About 5 to 10% of children and teens are diagnosed with ADHD. ADHD, which at it’s core is a disorder of self-control (i.e. lack of “inhibitory control), is associated with other mental health vulnerabilities. More often than not, ADHD does not stand alone. Common issues that can co-occur with ADHD include:

• Emotion Dysregulation

• Behavior challenges

• Learning Disabilities

• Anxiety / OCD

• Autism Spectrum

• Depression

• Communication challenges

• Tics

ADHD and executive functioning challenges go hand in hand. Executive functioning challenges can involve problems with:

• Frustration tolerance

• Emotional reactivity

• Delaying gratification

• Impulse control

• Planning

• Organization

• Task initiation / completion

• Sense of time

How is ADHD Treated?

While we cannot “fix” ADHD with behavioral therapies, there are interventions that can help to address the associated challenges that co-occur with ADHD, such as emotion dysregulation, disruptive behaviors, and executive functioning issues. Some interventions might involve modifying the environment (e.g., develop supports at school and home) to help your child or teen be more successful as well as behavioral interventions to build skills. When it comes to treating ADHD in young people, parent/caregiver involvement is a must. We will usually encourage parent coaching as a component of your child’s or teen’s treatment plan.

Child and Teen Solutions (CATS) is a mental health clinic based in Seattle, Washington. We are staffed by psychologists and therapists who specialize in children, teens, young adults, and parent coaching. We offer both in-person and telehealth services. Our office is located in the Madison Park neighborhood, near Lake Washington.