How Does ADHD Present in Men?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, commonly referred to as ADHD, is a condition that affects millions of men worldwide. While often associated with children, ADHD can continue to have an impact on a person's life well into adulthood.
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ADHD presents in adult men differently than it does in children and women. The symptoms may not be as apparent as they are in children. For example, hyperactivity as a child may look like a rambunctious or disruptive kid in class.
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But an adult, you likely have learned to stay seated in a meeting but now have a hard time focusing on the content of the meeting due to the suppressed need of physical movement.
The evolution of these behaviors can significantly impact the lives of those struggling with ADHD and lead to problems in relationships, careers, and other aspects of life.
Emotional Impact of ADHD
We recognize that having ADHD as a man can take a hit to your self esteem.
You may have a difficult time staying organized, impulsivity, forgetfulness, and restlessness. Additionally, men with ADHD may struggle with relationship issues and difficulty achieving career goals. Confidence is built off of proof of action to oneself, so if maintaining consistent action is difficult, low self esteem tends to follow.
Adult men with ADHD may find themselves struggling to complete tasks or procrastinate on important responsibilities, leading to chronic lateness or missed deadlines. Behaviors like these can cause frustration both to the individual and those around them. Because of this, couples counseling for ADHD can be a great resource!
Struggling to control emotions is another common feature of ADHD. Being quick to anger or become easily overwhelmed, leading to impulsive or reckless behaviors, is common with men who have ADHD. They may struggle with social skills and have difficulty connecting with others, which can cause feelings of isolation and loneliness.
It's also not uncommon for adult men with ADHD to develop addictions or struggle with substance abuse as a way to self-medicate and cope with their symptoms.
Therapy for Men with ADHD
For men, the most effective type of ADHD counseling in Denver, CO for ADHD is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
This type of therapy helps individuals understand and change their patterns of behavior by focusing on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
CBT aims to identify negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to ADHD symptoms, and replace them with more positive ones.
In addition, CBT also provides men with practical strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms on a day-to-day basis, such as breaking tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps.
Interpersonal Therapy to Improve Social Interactions
Another type of therapy that has shown to be effective for men with ADHD is interpersonal therapy (group therapy).
This type of therapy helps men develop and improve their social skills, which is often an area of struggle for individuals with ADHD. Through interpersonal therapy, men can learn to better communicate their thoughts and emotions, and develop stronger, more supportive relationships.
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Your Denver ADHD therapist will help you determine what type of therapeutic modality helps you achieve your goals associated with ADHD most effectively.
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Neurofeedback as an Alternative to Medication for ADHD in Men
Neurofeedback for ADHD counseling in Denver, CO is a powerful tool for creating long lasting changes in brainwave activity that may contribute to behavioral patterns associated with ADHD.
In fact, it is one of the best treated disorders with the highest success rates! If you are interested in more energy, better focus and clarity - neurofeedback is for you.
