Treating ADHD: More than Medication

ADHD is a genetic, neurobiological disorder characterized by disregulation of attention, not an inability to pay attention as is commonly thought. In other words, adults and children living with ADHD are able to focus, but they cannot control when they focus. Laura MacNiven, an ADHD coach and our guest on this week's HealthyPlace Mental Health TV Show, explains that urgency activates the ability to focus, pointing out that adults with ADHD work well under pressure. In fact, she says, "If it's harnessed appropriately it can help you. If not, it can hurt you." Treating ADHD according to the individual's needs and degree of symptom severity using a variety of approaches often makes a big difference in how disruptive ADHD is or isn't in the lives of those living with it. ADHD coaching can be a vital part of that treatment.

What Is ADHD Coaching?

Laura MacNiven, M.Ed. is the Director of Health Education at Springboard, an innovative ADHD clinic that combines medical and educational services to assess and treat focusing challenges in youth and adults. Treating ADHD, she says, often involves a combination of medication and ADHD coaching. As an ADHD coach, she works with individuals and families to explore and identify physical, social, emotional and academic/vocational areas of need.

Laura joined us on the HealthyPlace Mental Health TV Show to discuss the unique challenges ADHD presents and how ADHD coaching can substantially improve the lives of those with it. Successfully living with ADHD isn't just about medication. Watch and learn more about what an ADHD coach does, and how one might be able to help you.

Video on ADHD Coaching

Watch our video interview with Laura MacNiven as she talks about treating ADHD and her work as an ADHD coach on How An ADHD Coach Can Help You.

You can find all mental health video interviews from the HealthyPlace Mental Health TV Show in the table of contents.

Share Your ADHD Experiences

Have you been diagnosed with ADHD? How do you navigate the challenges of living with ADHD? Is ADHD coaching a part of your treatment plan? What other tools do you use to manage your ADHD symptoms? We invite you to call us at 1-888-883-8045 and share your experiences and insights on treating ADHD. (Info on Sharing Your Mental Health Experiences here.) You can also leave comments below.