Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Treatments

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Beach House Center for Recovery
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Do you struggle with maintaining focus, managing your time, or regulating your emotions?
Are impulsivity and inattention making it hard to stay organized or meet your goals?

We understand how overwhelming life can feel when you’re living with adult ADHD symptoms, especially if you’ve gone undiagnosed for years.

Whether you're dealing with inattentive, hyperactive, or combined-type ADHD, our holistic and personalized treatment approach is designed to support your lasting growth and emotional well-being.

Continue reading to learn more about ADHD subtypes, how they can affect your daily life, and the evidence-based and holistic ADHD treatment options available at Beach House Center for Recovery.

What Is Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a person’s attention, behavior, and impulse control.

It’s often associated with symptoms such as:

  • Inattention.
  • Hyperactivity.
  • Impulsivity.

While ADHD is commonly diagnosed in childhood, many people continue to experience symptoms throughout adolescence and adulthood.

In some cases, ADHD goes undiagnosed until adulthood, when challenges with focus, time management, or emotional regulation become more disruptive. For adults, untreated ADHD can affect work, relationships, and self-esteem, making it essential to seek support that addresses both the symptoms and their broader impact.

Types of ADHD

ADHD is not a one-size-fits-all condition. It presents in various ways and is classified into three primary types (based on the predominant symptoms and behaviors observed). They include:

ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Presentation

Individuals diagnosed with the inattentive subtype (ADHD-I) have a challenging time concentrating, focusing on a task, and staying organized. Those with ADHD-I may also:

  • Struggle to pay attention to details.
  • Make careless mistakes.
  • Have difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.
  • Have a difficult time remembering to do routine tasks, such as finishing homework, paying bills, or returning phone calls.
  • Frequently lose items necessary for tasks.

ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation

The hyperactive-impulsive subtype (ADHD-HI) is the least common form of ADHD. It is often seen in younger children, with primary symptoms being hyperactivity and impulsivity (without significant issues with inattention). If your child has ADHD-HI, they may exhibit behaviors like:

  • Constant fidgeting or tapping hands or feet.
  • Excessive talking or blurting out answers.
  • Difficulty staying still.
  • Excessive energy.
  • Difficulty waiting their turn and interrupting or intruding on others’ conversations or games.

ADHD, Combined Presentation

Combined presentation (ADHD-C) involves symptoms from both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types.

ADHD-C is the most common and most complex form of ADHD, making up about 70% of diagnoses in younger children.

It’s important to note that ADHD is a spectrum disorder, and the severity of symptoms can vary widely among individuals. Additionally, symptoms can change over time, and children with ADHD may exhibit different symptom profiles as they grow into adulthood.

Causes and Risk Factors for ADHD

The exact cause of ADHD remains unknown, but research points to a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors that contribute to its development, especially in cases of undiagnosed ADHD in adults.

Genetic Influences

ADHD often runs in families. If a parent has ADHD, there’s more than a 50% chance of passing it on to their child. This strong genetic component suggests a hereditary predisposition.

Environmental Risk Factors

Several environmental exposures may increase the likelihood of developing ADHD, including:

  • Exposure to pesticides, lead, or industrial chemicals like BPA and phthalates.
  • Maternal smoking or serious stress during pregnancy.
  • Poor sleep quality in early development.
  • Excessive screen time or high sugar intake in childhood.
  • Overstimulation from noise, lighting, and crowding.

Brain Structure and Neurotransmitter Function

Differences in brain structure (especially in the prefrontal cortex that controls attention, focus, and self-regulation) can have a significant impact on ADHD.

Imbalances in neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine may contribute to symptoms like impulsivity and distractibility.

In rare cases, ADHD-like symptoms may appear following a brain injury or neurological illness.

Recognizing ADHD Symptoms

ADHD presents differently in children and adults, which can make it difficult to recognize, especially in high-functioning individuals.

While the core features of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, the way these traits manifest can vary widely from person to person.

ADHD Symptoms in Children

  • Constant fidgeting and physical restlessness.
  • Struggling to follow instructions or plan tasks.
  • Talking excessively or impulsively; difficulty waiting their turn.

Adult ADHD Symptoms

  • Chronic procrastination.
  • Trouble managing time or consistently missing deadlines.
  • Making impulsive decisions without considering long-term outcomes.
  • Frequently forgetting appointments, conversations, or deadlines.

Overlapping Symptoms in Children and Adults

  • Difficulty focusing or concentrating on tasks.
  • Easily distracted and forgetful.
  • Impulsive decisions or interrupting others mid-conversation.
  • General restlessness or agitation.
  • Trouble completing tasks or staying organized.

While lack of focus and impulsive behaviors are common across age groups, adult ADHD symptoms can be more subtle. For many high-functioning individuals, it’s not unusual to mask symptoms for years, which can delay proper diagnosis and treatment.

Understanding Adult ADHD

While ADHD is often associated with children, many adults live with the condition, often without realizing it, leading to years of unmanaged symptoms and stress.

Why Adult ADHD Often Goes Undiagnosed

Many adults with ADHD were never diagnosed in childhood. They may have been mislabeled as lazy, disorganized, or emotionally reactive.

Without early intervention, these individuals often develop unhealthy coping mechanisms, masking their symptoms rather than addressing them.

In some cases, they may only seek help when emotional exhaustion, workplace issues, or relationship strain become too difficult to manage alone.

How Adult ADHD Impacts Daily Life

ADHD can interfere with nearly every aspect of daily functioning. Adults may struggle with:

  • Staying organized at work.
  • Managing long-term goals or projects.
  • Meeting family responsibilities.
  • Controlling emotional reactions.
  • Maintaining healthy relationships.

Without appropriate treatment or support, these ongoing challenges can lead to stress, burnout, and co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or depression.

Adult ADHD and the Stimulant Medication Shortage

The recent nationwide shortage of stimulant medications has made it more difficult for adults with ADHD to access their usual prescriptions. Many people are now exploring additional or alternative treatments to maintain stability and function in their daily lives.

Why Adults Are Looking for Alternatives

Beyond the shortage, some adults prefer to avoid stimulants due to side effects, contraindications, or personal preference.

Others may find that medication alone does not fully address their needs, including when ADHD symptoms are intertwined with anxiety, depression, or a history of trauma.

Exploring Non-Medication ADHD Treatments

Beach House Center for Recovery supports patients in finding comprehensive care options that go beyond medication alone.

Our integrated approach combines evidence-based therapy with holistic support, helping adults develop sustainable routines and emotional resilience.

Coaching and Executive Function Skills Training

ADHD coaching provides accountability and structure to help adults navigate everyday demands. This can include personalized strategies for:

  • Prioritizing tasks.
  • Breaking large goals into manageable steps.
  • Reducing procrastination.
  • Strengthening working memory and follow-through.

Executive function training is especially valuable for adults who feel disorganized, overwhelmed, or “stuck” despite trying to stay on track.

Therapy Modalities That Work for Adults

In addition to CBT and DBT, therapy for adult ADHD may include:

  • Motivational Interviewing (MI): Helps patients explore internal motivation for change.
  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): Supports emotional balance and focus.
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages flexibility in thought and behavior.

These therapies are designed to help adults enhance self-awareness, build confidence, and remain grounded in the face of daily challenges.

Integrative Strategies to Improve Focus and Mood

Our campus-based environment promotes total mind-body healing. In addition to therapy and coaching, we offer:

  • Nutritional support focused on brain health.
  • Mindfulness practices to strengthen attention and reduce reactivity.
  • A daily structure that reinforces healthy habits and consistency.

Whether or not medication is part of your treatment plan, these integrative strategies can play a vital role in long-term ADHD symptom management.

Diagnostic Criteria and Testing for ADHD in Children and Adults

Proper diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment, and understanding how ADHD is evaluated in both children and adults can help demystify the process.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-5 Guidelines)

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) published by the American Psychiatric Association, a diagnosis of ADHD requires that:

  • Children exhibit at least six symptoms, while adults must exhibit at least five.
  • Symptoms cause significant impairment in daily functioning.
  • Symptoms are present before the age of 12.
  • Symptoms are not better explained by another condition, such as anxiety or a mood disorder.

Common Attention Deficit Disorder Tests and Assessments

There is no single test that can confirm ADHD, but a combination of tools and clinical evaluation helps build a reliable diagnosis.

Our licensed clinicians may begin by conducting a self-assessment to gain a deeper understanding of your experience.

From there, a comprehensive screening process may include:

  • Clinical interviews.
  • Behavioral observations.
  • Standardized rating scales.
  • History of symptom patterns across different settings.

This thorough, personalized approach ensures we consider your complete mental health picture, especially if ADHD symptoms have gone undiagnosed into adulthood.

ADHD Treatment Options

Effective ADHD treatment typically involves a combination of medication, therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and supportive strategies tailored to the individual.

At Beach House Center for Recovery, we focus on whole-person care that supports both symptom management and emotional well-being.

Medications for ADHD

ADHD medications are often the first line of treatment, especially for those with moderate to severe symptoms. They are designed to help regulate brain activity and improve focus, attention span, and impulse control.

There are two primary types of medication:

  • Stimulants (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin, Methylin, Concerta, Quillivant XR, Metadate): These are the most commonly prescribed and work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain.
  • Non-stimulants (e.g., Strattera, Kapvay, Intuniv, Quelbree): These may be recommended for individuals who do not respond well to stimulants or experience unwanted side effects.

Our licensed clinicians work closely with each patient to determine if medication is appropriate and to monitor its effects over time.

Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies

Therapy plays a critical role in ADHD treatment, particularly for those looking to improve emotional regulation, communication skills, and overall quality of life.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):CBT for ADHD helps individuals recognize and reshape negative thought patterns, improve executive functioning, and develop strategies for managing day-to-day challenges. It’s particularly effective for managing co-occurring anxiety or depression.
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT):DBT integrates mindfulness practices with behavioral techniques to help regulate emotions, reduce impulsivity, and increase distress tolerance. It’s beneficial for adults with ADHD who struggle with emotional intensity or relationship difficulties.

Lifestyle Modifications and Coping Strategies

Creating structure and making healthy lifestyle choices can enhance focus and reduce ADHD-related stress. Helpful strategies may include:

  • Enrolling in coaching or skills training programs focused on time management, goal setting, and follow-through.
  • Engaging in regular physical activity (at least 30 minutes, 3+ times per week).
  • Following a balanced diet with whole foods, lean proteins, and leafy greens.
  • Prioritizing restorative sleep to support brain function.
  • Practicing stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, yoga, meditation, or journaling.
  • Attending peer support groups to foster accountability and encouragement.

Personalized Treatment Plans for ADHD and Co-Occurring Disorders

At Beach House Center for Recovery, we provide personalized, evidence-based mental health treatment for adults in Florida.

For individuals with ADHD and co-occurring conditions, care may include medically supervised detox (when needed) and a wide range of intensive therapeutic interventions.

Our experienced team specializes in treating co-occurring disorders, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use disorders, that often accompany or intensify ADHD symptoms.

Each treatment plan is tailored to help you build emotional resilience, strengthen executive functioning, and develop the tools needed for long-term mental wellness.

Our Holistic Approach to ADHD Care

We recognize that everyone with ADHD has unique needs that require a personalized approach.

Our holistic treatment model integrates proven strategies to alleviate ADHD symptoms, nurturing the mind, body, and spirit throughout the healing process.

To learn more about our ADHD and addiction treatment programs, please contact our compassionate admissions counselors today.