Understanding ADHD: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

At Graceful Mind Institute, we often see patients grappling with symptoms that are eventually traced back to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It’s a common neurodevelopmental condition, and understanding it is the first step toward effective management and a life of more ease. Our approach is always to look at the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—to find the root causes and develop a holistic, personalized treatment plan.

What Is ADHD? Defining Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders. While historically associated with childhood, symptoms often last into adulthood. It's characterized by an ongoing pattern of differences in attention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. Essentially, the brain of someone with ADHD processes information and regulates attention, impulses, and activity levels differently. It's not a character flaw or a lack of intelligence; it's a difference in brain function. In fact, some people attribute their ability to solve problems in new ways, make connections that others don’t see, and other strengths to the differences in how their ADHD brain works.

What Is ADHD Burnout? Managing Overwhelm and Exhaustion

"ADHD Burnout" isn't a formal medical diagnosis but a term widely used to describe the overwhelm and exhaustion experienced by many people with undiagnosed or poorly managed ADHD. This often stems from the immense mental effort required to perform daily tasks, maintain focus, regulate emotions, and mask symptoms. The constant need to overcompensate for executive function challenges can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and eventual burnout. Addressing the underlying ADHD and how a person relates to the challenges presented by it is crucial for recovering from this state. This state can affect both children and adults. More below about symptoms at different ages, but consider the kid who has been keeping it together all day at school and melts down when s/he walks in the door. Or the adult who does everything s/he needs to at work and gets home and can’t make dinner or snaps at the family while trying to do so.

What Are the Symptoms of ADHD? Recognizing the Signs

Symptoms typically fall into two main categories: attentional and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Frequently the word “inattention” will be used to describe one type of ADHD. In reality, people with ADHD have differences in attention. At times, they may struggle to filter out input from their environment and it may feel as though they are paying attention to nothing, but they are actually noticing many things at once, making focusing on the task at hand challenging. At other times, someone with ADHD may be hyperfocused for hours, losing track of time and not seeming to notice anything else around them.

Inattentive vs. Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines three main "presentations" or types of ADHD:Predominantly

Inattentive Presentation: The person struggles mainly with attention, often seen as difficulty focusing, getting easily distracted, frequently losing things, poor organization, or struggling to follow instructions. This presentation was previously called Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD).
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: The person primarily exhibits hyperactive and impulsive behaviors, such as fidgeting, excessive talking, difficulty waiting their turn, interrupting others.
Combined Presentation: The person displays significant symptoms of both attention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.Symptoms of

ADHD in Adults vs Children

While the core diagnostic criteria are the same, how symptoms manifest can change with age. While the diagnostic criteria are focused on symptoms that can create challenges for the person, it is important to note that the brain differences caused by ADHD can also create incredible strengths. A person with ADHD may be quite imaginative or creative. While attentional differences are often a struggle, many people with ADHD perceive things that others don’t. Because their brains process information differently, they may solve problems in different ways leading to innovation. They are also often big picture thinkers, able to connect and understand complex ideas. Like all humans, people with ADHD are all different and ADHD can present and look different depending on many other factors.

Attentional Symptoms:

In all age groups, a person may struggle with shifting from one task to another, starting a new task, finishing a task, or prioritizing what needs to be done.

In children this can look like ignoring directions that require them to change activities, completing only one step of multistep directions, or having a hard time getting started with or finishing homework. Their backpack may be full of crumpled papers and they may not be able to find things when they need them. They might look for an object that is right in front of them and not see it or forget to hand in assignments even if they did them.

In adults we see chronic disorganization, difficulty meeting deadlines, large piles of paper or laundry, or many half finished projects.

Hyperactivity Symptoms:

When hyperactivity is part of the picture, this can look quite different in children and adults.

Children may appear as though they are always moving, climbing, tapping, etc. When not physically moving, they may make noises.

Adults may just have difficulty resting while not “doing” something. They may fidget more than others, or talk excessively.

Impulsivity Symptoms:

Impulsivity in children may look like a lot of interrupting or blurting out answers before a question is finished. It may at times lead to risky behavior or a child may be more likely to react physically to something that bothers them.

Adults with impulsivity may interrupt others or have a hard time staying on one topic in a conversation. They may change careers or hobbies frequently or may have issues with impulsive spending.

People with ADHD may also all have difficulty regulating emotions. In kids this may look like meltdowns or tantrums, hitting other kids, or anger. In adults it may come out as irritability when overwhelmed, anxiety, or road rage. Understanding the source of this and learning tools to support emotional regulation can be incredibly helpful. The extra work of staying on task and regulated during the work or school day can mean that the end of the day is often the hardest, when there is less energy left to regulate.

What Causes ADHD? Unraveling the Etiology

The precise, singular cause of ADHD isn't known, but research strongly suggests it is a complex interaction of several factors, with genetics being the most significant.

Genetics: ADHD often runs in families.

Neurobiology: Differences in the structure and function of the brain, particularly in areas governing attention and impulse control, are consistently observed. This includes differences in neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine.

Environmental Factors: While not primary causes, factors like premature birth, low birth weight, and maternal smoking or alcohol use during pregnancy have been linked to an increased risk. Trauma can be another cause of brain changes.

Naturopathic Perspective: I also look for factors that may exacerbate or mimic ADHD, such as chronic inflammation, nutritional deficiencies (e.g., low omega-3s or magnesium), poor gut health, chronic infections, hormone imbalance and exposure to environmental toxins.

ADHD Assessment for Adults and Children: What's the Process?

Getting a proper diagnosis as an adult can be life-changing, as it provides the context needed to understand and manage lifelong struggles. In some cases someone may have thought they were struggling with anxiety or another condition that is better addressed through the lens of ADHD.

Steps in the Diagnostic Evaluation

The assessment is a comprehensive process that typically involves:

Clinical Interview: A detailed discussion about your current symptoms, how they impact your life, and when they began (symptoms must have been present in childhood).

Symptom Checklists and Rating Scales: Standardized forms (like the ASRS) that the patient or parent and possibly a close family member or teacher complete to rate the frequency and severity of various ADHD symptoms.

Objective tests: These measure things like reaction speed over time on a boring task that can be helpful in confirming diagnosis and measuring treatment effectiveness. We recommend looking for an assessor who will utilize these measures.

Review of History: Looking at childhood school reports or medical records for evidence of ADHD symptoms in youth.

Differential Diagnosis: Ruling out other conditions that can mimic ADHD, such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, sensory challenges, or thyroid issues.

Finding a Qualified Professional

For an adult assessment, you should seek a professional who is experienced in adult ADHD, as the presentation is often more subtle than in children. Qualified professionals include:

Psychiatrists
Clinical Psychologists
Neurologists (less common)
Naturopathic Physicians (for the initial screening, holistic assessment, and complementary treatment planning, often working collaboratively with one of the above for formal diagnosis and medication management if needed).
Primary care doctors do have some training in diagnosing ADHD, but the tools they use are often less comprehensive and may not provide the information you are seeking if this is not an area of focus for them.

Therapy for ADHD: Cognitive and Behavioral Approaches

Therapy is a cornerstone of ADHD treatment, providing practical tools and strategies for managing the daily challenges of the condition as well as helping to understand how your strengths can support you.

The Role of Counseling and Psychotherapy

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): This is highly effective. It helps individuals identify and change the negative thought patterns and self-defeating behaviors that often co-occur with ADHD, such as procrastination or low self-esteem.

Executive Function Coaching:A specialized type of coaching focused on building skills in organization, time management, planning, and task initiation.

Behavioral Interventions for Children and Adults

For children, Parent Coaching is key, teaching parents skills to understand and support their child and their relationship. For both children and adults, behavioral interventions focus on creating structure and routines that bypass executive function challenges. This includes using planners, setting alarms, breaking large tasks into smaller steps, and creating a clutter-free environment. A holistic plan should also support emotional regulation.

Treating ADHD Without Medication: Key Strategies

While medication (stimulants or non-stimulants) can be highly effective, many individuals prefer or require a non-pharmacological approach. At Graceful Mind Institute, through naturopathic medicine, our focus is always to maximize the body's natural potential for healing and regulation. That being said, we are not opposed to medication as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Managing ADHD Without Medication: Daily Life Hacks

Success without medication relies in part on creating an external system to support challenge areas.

Dedicate time to task prioritization: Deciding in advance what is important to spend time and attention on and when you will do that will make you much less likely to be susceptible to impulsive or inattentive behaviors and more likely to have spent your time and attention in line with your own values.

Externalize Information: Don't rely on memory. Write down everything—tasks, appointments, ideas—in a consistent planner or digital tool.

"Body Doubling": Working on a task in the presence of another person (in person or virtually) can significantly improve focus and task initiation.

Gamify Tasks: Use reward systems and make tedious tasks more engaging to activate the brain's reward centers.

Time in Nature: There is a significant body of research showing that our brains are wired for rest, reset, and focus when in nature. Time outside every day where there are trees or other natural landscape (a park will do!) can make a big difference.

Sleep in Alignment with Circadian Rhythm: Getting enough sleep at the right time has a huge effect on executive function, emotional regulation, impulsivity, mood and attention.

Natural Treatment for ADHD: Complementary Approaches

Natural therapies work by addressing underlying physiological imbalances that affect brain function.

Acupuncture: Can help manage anxiety and improve overall focus.

Mindfulness and Meditation: Regular practice can improve sustained attention and emotional regulation.

Neurofeedback: A non-invasive brain training technique that helps individuals learn to self-regulate their brain activity.

Primary Reflex Integration and Sensory Integration Therapy: The way our brain interprets our environment and communicates with the body about that has a huge impact on how we feel and how we focus.

Natural ADHD Supplements: What Works and What Doesn't

A comprehensive naturopathic plan includes targeted supplementation to fill nutritional gaps and support neurotransmitter function. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement. These are a few supplements commonly used, and not a comprehensive list.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Supports brain cell function; studies show modest benefit for attention and impulsivity. (Evidence-based)

Magnesium: Involved in neurotransmitter regulation; often deficient in those with ADHD; may reduce hyperactivity. (Promising)

Zinc: Essential for dopamine metabolism; deficiency linked to more severe symptoms. (Promising)

L-Theanine: An amino acid that promotes relaxed focus without drowsiness; often combined with caffeine. (Promising)

Herbal Remedies: Gingko Biloba and Bacopa Monnieri are traditional herbs used for cognitive function, with some mixed results for ADHD.

The Role of Diet and Exercise

These are arguably two of the most powerful natural interventions.

Diet: Focus on a whole-foods, low-glycemic diet rich in protein, healthy fats (like avocados and nuts), and vegetables. This helps stabilize blood sugar, preventing energy dips that worsen inattention. Many patients benefit from trying an elimination diet to identify sensitivities (like artificial colors, preservatives, or certain allergens) that may contribute to hyperactivity or brain fog.

Exercise: Aerobic exercise is a potent natural medicine for ADHD. It increases dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, effectively "priming" the brain for better focus and mood. Aim for at least 30-45 minutes of moderate-intensity activity most days.

Frequently Asked Questions About Understanding ADHD

Is ADHD a real medical condition?Yes. ADHD is a well-researched, complex neurobiological condition recognized by major medical, psychological, and educational organizations worldwide.

Can a person "outgrow" ADHD?While hyperactivity often lessens with age, inattentive and executive function difficulties usually persist into adulthood, though the symptoms may change in how they manifest.

Are people with ADHD smarter?ADHD is not related to intelligence. People with ADHD have the full range of intellectual capacity. However, they often show great creativity, hyperfocus on areas of interest, resilience, and problem-solving skills that can be highly advantageous.

Can ADHD be cured?Currently, there is no "cure" for ADHD, but it is highly manageable. Through a combination of therapy, lifestyle adjustments, nutritional support, and sometimes medication, individuals with ADHD can lead successful and fulfilling lives.

Does ADHD put me at higher risk for other disorders? There are a number of conditions that occur at higher rates in people with ADHD than people without ADHD. People with ADHD are more likely to also be diagnosed with autism, sensory processing challenges, oppositional defiance disorder, substance abuse, and even hyper mobile joint disorders such as Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. This does not mean that everyone with ADHD has these conditions, but rather that there is overlap in populations and it can give some clues as to support people with ADHD may need.

If I'm already medicated, can naturopathic care still help? Yes! Often people come to us to optimize even when on medication and continue to see improvement in challenge areas, confidence, and overall wellbeing. We also work with clients who are experiencing side effects of medication and may wish to see if they can add other supports to be able to reduce side effects or medication dosage.

At Graceful Mind Institute, we work with our clients to create a comprehensive treatment plan to support how ADHD impacts them in all areas of their life. We offer strength based care, coaching, and support in the mental, emotional, and physical areas that can shift how your ADHD plays out in your life. We want your body and brain optimized for success and joy and we love celebrating the amazing accomplishments of our ADHD patients.