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ADHD

How Mental Health Conditions Affect Decision Making

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Decision making is a central part of daily life. From small choices such as what to eat or how to spend free time to major decisions involving relationships, work, or health, the brain is constantly evaluating information and weighing outcomes. Mental health conditions can significantly affect this process, influencing how individuals interpret situations, assess risk, and respond emotionally to choices. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and trauma-related disorders can alter cognitive patterns and emotional regulation in ways that make decision making more difficult. Understanding these effects can help individuals recognize when mental health may be influencing their thinking and why treatment can improve clarity, confidence, and daily functioning. How the Brain Makes Decisions Decision making involves multiple regions of the brain working together. The prefrontal cortex helps with planning, reasoning, and …

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How ADHD Affects Emotional Regulation in Adults

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is often associated with difficulty focusing, distractibility, or restlessness. While these symptoms are widely recognized, emotional regulation challenges are an equally significant and often overlooked part of adult ADHD. Many adults with ADHD struggle not only with attention but also with managing emotions, responding to stress, and maintaining emotional balance in daily life. Understanding how ADHD affects emotional regulation can help clarify symptoms, reduce self-blame, and guide effective psychiatric treatment. Understanding Adult ADHD Beyond Attention ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that persists into adulthood for many individuals. In adults, symptoms may look different than they do in childhood. Hyperactivity may become internalized as restlessness or racing thoughts, while inattention may show up as difficulty prioritizing tasks, managing time, or sustaining mental effort. Emotional regulation difficulties are not a separate diagnosis but …

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What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for ADHD

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
what is cognitive behavioral therapy for adhd

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for ADHD is a structured, goal-oriented psychotherapy approach focusing on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It helps patients develop strategies to manage ADHD symptoms effectively. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has emerged as a pivotal approach to managing ADHD. This therapy focuses not just on the disorder itself but on the secondary struggles that come with it – like low self-esteem, anxiety, and chronic disorganization. About 3 in 10 children with ADHD had anxiety. So, what is cognitive behavioral therapy for ADHD?  In this article, you will discover what cognitive behavioral therapy is and how it is helpful when treating ADHD. What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for ADHD? Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for ADHD is a tailored form of therapy specifically designed to address the challenges of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.  Unlike traditional CBT, which addresses a broad range of mental health issues, …

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ADHD Awareness Month 2023

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By Ashley Barnes M.S. Why ADHD Awareness Month? October is Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Awareness Month! In 2004, ADHD Awareness Month started as ADHD Awareness Day but has since expanded to the entire month of October with the purpose of spreading awareness and providing education on this form of neurodivergence. What is Neurodivergence? In understanding neurodivergence, it is important to understand the concept of neurodiversity. Neurodiversity is the concept that there are a variety of ways that people’s brains function, present behaviorally, and process information. Like fingerprints, no two brains are the same. Neurodivergence describes how brain differences impact brain functioning and people whose brains function differently than what is deemed standard or typical. These brain differences present neurodivergent individuals with unique strengths and challenges. Possible challenges include learning disabilities, medical disorders, and differences in social functioning. Potential strengths include enhanced pattern recognition and memory. Forms of neurodivergence include …

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Understanding ADHD and Co-Occurring Disorders

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
Understanding ADHD and Co-Occurring Disorders

October is ADHD Awareness Month, and the best way to participate is to learn more about the ADHD and co-occurring conditions that often accompany the disorder. ADHD is treatable and easy to manage with the help of a mental health team, including a psychiatrist and therapist. Sharing education on ADHD helps reduce the stigma about getting proper treatment. The more you understand it, the better you can help yourself or someone you know seek help. What is ADHD? ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which can appear in three ways: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, or a combination. To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must meet the criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM5). The requirements include the following: Inattention For someone to have attention deficits, they must have symptoms for at least six months. For children 16 and younger, they must have …

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