The following guide is for informational purposes only and not intended to diagnose or give medical advice.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. People with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active.
In 1994, doctors decided all forms of attention-deficit disorder would be called "attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder," or ADHD, even if the person wasn't hyperactive.
(CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html; WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/add-vs-adhd)
Types of ADHD
(WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/add-vs-adhd)
ADHD Inattentive Type Symptoms
ADHD Hyperactive/impulsive type
ADHD Combined Type
(American Psychiatric Association, https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/adhd/what-is-adhd)
Behavior Therapy
Behavior therapy teaches children and their families how to strengthen positive child behaviors and eliminate or reduce unwanted or problem behaviors.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
It’s based on the idea that negative actions or feelings are the results of current distorted beliefs or thoughts, not unconscious forces from the past. CBT is a blend of
Schema Therapy
Schema therapy is a newer type of therapy that combines elements of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoanalysis, attachment theory, and emotion-focused therapy, among others. In schema therapy, you’ll work with a therapist to uncover and understand your schemas, sometimes called early maladaptive schemas. Schema therapy aims to teach you how to ensure your emotional needs are met in a healthy way that doesn’t cause distress.
Medication
Stimulants
These medicines might help you focus your thoughts and ignore distractions. Stimulant meds work for 70% to 80% of people. They’re used to treat moderate and severe ADHD.
Non-stimulants
In cases where stimulants don’t work or cause unpleasant side effects, non-stimulants might help. These medications can improve symptoms like concentration and impulse control.
(CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/treatment.html; CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/parent-behavior-therapy.html; Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/cognitive-behavioral-therapy; Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/health/schema-therapy-2; WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/adhd-medication-chart)
For a comprehensive list of McFarlin books about ADHD consult our library catalog. Some ebooks may require you sign into the library system before viewing; you will be automatically prompted if a login is necessary.
For a comprehensive list of McFarlin databases consult our A-Z Database List. Databases may require you sign into the library system before viewing; you will be automatically prompted if a login is necessary.
You may want to get help for any mental health issue if it lasts for a long period of time or begins to interfere with your ability to function, such as eat, study, and have fun. TU has counselors who would love to help you with your mental health.
This site provides information about and contact information for TU's Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).
If you are having a mental health crisis, the following sites provide help:
Call or text 988 - Oklahoma's statewide mental health lifeline