OUR THERAPIES
Our goal has always been to offer effective, proven treatment modalities for all types of substance abuse disorders and mental illnesses.
Regardless of the type of addiction or mental illness present, we can help with our extensive offering of comprehensive therapies and inpatient and outpatient programs.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Processing Therapy
Diverse Psychoeducational Groups
SUBSTANCE
USE
Our specialist addiction treatment facilities are equipped to deal with all types and severity levels of addiction.
For most substance use disorders, a period of inpatient treatment is required. This is so that the patient can undergo medical detox and be set up for success in overcoming their addiction. Most of our facilities offer comprehensive addiction treatment programs for substance use disorders.
WE TREAT ADDICTION FOR THE FOLLOWING SUBSTANCES:
- Alcohol
- Prescription Drugs
- Opioids
- Stimulants
- Benzodiazepines
- Sleeping Pills
- Cocaine
- Meth
- Crack Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Co-Occuring Disorders
MENTAL ILLNESS
TREATMENT
Our staff complement is highly versed in treating many mental illnesses, offering an extensive range of mental health treatment modalities.
Depending on the severity of the mental illness, inpatient treatment may be required. We have premium facilities available for inpatient mental health treatment, as well as a wide range of outpatient treatment programs for living a full quality of life with mental illness.
SOME OF THE MENTAL ILLNESSES WE TREAT INCLUDE:
OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER DISORDER COMPULSIVE OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER OBSESSIVE
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental and behavioral health disorder that can last for several years, or be lifelong. People who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may exhibit obsessive thoughts and desires or compulsive, repeated activities. OCD is frequently found in individuals who already suffer from anxiety disorders, depression, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, drug addiction, and some types of personality disorders.
WHAT IS
OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a form of mental illness that can be difficult to treat and control. OCD impacts every element of the sufferer’s everyday life, including employment, education, and relationships.
Individuals who suffer from OCD may exhibit obsessive thoughts and desires or compulsive, repeated behaviors. It is very rare for someone with OCD to experience both obsessive thoughts and compulsive behavior. The reality of living with OCD is far more complex than the widespread belief that the condition is characterized by repetitive hand washing or double-checking door locks.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder can be a debilitating mental illness to live with, making everyday living very difficult and sometimes impossible.
SYMPTOMS OF
OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER
Many people with OCD are aware that their thoughts and actions are illogical. They may not want to check the locks and stove every few minutes or spend hours tidying the pantry.
However, they are completely unable to stop themselves from these behaviors.
Obsessions and compulsions associated with OCD can entail a wide range of thoughts and actions, including the following:
- Fear of germs or dirt
- Frequent, repeated, and repetitive handwashing
- Obsessive thoughts about getting hurt, or a loved one getting hurt
- Performing tasks in a particular order, and a specific number of times
- Needing objects and items to be arranged in a very specific way
- Believing that some numbers or colors are evil
- Strange superstitions or rituals
- Continuous awareness of blinking, breathing, or other physical sensations
- Suspicion that a partner is unfaithful without evidence
- Checking that a door is closed or that lights and ovens are turned off, repeatedly
- Fear of using public restrooms, touching doorknobs, or shaking hands
WHAT CAUSES
OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER
As with most mental diseases, there is no proven cause of OCD. However, some supportive elements have been identified as possible causes. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is somewhat more prevalent in women than men, and symptoms often begin in adolescence or early adulthood. A stressful or traumatic life might exacerbate symptoms.
Individuals who have a parent, sibling, or another family member with OCD are more prone to develop the illness. While it has been established that the condition has a hereditary component, this does not mean that it will affect all family members.
Many people with OCD are also prone to experiencing bouts of depression or anxiety. Additionally, obsessive compulsive disorder is more prevalent among those who have suffered emotional trauma or who have a history of physical or sexual abuse.
TREATMENTS FOR
OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER
While some people see results more quickly with treatment, other more severe cases may require lifelong treatment. When more severe OCD symptoms are present, a period of OCD residential treatment may be required, followed by outpatient treatment.
Although there is no cure for OCD, the right treatment can help to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Psychotherapy is the recommended treatment option for people with OCD. There are many effective forms of psychotherapy that have proven successful in managing the symptoms of OCD and related disorders, which include:
SYSTEMIC DESENSITIZATION
Systematic desensitization is a process that involves gradually exposing the patient to stimuli that they would normally avoid. For OCD patients, the therapist may expose them to an unclean environment or to a cluttered drawer. This procedure is reserved for people whose symptoms manifest in obsessive cleaning or organization.The purpose of systematic desensitization is to gradually increase the client’s exposure to anxiety-inducing situations and, finally, to lower the amount of anxiety they experience when exposed to these triggers.
RATIONAL EMOTIVE BEHAVIOR THERAPY (REBT)
The initial stage of REBT is to recognize the irrational ideas, feelings, and beliefs that contribute to stress. When a person holds themselves to a high or nearly impossible standard, practically any circumstance might result in disappointment, regret, guilt, and anxiety. Even when the patient has recognized the issue that is creating these thoughts, altering the ideas can be extremely difficult. REBT uses cognitive therapy methods in order to help the patient respond more positively to difficult situations, and their idea of themselves.
GROUP THERAPY
Due to the social support system that group therapy provides, it is an effective form of OCD treatment. Much of the patient’s difficulty with OCD is due to their sense of isolation as a result of their disease. Group therapy teaches the patient that they are not alone in their struggles and that other people understand. The group members help each other with new coping strategies. By participating in group therapy, patients may get inspiration and motivation from their peers.
COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for OCD teaches the patient that their brain is creating false information, which results in their irrational behavior. CBT teaches the patient to identify and respond to these messages in new ways, rather than via obsessive thoughts and compulsive behavior. CBT is an effective treatment that helps a patient to develop the ability to regulate obsessive and compulsive behaviors.
PSYCHOEDUCATION THERAPY
Psychoeducation is intended to assist patients in understanding their mental illness. If the patient is educated on their mental illness, the challenges they face, and how they can manage symptoms, they are better equipped to complete treatment. Psychoeducational therapy enables people with OCD to confront their challenges and gain a sense of control over their illness.
MEDICATION MANAGEMENT
Some types of medication may be used in obsessive compulsive disorder treatment. The most commonly prescribed medication for OCD are antidepressants. If the patient does not respond well to antidepressants or needs help with other symptoms, they may be prescribed alternative types of medication, such as benzodiazepines for anxiety.
EXPOSURE AND REESPONSE PREVENTION (ERP)
ERP is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy. As implied by the term, the therapist may progressively expose the patient to objects that cause them anxiety. After responding naturally to certain triggers, patients are taught new ways to respond to them. ERP can be administered one-on-one or in group treatment with other people who struggle with OCD.
TREATING OCD AND
CO-OCCURING SUBSTANCE ABUSE
It is common for someone with OCD to abuse drugs or alcohol. They may feel isolated due to their fear of leaving the house, which can lead them to drink and soothe their loneliness. They can also abuse sleeping tablets and benzodiazepines, to calm their anxiety symptoms. This drug and alcohol misuse can quickly lead to addiction. A person with OCD must seek help for their drug or alcohol addiction before they try to treat their OCD. Often, inpatient treatment is required.
As part of the intensive residential treatment program, the patient will undergo medical detox in order to wean themselves entirely off the substance they are addicted to. Once the patient has been weaned off the substance, they can begin intensive treatment. As part of the residential program, the patient will undergo therapy in a supportive environment that addresses both their addiction and OCD.
GET HELP FOR
OCD TODAY
If you or a loved one have obsessive compulsive disorder or suspect that you are suffering from some form of mental illness, we can help. Psyclarity Health has some of the best OCD treatment centers in the country.
At each Psyclarity Health facility, our multidisciplinary team of experts is able to create individualized treatment plans that will help you manage your OCD symptoms and any co-occurring disorders. We also specialize in treating a range of mental health and mood disorders.
Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive, cutting-edge treatment programs and let us help you find the right Psyclarity Health OCD treatment center near you.
855-924-5350
INFO@PSYCLARITYHEALTH.COM
BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER BPD
Mood swings and impulsive behavior may happen from time to time. When an individual has borderline personality disorder (BPD), these emotions become typical, almost daily behavior. According to the National Alliance for borderline personality disorder, BPD is a clinical mental illness affecting around 5.9% of the US population.
WHAT IS BORDERLINE PERSONALITY
DISORDER?
BPD alters moods, behavior, and thinking and impacts relationships, careers, and social interactions. These feelings can leave the sufferer feeling unstable and often result in anxiety, depression, and anger. BPD is classified as a severe mental illness and can be debilitating and even dangerous.
Inappropriate impulsive behavior and mood swings can make it difficult for people with BPD to maintain healthy relationships. BPD generally begins to manifest in early adulthood, and symptoms are believed to be at their most extreme during these years, finally tapering off over time.
People with BPD describe the feeling as being on an emotional rollercoaster, often struggling with their self-image and goals. They feel unstable and vacillate from one emotion, hobby, goal, and relationship to the next. Heightened sensitivity and susceptibility to triggers are also common, with many unable to self-soothe. They may have extreme angry outbursts and cannot be calmed down.
During outbursts, people with BPD may lash out and say or do things they regret, leaving them guilt-ridden and ashamed, which only exacerbates the problem.
SYMPTOMS OF BORDERLINE
PERSONALITY DISORDER
Some of the borderline personality disorder symptoms may be similar to other severe mental illnesses. When a qualified mental health professional is diagnosing BPD, they will refer to the symptoms based on self image, emotional regulation, impulse control, and social interactions.
There are nine main BPD symptoms:
1. ABANDONMENT ISSUES
A person with BPD will often resort to extreme measures to control the behavior of others. Their behavior is governed by their intense fear of abandonment or being alone. People with BPD may track their partner’s activities, try to prevent their partner from leaving, accuse them of cheating, or threaten self-harm if their partner decides to leave them. People with BPD will often fall in love very quickly and seem to rush into relationships. They will also unexpectedly cut ties with someone they seemed obsessed with just the day before.
2. UNSTABLE SELF-IMAGE
People with BPD may swing from self acceptance to self-loathing, with no clear sense of identity. This results in frequent job changes, relationship upheavals, changes in religious beliefs, shifting goals or values, and even changes in sexual identity.
3. IMPULSIVE BEHAVIORS
Harmful and attention and hedonistic seeking behavior are common. A person with BPD may indulge in risky behaviors, including drug or alcohol abuse, reckless driving, irresponsible sexual behavior, shoplifting, binge eating, and impulse spending. There can also be self-sabotaging attempts to abandon promising careers or disconnect from beneficial relationships.
4. SELF-HARMING BEHAVIORS
People with BPD may self-harm through cutting or burning or more extreme behavior, such as suicidal thoughts or attempts. In many instances, these reactions are in response to anxiety over rejection or abandonment.
5. EMOTIONAL INSTABILITY
BPD is often associated with extreme mood swings. Quickly switching from extreme happiness to intense sadness is common, although the episodes are often fleeting, lasting minutes or sometimes a few hours. Emotional triggers can result in fast, extreme reactions to things that would not commonly affect others. Emotions may also include feelings of shame, irritability, or anxiety.
6. UNSTABLE RELATIONSHIPS
It is not uncommon for BPD sufferers to seek a sense of completeness within their relationships, which can be brief and tumultuous, starting with idealization and a seemingly instant love of the other, but rapidly devolving into anger and hate.
7. FEELINGS OF EMPTINESS
In many cases, relationship problems are connected to feelings of emptiness, which BPD sufferers try to fill through fleeting relationships with others, as well as food, drugs, or sex. Many describe themselves as feeling like they are worthless or like no one cares about them.
8. PARANOIA AND SUSPICION
Paranoia or suspicion of the motives of others is another symptom of BPD. Stress exacerbates the situation and brings with it feelings of disassociation or losing touch with reality. In some more severe cases, a person with BPD may suffer from delusions.
9. OUTBURSTS OF ANGER
Violent flares of anger are common BPD symptoms, with tempers spiraling quickly to rage. These often devolve into physical fights or may simmer as consistent bitterness or sarcasm. While this manifests externally, many people with BPD spend a lot of time being angry with themselves.
TYPES OF
BPD
There are four primary categories in classifying the types of BPD. These include:
• Impulsivity: These individuals can be attractive and charismatic, typically seen as risk-takers and attention seekers. However, their behavior is dramatic and unpredictable, and they can be prone to self-harm and suicidal tendencies.
• Discouraged: Often seen as clingy and lacking confidence, these individuals are prone to depression and a sense of powerlessness. Symptoms include self harm and suicidal thoughts or attempts.
• Petulant: People with this form of BPD can be highly critical and easily disappointed. They take offense easily and react with rage. Their sense of self is easily undermined and can be a trigger for negative behavior. They form intense bonds in their relationships but can quickly reject those they are connected to. Paranoia and depression are additional symptoms.
• Self-Destructive: People with self destructive BPD are inclined to be highly self-critical to the point of loathing. This leads to selfdestructive behavior as their anger is turned toward themselves, and suicide is a significant risk. Often introverts, they may share similar symptoms to depressive disorders.
CAUSES OF
BPD
Although the exact cause of BPD is currently unknown, there seems to be a connection between a history of child abuse, neglect, or other trauma. Other risk factors include genetic predisposition and brain abnormalities.
Experts have theorized that people with BPD tend to function on high alert, which results in extreme reactions to situations. This can cause them to behave irrationally because their brain is constantly in survival mode.
RISK FACTORS FOR
BPD
Risk factors for borderline personality disorder include:
• Genetic predisposition: It appears that BPD can be an inherited disorder, with symptoms being evident among other family members or related to other mental health issues in the family.
• Brain function: Abnormalities in brain structures related to the regulation of emotion, impulse control, and aggression appears to be a risk factor. Research indicates that irregularities in brain chemicals such as serotonin, which helps regulate mood, may play a role.
• Environmental, cultural, and social factors: Exposure to conflict that can encompass child abuse, unstable family relationships, and other trauma such as caregivers with substance abuse or mental health issues have also been linked to BPD development.
DIAGNOSING
BPD
During the process of diagnosing BPD, the mental healthcare professional will conduct physical examinations and tests to rule out any existing condition that may be causing the symptoms. After that, they will discuss symptoms with the patient and may also speak to family and close friends about the individual’s behavior to gain further insight.
Family histories of mental health issues will also be taken into consideration. After conducting interviews based on BPD criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, an assessment will be made. Doctors will generally classify an individual with at least five of the classic symptoms of BPD as having the disorder.
It is advisable to consult a specialist psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker with experience in the area of BPD since the disorder can be complex. People with BPD often have co-existing conditions, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or substance abuse issues which complicate diagnosis.
There is often confusion between borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder because they have similar symptoms. While BPD is focused on instability in self-image, moods, and behavior, bipolar disorder involves extreme shifts between mania and depression. However, both conditions require different treatment protocols.
TREATMENT FOR
BPD
When treating BPD, therapy has proved to be more effective than medication. People with BPD respond well to a long-term protocol of learning new self-soothing and emotional regulation methods, essentially rewiring their neural pathways to react more appropriately.
In treating BPD, a healthcare professional may recommend:
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT is a form of psychotherapy or talk therapy. It serves to teach emotional regulation, stress management, and relationship development.
• Schema-focused Therapy: Schema-focused therapy is based on identifying an individual’s “schemas” or their fundamental patterns of interacting with the world. These are acknowledged as being maladaptive—as a result of childhood neglect, for example—the protocol incorporates elements of cognitive behavioral therapy and other types of psychotherapy to create healthier coping mechanisms.
Primarily, therapists educate people with BPD on ways of managing their symptoms. These self-help skills include:
• Self-calming techniques: These include skills such as mindfulness techniques (meditation), sensory stimulation (focusing on input from one of the five senses), and managing emotional vulnerability (by incorporating healthy lifestyle habits).
• Impulse control and distress management: Abnormalities in brain structures related to the regulation of emotion, impulse control, and aggression appears to be a risk factor. Research indicates that irregularities in brain chemicals such as serotonin, which helps regulate mood, may play a role.
• Improving interpersonal skills: Taking responsibility and managing assumptions, understanding other perspectives, and developing communication skills can assist in building healthier relationships. Learning not to project negative thoughts onto others is another important skill.
There is currently no FDA-approved protocol for BPD medication. However, healthcare specialists may prescribe medication to treat coexisting conditions such as:
• Depression or bipolar disorder
• Panic attacks or anxiety
• Hallucinations or paranoia
• Suicidal thoughts or urges to self-harm or harm others
Depending on the severity of symptoms, inpatient treatment for borderline personality disorder may be required. During inpatient treatment, the patient will undergo intensive therapy and a set program designed to help them manage symptoms. Additionally, any co occurring illnesses will be treated during inpatient treament.
GET HELP FOR
BPD
Borderline personality disorder is a serious mental illness. While treating BPD is a long-term process, people with the disorder can take back control of their lives, emotions, and behaviors. However, it takes a commitment to the treatment program and support from highly skilled mental health professionals.
At Psyclarity Health, our highly qualified and compassionate therapists are specialists in treating a range of mental illnesses, including borderline personality disorder.
It is possible to live a fulfilled, productive life with borderline personality disorder. If you are looking for a specialized borderline personality disorder treatment center, get in touch with us at Psyclarity Health today.
855-924-5350
INFO@PSYCLARITYHEALTH.COM
FREEDOM FROM
FEAR ANXIETY DISTRESS
PHOBIA TREATMENT CENTER
Fear is a normal reaction to a perceived threat. A phobia, however, is an abnormal dread of an object or circumstance that has little or no basis in reality. While phobias may be sparked by real-world events such as spider bites, plane crashes, or elevator accidents, the worries gradually grow out of proportion to reality.
The distress caused by a phobia may impair many elements of a person’s life, including relationships, employment, and social activities. When a phobia becomes debilitating, it is time to seek help at a professional phobia treatment center, such as Psyclarity Health.
WHAT ARE
PHOBIAS?
A phobia, by definition, is an unreasonable dread of a specific item, animal, circumstance, or activity. While this dread is irrational and unwarranted, it does not make it any less overpowering for the individual.
People who suffer from phobias will go to great lengths to avoid the source of their fear, even if it means severely restricting their life and daily activities.
Phobias are also usually linked to substance abuse. Substances such as drugs and alcohol may be used to alleviate the extreme responses associated with a phobia or to alleviate the compulsive dread associated with confronting the object of fear.
TYPES OF
PHOBIAS
Although phobias come in many forms, the two most prevalent are specific phobias and social phobias.
SPECIFIC
PHOBIAS
Specific phobias frequently co-occur with various mental health conditions, including generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Specific phobias are illogical or unjustified worries caused by the presence of a particular object (or scenario) that may or may not offer a real threat. For instance, claustrophobia is a relatively widespread fear of being confined in an enclosed place. Individuals with claustrophobia have an intense fear of enclosed and small spaces, restricted movement, and suffocation.
SOCIAL
PHOBIAS
Social phobias manifest themselves differently in each individual. Specific scenarios worry certain people, such as being in crowded settings with other people or speaking at a public gathering. Other people may experience social phobia symptoms as a generalized, all-consuming fear of interacting with others, regardless of the context.
AGORAPHOBIA
Agoraphobia is characterized by a fear of wide-open spaces and social interactions. People with agoraphobia are so terrified of social settings that they withdraw into their houses for months or even years at a time. Panic disorder is a common mental illness among agoraphobic individuals, as panic attacks can exacerbate their fear of social situations.
GLOSSOPHOBIA
The fear of public speaking, or glossophobia, is one of the most common phobias in the world. Even people who are selfassured and confident in other contexts may be scared of public speaking. Glossophobia is particularly debilitating for individuals who are required to speak in front of an audience or make public presentations in their professional life, such as politicians or teachers.
OTHER
PHOBIAS
There are various common phobias, such as:
ARACHNOPHOBIA
Is the fear of spiders.
AQUAPHOBIA
Is the fear of being submerged in water.
ASTRAPHOBIA
Is the fear of natural weather
occurrences, such as thunderstorms and
lightning.
HEMATOPHOBIA
Is the fear of injuries or blood.
MYSOPHOBIA
Is the fear of experiencing vomiting and choking, and is also the fear of dirt and
germs.
ZOOPHOBIA
Is the fear of animals.
ACROPHOBIA
Is the intense fear of heights.
COULROPHOBIA
Is the irrational fear of clowns.
NYCTOPHOBIA
Is the fear of nighttime and darkness.
PHOBIA
STATISTICS
A significant number of the American population suffers from phobias. Some phobia statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health include the following:
In any given year, around 8.5 percent of American people have symptoms of a specific phobia. Most of the people in this group are aged between 45 and 59.
Over 32% of Americans who have a specific phobia seek treatment in the form of therapy or at a phobia treatment center.
COMMON
PHOBIAS
Among the countless recognized phobias, a handful are particularly common. The most prevalent phobias, according to Current Opinion in Psychiatry, are animals, heights, enclosed spaces, being alone, and being wounded.
However, just because these phobias are more common, it does not necessarily mean that they are more severe than less common phobias.
RISK FACTORS FOR
PHOBIAS
Phobias are frequently associated with the following risk factors; anxiety disorders (particularly if they are hereditary), age, gender, and economic status.
PHOBIAS &
ADDICTION
Specific phobias, like other anxiety disorders, frequently co-occur with drug addiction.
Alcohol and drugs may be used to alleviate a person’s intense, persistent fears. Substance abuse helps to dull the anxiety momentarily.
A neuropsychological assessment is frequently necessary to differentiate between anxiety disorder symptoms and the side effects of drug or alcohol addiction.
DIAGNOSING
PHOBIAS
Each phobia has its own set of diagnostic criteria. There are, nevertheless, some overlaps.
Diagnostic criteria that are universally applicable to all phobias include the following:
• The fear usually has a severe impact on the sufferer’s quality of life
• The person will take extreme measures to avoid the feared object or
situation
• Obsessive thoughts that include dwelling on future events that might
include the feared object or situation
TREATING
PHOBIAS
Several successful therapies and phobia treatment alternatives are available to assist people suffering from a phobia.
At Psyclarity Health facilities, we employ numerous therapy techniques to treat phobias.
• Initially established for the treatment of depression, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been extended to treat anxiety disorders and even phobias. This type of therapy seeks to alter the recurrent thinking patterns that contribute to self defeating actions and skewed perceptions. For example, someone who has a specific phobia may learn to replace persistent anxieties about a scenario or item with positive, comforting self-talk.
• Exposure treatment involves progressively exposing the patient to the object of fear in a controlled atmosphere. The ultimate objective is to expose the patient to the phobia in a natural, real-world setting.
• Specific phobias and other anxiety disorders have been successfully treated with antidepressants classified as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Benzodiazepine medications may also be prescribed on an as-needed basis for those who have panic attacks only in certain circumstances. However, benzodiazepines must be used with caution and only as prescribed because of the great potential for abuse and dependency.
• Guided meditation, yoga, exercise therapy, music and art therapy, and massage treatment are just a few of the calming activities that can assist individuals with particular phobias to reduce stress and minimize anxiety symptoms.
If you or a loved one are suffering from a phobia, Psyclarity Health can help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you at one of our phobia treatment centers.
855-924-5350
INFO@PSYCLARITYHEALTH.COM
ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY
DISORDER
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental illnesses in children and adolescents. Though it is more commonly seen in children and teenagers, it may also be diagnosed in adults. The symptoms of ADHD present differently in childhood compared to adulthood. Most people, including those without ADHD, occasionally exhibit some degree of inattentive behavior. On the other hand, inattention and impulsive conduct will always be more severe in people with ADHD.
Typically, the behavior happens more frequently and impairs the individual’s everyday functioning at home, school, job, and social situations. Untreated ADHD can impact daily life and can lead to a range of co occurring disorders. Often, adults with ADHD may go on to develop a substance use disorder as one of many unhealthy coping strategies.
ATTENTION-DEFICIT DISORDER VS
ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
There is a widespread misconception that if a person is not hyperactive, they cannot have ADHD. However, someone with ADHD or attention-deficit disorder (ADD) might be quiet, impulsive, or excessively busy.
ADD is a subtype of ADHD that does not entail excessive movement and fidgeting. However, the differences can be very subtle.
In the 1990s, medical practitioners decided that all kinds of attention-deficitdisorders should be referred to as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, regardless of whether the individual was hyperactive or not.
ADHD
SYMPTOMS
When an individual struggles to focus on a single activity, has trouble sitting still, or seldom completes things they begin, this may be an indication of ADHD. There are also external variables that might contribute to a loss of attention, such as the use of drugs, or hyperactivity caused by energy drinks, caffeine, or consuming an excess of sugar.
However, if symptoms interfere with everyday functioning, it is best to see a professional to determine whether they have ADHD. There are several symptoms of ADHD, but the severity of the symptoms varies according to which of the three forms of ADHD the individual may have.
THE DIFFERENT TYPES
OF ADHD
ADHD is classified into three distinct subtypes: inattention, hyperactive impulsive behavior, and a mix of the two.
INATTENTIVE
SUB-TYPES
Individuals with inattentive ADHD have trouble focusing on a single task or paying attention. They get distracted easily yet exhibit little impulsivity or hyperactivity. This is often unofficially referred to as attention-deficit disorder (ADD).
Children with this kind of ADHD may go undiagnosed due to their lack of disruptive behavior in class. They may seem withdrawn or shy and spend most of their time daydreaming.
These individuals may or may not exhibit substantial behavioral difficulties. However, their inability to pay attention and focus on tasks may cause significant challenges.
Some of the symptoms of inattention, as seen in ADHD, include:
• Being distracted easily, particularly by sounds and images
• Making careless mistakes, often due to rushing through things
• Being unable to complete tasks
• Little to no attention to detail
• Being unable to follow instructions or orders
HYPERACTIVE-IMPULSIVE
SUB-TYPES
Typically, children are diagnosed with hyperactive ADHD at a higher rate than adults. Children with this kind of ADHD exhibit hyperactivity and are continually moving or ‘busy.’
A person with hyperactive ADHD may have difficulty controlling their impulses. Generally, these people do not struggle with inattention. It is often easier to detect signs of this sort of ADHD since the child may have difficulty sitting still in class and controlling themselves.
Some symptoms of hyperactive-impulsive behaviors include:
• Fidgeting and constant movement
• Becoming restless when seated, being unable to stay seated
• Excessive talking
• Inability to read social cues – interrupting others, invading
personal space
• Running and jumping
• Restlessness – more commonly seen in adult ADHD patients
• Unrest (common among adults)
COMBINATION ADHD SUB-TYPES
If an individual is diagnosed with mixed type ADHD, their symptoms do not solely fit into the categories of inattention or hyperactiveimpulsive behaviors.
These individuals display symptoms from both groups. The majority of children are diagnosed with combination-type ADHD, even though hyperactivity is the most prevalent symptom in preschool-aged children.
ADHD
CAUSES
Although there is no established cause of ADHD, various factors have been associated with the illness. According to researchers, some of these factors include genetics, a chemical imbalance in the brain, inadequate nutrition, and brain damage. While sugar is thought to play a role, it does not cause ADHD.
While ADHD cannot be cured or even prevented, a tailored treatment plan will help the patient manage their symptoms more effectively if it is detected early enough.
ADULTS WITH
ADHD
Many adults who have ADHD are undiagnosed, and are unaware that they have the disorder. When a child is diagnosed with ADHD, the illness frequently persists into adulthood. At later ages, symptoms may present differently. Adult hyperactivity, for example, may manifest as intense restlessness, an incessant need to be busy, or a tendency to tire people out. They may also behave inappropriately in social situations.
Adult ADHD Symptoms:
• Lack of focus
• Fatigue
• Disorganization
• Impulsivity
• Fits of rage
• Poor self-image
• Substance abuse and addiction
• Social problems
• Lack of motivation
Adults with ADHD are often treated with medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two treatment approaches. Additionally,
behavior control measures and the involvement of close family members may be beneficial in helping the patient overcome the symptoms
of ADHD.
ADDICTION &
ADHD
Those suffering from mental illness or addiction need specialized treatment for both problems. This is called a co-occurring disorder. In many instances, treating people with ADHD and substance addiction involves using medication for the treatment of ADD or ADHD, as well as implementing evidence-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy and group therapy. Teenagers and young adults with ADHD are more likely to binge drink. Additionally, researchers have discovered associations between ADHD and marijuana and other recreational drug use.
This is more frequently seen in people with other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety. People with ADHD often develop substance abuse issues at a younger age than those without the illness. Individuals with ADHD are also prone to impulsive behavior, making them more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. It is vital that addiction treatment be prioritized. In more severe cases, residential treatment is required so that the patient can undergo medical detox.
During treatment, the patient will also attend regular therapy sessions, with the goal of treating the symptoms of ADHD and the root cause of substance abuse behavior.
ADHD TREATMENT AT
PSYCLARITY HEALTH
Psyclarity Health can help you or a loved one get the help you need to recover from addiction and a co-occurring disorder such as ADHD. Often, a period of residential ADHD treatment is required, particularly if the patient needs to undergo medical detox to wean off drugs or alcohol.
Our treatment centers throughout the United States offer comprehensive treatment for ADHD and other mental health conditions. People struggling with substance addiction or alcoholism with co occurring ADHD symptoms can get compassionate care at one of our facilities located around the country.
We can create an effective treatment plan tailored to your needs as an individual. To learn more and find the right Psyclarity Health ADHD treatment center for your needs, contact us today.
855-924-5350
INFO@PSYCLARITYHEALTH.COM
RANGE OF TREATMENTS FOR
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONCERNS
Whatever your walk of life, your addiction, or mental health concerns, there is a Psyclarity Health facility that can help you get your life back.
To find out more about what we treat and how we can help you, your loved one, union member, or employee, get in touch with us now.
Our treatment specialists are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have and guide you in the right direction.
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