Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is something that many people have heard of but don’t often understand. When you hear about ADHD, you may immediately associate it with hyperactive kids that don’t pay attention. This leads many people to ask the question of, “Is ADHD a mental illness and is it really serious?” The reality is that ADHD affects people of all ages, and it can make life extremely difficult.
Is ADHD a Mental Illness?
There are many misconceptions about the topic of mental illness. Think of your mental health in the same way as you would your physical health. When your mind isn’t functioning the way it should and causes issues, it becomes a mental illness. This is why we need to take mental illness as seriously as we would any other physical illness. This is also important to understand because a person can’t simply overcome their mental illness in the same way they could a physical illness.
Now, with so many children getting diagnosed with ADHD and the controversies over misdiagnoses, is ADHD a mental illness? The answer to this question is that it very much is a mental illness. ADHD affects the part of the brain that people need to focus, but it’s not always in the way you would think. Understanding ADHD is much easier to grasp when you realize it’s not about not being able to focus or pay attention. The real issue with having ADHD is that you hyper-focus on something, but it’s not the thing you want to or should be focusing on. ADHD is like constantly having an itch that needs to be scratched.
Is ADHD a Mental Illness with Symptoms?
ADHD can affect adults as well as children, and doctors are diagnosing more and more people with adult ADHD. It’s important to understand the signs and symptoms of ADHD so you can get the help you need as soon as possible. Dealing with ADHD doesn’t only affect kids in school, but it can also affect your career and relationships. Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD include the following:
- Difficulty focusing
- Absent-mindedness
- Impulsivity
- Fidgeting
- Irritability
Getting Help for ADHD
If you notice that you’re struggling with the symptoms of ADHD, there is help and therapy available. You can manage you or your child’s ADHD with the help of mental health professionals at a Houston ADHD therapy psychiatrist. At a mental health clinic, you’re going to work with a licensed professional who can help you take control of your life.
PACE Mental Health Houston is a mental health clinic located in Houston, and we’re here to help. Some of the programs we offer here include the following:
So, is ADHD a mental illness? Yes, and you can manage it with comprehensive therapy. If you’re ready to get help or would like to learn more, call us today at 866.971.8423.
