Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder can vary quite a bit from person to person, so what are the symptoms of ADHD you can recognize right off the bat? As an intensive outpatient program Tucson locals trust, In Balance Counseling knows a thing or two about the nuances of this common condition. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is ADHD?

ADHD affects how people focus and act. The hyperactivity component can make you feel intensely restless and impulsive. The attention component also means concentrating on tasks will prove more challenging than it should be for the average person.

What are the possible causes of ADHD? 

• Genetics plays a big part, as family history often shows a pattern. 
• Brain structure differences and environmental factors matter. 
• Exposure to toxic metals during pregnancy or a severe head injury could also increase the risk.

ADHD in Children

Are you a concerned parent? The sooner you notice the ADHD signs in your little one, the better. An early diagnosis helps them adjust to social environments and thrive at school.

The condition manifests in three ways:

Predominantly Inattentive Presentation

The individual takes longer to finish tasks and can’t follow instructions or conversations effectively. They’re prone to distractions and tend to forget the minute details. Even something in their usual routine could throw off someone with inattention ADHD.

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation

Hyperactivity symptoms include fidgeting and running, jumping, or climbing constantly. The child finds it hard to sit still, like during mealtime or while doing homework.

Does your child often talk out of turn? They might interrupt others a lot and grab things from people without permission, too. This tendency to act without thinking may cause accidents when left untreated.

Combined Presentation ADHD

What are the symptoms of ADHD? It’s normal for children to show a mix of the mentioned behaviors. The occasional forgetfulness or prolonged bouts of energy aren’t always a confirmation, so pay attention to the frequency and intensity of these events.

ADHD Behavior in Adults

Many older individuals unknowingly live with ADHD and often attribute their struggles to stress or personality traits. Societal expectations add to the challenge.

Here’s an ADHD symptoms checklist for adults:

• Tendency to start new projects before finishing previous ones
• General carelessness or poor attention to detail
• Subpar organizational skills
• Difficulty prioritizing work
• Often misplacing or losing things
• Frequent feelings of restlessness
• History of interrupting people speaking
• Irritability and mood swings
• Extreme impatience
• Poor stress coping skills

The Long-Term Outlook After an ADHD Diagnosis

Behavioral therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Parent Training help manage this condition. 

• CBT teaches individuals to challenge negative thoughts and behaviors. 
• Parent Training educates parents on setting clear rules and positive reinforcement.

Specialists also prescribe medications to help manage symptoms. Stimulants increase certain brain chemicals. Non-stimulants, though slower, can improve focus and attention.

Take the First Step With In Balance Counseling

Does ADHD affect memory and your quality of life? It can, so what are the symptoms of ADHD concerning you or your child that you’d like to double-check? If you have more questions or need to talk to someone, call In Balance Counseling at (520) 722-9631.

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition. Usually, traumatic events bring on PTSD, whether a person experienced it first-hand or witnessed it happen to someone else. While PTSD has a strong link with war veterans, this condition can occur to anyone who witnesses something tragic and, consequently, displays one or more of the five common symptoms.

What are the five signs of PTSD? In Balance Counseling covers the details below. Its intensive outpatient program in Tucson, AZ, commits to spreading mental health awareness, and PTSD is part of this focus.

Traumatic Experience

A PTSD diagnosis requires there to have been a traumatic event. It doesn’t matter if the person was actually in danger – it’s how the person perceived this situation. 

Veterans, first responders, or those who witnessed a tragic accident may develop PTSD.

Flashbacks or Nightmares

Those diagnosed with PTSD often endure the intrusion of recurring nightmares or flashbacks. Some people experience dissociation during flashbacks, which is when they lose awareness of their surroundings. 

Nightmares could interfere with the person’s ability to get a good night’s rest, which comes with challenges of its own.

Trigger Avoidance

People usually want to avoid triggers that spur their flashbacks, anxiety, or other PTSD symptoms. For example, the person may try to avoid:

• Conversations related to their trauma
• Troubling thoughts and feelings
• People and places similar to the source of the trauma
• Hobbies, media, or activities related to the traumatic event

If there are triggers, people may stop engaging in their favorite hobbies, visiting their favorite restaurants, or speaking to their closest friends that they somehow associate with the event. Veterans may find fireworks triggering. Someone assaulted during their childhood may avoid the street they grew up on.

Mood Changes

Happy people can turn into very unhappy individuals once they develop PTSD. Exaggerated thinking is common, like saying, “You can’t trust anyone” or “Cars are too dangerous to drive.”

People may also lose interest in hobbies and activities due to depression or feelings of estrangement. Struggling internally may also mean the person finds it harder to relate to their loved ones.

Behavioral Changes

What are the five signs of PTSD? One of the most noticeable answers is a change in behavior. For example, hypervigilance is a common trauma response where the person overreacts to startling sounds, always looks over their shoulder for danger, or sees restless sleep turning into outright insomnia.

A person who was always eager to go on adventures or take risks may become very careful about their choices due to their heightened anxiety. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a normally cautious person who loses hope in a positive future may become a risk-taker.

Contact In Balance Counseling for PTSD Help

If you are experiencing challenging symptoms or other unhealthy coping mechanisms, please reach out to professionals like In Balance Counseling. To recap, what are the five signs of PTSD? They include: 

• A traumatic experience to pinpoint
• Flashbacks or nightmares
• Trigger avoidance
• Behavioral and mood changes

An intensive outpatient program for PTSD could help you achieve physical, spiritual, social, and emotional healing. Call In Balance Counseling at (520) 722-9631 for help.

Have you felt your heart race in a crowded room? Does the thought of social gatherings make you uneasy?

As a trusted intensive outpatient program in Tucson, we at In Balance Counseling offer a supportive environment where you can explore these feelings. A social anxiety disorder diagnosis means understanding the triggers causing distress and addressing them.

Keep reading as we break down the nitty-gritty details.

Identifying Social Anxiety

The first step is to differentiate usual shyness from the characteristics of social anxiety disorder. The official criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) from the American Psychiatric Association include:

• Persistent phobia of people judging you negatively and feeling embarrassed or humiliated
• Enduring social situations with intense anxiety or full avoidance
• Distress that causes impairment in your day-to-day activities
• Fear or anxiety that doesn’t stem from another medical condition, medication, or substance abuse

If any of these resonate with your experiences, it’s time to consult your healthcare provider. They may obtain an official diagnosis through:

• Physical examinations
• In-depth consultations that discuss the symptoms, how often they occur, and when
• Providing self-report questionnaires about social anxiety symptoms

The Path Forward

You should never feel embarrassed about a social anxiety disorder diagnosis. About 5% to 10% of people across the world have it, so it’s more common than you think. Modern treatments have made it possible to manage and overcome the condition effectively.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, often referred to as talk therapy, involves working with a trained therapist to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a subset of this approach, and many consider it one of the most effective treatments for social anxiety disorder.

It aims to spot negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety and change them. Individuals learn coping strategies, gradually face fearful social situations, and ultimately develop healthier ways to manage their condition.

Medication

Have you ever heard of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)? Many with social anxiety disorders have naturally low levels of serotonin — the chemical that significantly influences emotions. SSRIs, such as sertraline or fluoxetine, work to increase it to help improve mood.

Most specialists recommend therapy to tackle social anxiety, while medication serves as an additional support. Have a frank conversation with your doctor; they will work with you and recommend a suitable prescription and dosage. It’s crucial to monitor for any side effects and actively communicate concerns with them.

Some cases call for alternatives like antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and beta blockers.

Work With Specialists Who Care

Are you ready to take the next step? Addressing your social anxiety disorder diagnosis can improve personal relationships, boost job performance, and enhance your overall quality of life. It’s all about finding a support network.

In Balance Counseling provides individual therapy sessions and group programs tailor-fit to your needs. You’re not just another client; you’re part of a community committed to your growth.

Dial 520-722-9631 or fill out our form if you need therapy — everyone deserves a space where they feel heard and understood. Reach out today.