What is the Role of Awareness in Improving ADHD Outcomes?
Next month is attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) awareness month, and that means it’s time to take a closer look at how we as psychology professionals, physicians, parents, educators, and allies, can better support, advocate for, and encourage people in our lives who struggle with ADHD. In this blog, we take a look at the role of awareness in improving outcomes for individuals with ADHD. In less complicated terms, that just means answering the question: Does being aware you have ADHD make a difference in your daily life? If you have questions about assessment and support resources for individuals with ADHD, I’d love to hear from you. I’m Dr. Tyler Gerdin, a licensed and board-certified clinical psychologist, offering assessment and therapy services for teens and adults who struggle with ADHD.
Why Does Awareness/Diagnosis Matter?
Many people take the “Ignorance is bliss” stance when it comes to finding out whether or not they have ADHD. It may seem easier just not to know, but awareness can actually benefit individuals with ADHD. First and foremost, an ADHD diagnosis is not an excuse for not completing tasks or behaving inappropriately. Instead, increasing awareness for an individual who’s struggling with ADHD can help them to recognize when they need extra resources, when it’s time to take a break, and how to manage the difficult aspects of their diagnosis. Additionally, ADHD isn’t all about negative effects. There are many positive aspects to ADHD. For instance, all that extra energy can be harnessed for good when people are aware of their ADHD diagnosis. Diagnosis can also increase awareness about the risk to develop emotional issues like anxiety and depression that are common in people with ADHD, and this risk may diminish when people understand they have ADHD and what that means for them. For instance, instead of being disappointed in or frustrated with their inability to concentrate for long periods of time, which can lead to anxiety, people are more likely to show themselves grace and try again.
Does Assessment Help?
I’ve heard parents say they don’t want their kids to be receive an ADHD diagnosis because it won’t help them. Instead, they believe the young person will have to contend with the stigma related to their condition or learn to rely on medicine to “fix” their problems. These ideas about ADHD diagnosis are prevalent, but they’re inaccurate. A comprehensive assessment, will not just tell you whether or not you have ADHD. Instead, it helps you to fully understand your abilities across all areas. You may struggle with attentiveness, but your memory and recall are great. Maybe you’re actually pretty good at paying attention, but hyperactivity makes it seem like you’re not focusing. Assessment reflects your unique range of abilities. It’s not just a simple yes you have ADHD or no you don’t.
How Do I Schedule Assessment?
If you’re interested in increasing your self-awareness with an assessment, please don’t hesitate to reach out. At Gerdin Psychological Services, I work with teens and adults, offering assessment and therapy. When you’re ready to dive a little deeper into your ADHD diagnosis, let’s talk.
Comments