help your family thrive by shifting anger to assertiveness and clashes to collaborations.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re interested in learning more about how family therapy can support your teen with ADHD, we’re here to help. Contact us at 416-333-4909 or email us today to discuss how we can work together to create a more supportive and structured environment for your family.
Parenting Support For Children With ADHD
Parenting a child with ADHD, especially one 12 or younger who is still mastering essential life skills, can be uniquely challenging. To help you navigate these challenges, we offer comprehensive online parenting support specifically designed to address the needs of younger children with ADHD.
Our program is focused on equipping parents with practical strategies to manage behavior, establish effective routines, set limits while supporting increasing independence, and create a nurturing environment that promotes your child’s growth and development. With our tools and guidance, we aim to empower you to support your child in thriving both at home and in school.
If you’re interested in learning more about how family therapy can support your teen with ADHD, we’re here to help. Contact us at 416-333-4909 or email us today to discuss how we can work together to create a more supportive and structured environment for your family.
Is Stigma Preventing You From Getting Help For ADHD?
While our understanding of ADHD has advanced, stigma remains a significant barrier for those affected. Misconceptions, such as the belief that individuals with ADHD are lazy or undisciplined, persist in society and can be deeply internalized, leading to feelings of shame, inadequacy, and isolation. This stigma compounds the challenges already present in social, academic, and professional settings, making it even harder for individuals to seek help.
For girls and women, the stigma can be especially isolating due to the misconception that ADHD is mainly a male disorder, leading to underdiagnosis and insufficient support. Men often face societal expectations of self-reliance, making it difficult to admit they need help.
Therapy can play a crucial role in breaking this cycle by offering a safe space to challenge these harmful beliefs and providing tools to manage symptoms effectively. It helps you focus on your strengths and reclaim your self-worth, allowing you to engage fully in life without the burden of stigma.
Begin your path to change
Choosing Toronto Psychology Centre means opting for a compassionate and supportive environment. Our professional team is committed to guiding you through your challenges with ADHD and helping you harness your strengths for a fulfilling life.
Take the first step towards managing your ADHD by reaching out to us at 416-333-4909 or email us to learn more about how to thrive with your ADHD!