Understanding ADHD
At Botaitis Therapy Group, we have helped many clients navigate the complexities and challenges that come with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Understanding ADHD and the way the brain processes information is the first step towards effective management and support.
Our associate clinician, Hernan Garza, AMFT, offers support to those with ADHD seeking therapy services. Hernan's humanistic approach ensures that clients receive personalized care tailored to their unique needs.
How the ADHD Brain Processes Information
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects both children and adults, influencing how the brain processes information and controls behavior (ADDA). It can manifest through various symptoms, such as difficulty maintaining attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Understanding the underlying neurological mechanisms of ADHD can help demystify the condition and highlight the importance of specialized therapeutic support.
ADHD and the Brain
ADHD primarily affects the brain's executive functions, which are the mental skills necessary for organizing, managing time, and making decisions. These functions are largely governed by the prefrontal cortex, which in individuals with ADHD, may develop more slowly or function differently than in neurotypical individuals. Here’s a closer look at how ADHD impacts the brain's information processing:
Attention Regulation: The prefrontal cortex is responsible for focusing attention on tasks. In individuals with ADHD, this area might be underactive, leading to difficulties in sustaining attention and being easily distracted.
Working Memory: Working memory is the ability to hold and manipulate information over short periods. ADHD can impair this function, making it hard to follow instructions, complete tasks, or remember details.
Impulse Control: The brain's inhibitory control, which helps in resisting distractions and controlling impulses, can be less effective in those with ADHD. This can result in impulsive behaviors and difficulty delaying gratification.
Reward System: The brain’s reward system, particularly involving the neurotransmitter dopamine, often functions differently in individuals with ADHD. This can lead to challenges in motivation and a preference for immediate rewards over long-term goals.
Emotional Regulation: Managing emotions can be challenging for those with ADHD due to the interplay between the prefrontal cortex and the limbic system, which controls emotions. This can result in mood swings, frustration, and difficulty coping with stress.
Sources: The Emerging Neurobiology of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: The Key Role of the Prefrontal Association Cortex, Memory and ADHD, Understanding Impulsivity in Adults and Children with ADHD, Emotional dysregulation and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder'
Check out this video that provides an excellent breakdown of ADHD:
Hernan Garza's Approach to ADHD Treatment
Hernan has a humanistic approach which means that he believes every person has the potential for growth and self-improvement, emphasizing the importance of personal empowerment, self-awareness, and self-determination. This approach can be particularly beneficial for those dealing with ADHD as it:
Is strengths-based, so rather than concentrating on “things that need to change,” Hernan focuses on identifying, nurturing, and building upon the unique strengths and abilities of the individual
Hernan’s Unique Background for ADHD Treatment:
Hernan’s work in advocacy and therapy within the LGBTQIA+ community brings a specialized understanding to issues of identity and acceptance, which is beneficial for clients with ADHD who may struggle with self-esteem and the stigmas associated with the disorder
Hernan has worked with many clients dealing with PTSD, which has a bidirectional relationship with ADHD, meaning that each one can impact the other
Example of How Hernan Works with ADHD:
ADHD often brings along issues of anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and low self-esteem. Hernan’s approach explores these feelings by bringing them to the surface, addressing them directly, and processing them constructively. By acknowledging and validating emotions, Hernan creates a safe space for expression, allowing you to feel heard and understood. This supportive environment helps to process emotions, understand sources and triggers, and develop better emotional regulation and coping strategies.
Through this approach, the goal is to learn how to manage anxiety and emotions more effectively, leading to improved self-esteem and greater self-awareness. Hernan’s approach, aligned with humanistic principles, not only addresses negative feelings but also fosters a deeper understanding of oneself, promoting overall emotional well-being and personal growth.
Botaitis Therapy Group is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care for individuals with ADHD. Hernan Garza is dedicated to his clients receiving personalized treatment plans that address their specific needs and goals. Whether you are seeking support for yourself or a loved one, Botaitis Therapy Group is here to help you navigate the challenges of ADHD and achieve a better quality of life.
For more information or to schedule a free consultation with Hernan Garza,
please visit his website or contact Botaitis Therapy Group today.