ADHD and ADD Therapy at Taproot Therapy
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Evidence-Based Treatments for ADHD and ADD
Taproot Therapy Collective offers comprehensive ADHD and ADD treatment through these specialized approaches:
- QEEG BrainMapping: Provides objective measurements of brain activity patterns common in ADHD, such as theta-beta ratio imbalances. This data guides personalized treatment planning and helps differentiate ADHD from other conditions with similar symptoms.
- Neurofeedback: A drug-free approach that trains the brain to produce more focused, attentive brainwave patterns. Neurofeedback has shown efficacy in reducing core ADHD symptoms by improving self-regulation of frontal lobe activity.
- Neurostimulation: Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques that can enhance attention networks and executive function by modulating neural activity in regions affected by ADHD.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy: Builds essential skills in emotional regulation, impulse control, and distress tolerance that directly address ADHD-related challenges in managing emotions and behaviors.
- Mindfulness Meditation: Research shows mindfulness practices enhance attention, working memory, and cognitive flexibility—all areas affected by ADHD. Regular practice helps develop the "attention muscle" in the brain.
- Hardy Micronutrition: Addresses potential nutritional deficiencies (zinc, magnesium, omega-3s, etc.) that may contribute to ADHD symptoms, supporting optimal brain function and neurotransmitter balance.
Understanding ADHD Comorbidities and Overlapping Conditions
ADHD rarely exists in isolation—up to 80% of individuals with ADHD have at least one coexisting condition. Understanding these overlaps is crucial for effective treatment:
- Anxiety: Approximately 30-40% of people with ADHD also have an anxiety disorder. The chronic stress of managing ADHD symptoms can heighten anxiety, while anxiety can worsen attention problems, creating a challenging cycle requiring integrated treatment.
- Depression and Mood Disorders: Up to 30% of individuals with ADHD experience depression. Chronic difficulties with executive function and the resulting life challenges can contribute to depressive symptoms, while low motivation from depression can exacerbate ADHD challenges.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder: ADHD and ASD co-occur in approximately 30-50% of cases, with overlapping challenges in executive function and self-regulation requiring nuanced treatment approaches that address both conditions.
- OCD and Bipolar Disorder: Both conditions can present with attention difficulties that mimic or compound ADHD symptoms, requiring careful differential diagnosis and specialized treatment planning.
- Learning Disorders: Up to 45% of children with ADHD also have a learning disorder. Academic struggles can both result from and exacerbate attention difficulties, requiring educational interventions alongside ADHD treatment.
Our ADHD Treatment Specialists
Dr. Jason Mishalanie, PhD., BCN
Our Clinical Director specializes in comprehensive ADHD assessment and treatment using advanced neurotherapeutic approaches. His ADHD treatment protocol includes:
- QEEG brain mapping to identify specific neural patterns associated with ADHD subtypes
- Customized neurofeedback protocols targeting attention networks and executive function
- Integrated approaches that address both neurological and psychological aspects of ADHD
Dr. Haley Beech, PhD MSW LMSW
Dr. Beech's holistic approach to ADHD treatment integrates somatic and experiential modalities. Her work with ADHD clients includes:
- Somatic approaches that help regulate the nervous system and improve focus
- Brainspotting to address trauma that may contribute to or complicate ADHD symptoms
- Specialized support for women with ADHD, particularly during perinatal periods when hormonal changes can affect symptoms
Marie Danner, LICSW-S MSW CCTP-II
Marie's trauma-informed approach is particularly effective for individuals whose ADHD symptoms are complicated by past trauma. Her ADHD treatment includes:
- Brainspotting to address underlying trauma that may exacerbate ADHD symptoms
- DBT skills training to improve emotional regulation and reduce impulsivity
- Practical strategies for daily life management with ADHD, reducing frustration and building confidence
Comprehensive ADHD Treatment in Birmingham
Medication-Free Approaches at Taproot Therapy Collective
We have multiple clinicians available at Taproot Therapy Collective that treat a wide variety of issues and conditions with specialized training in many techniques and modalities of therapy.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects millions of children and adults, yet many individuals go undiagnosed or struggle with treatments that don't fully address their unique needs. At Taproot Therapy Collective in Birmingham, we understand the challenges that ADHD brings to everyday life, from difficulty focusing and completing tasks to managing impulsivity and organizational skills.
Our approach to ADHD treatment is comprehensive, individualized, and evidence-based. While medication can be helpful for many individuals with ADHD, we also recognize that medication-free approaches offer powerful alternatives or complementary strategies. Our clinicians draw from the latest research in neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and holistic health to provide treatment plans that address not just symptoms, but the whole person.
Ready to Take Control of ADHD?
Our Birmingham-based specialists can help you or your loved one thrive with ADHD.
Schedule a ConsultationUnderstanding ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects executive functioning, attention regulation, and impulse control. While the popular image of ADHD often focuses on hyperactivity, ADHD actually manifests in different ways depending on the individual:
Predominantly Inattentive Type
Characterized by difficulties with sustained attention, following instructions, and organization. Individuals may appear forgetful, easily distracted, or have trouble completing tasks.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
Marked by excessive movement, fidgeting, difficulty staying seated, interrupting others, and acting without considering consequences.
Combined Type
Displays both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, creating complex challenges in multiple areas of functioning.
ADHD in Adults
Often presents differently than in children, with symptoms like chronic procrastination, poor time management, relationship difficulties, and mood dysregulation becoming more prominent than hyperactivity.
ADHD is not simply a behavioral issue—it reflects differences in brain structure and function, particularly in areas responsible for executive functioning and dopamine regulation. Research shows that individuals with ADHD often have altered activity in the prefrontal cortex, which controls attention, working memory, and self-regulation.
Recognizing ADHD Symptoms
In Children
- Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
- Frequent careless mistakes in schoolwork
- Appears not to listen when spoken to directly
- Fails to finish schoolwork or chores
- Difficulty organizing tasks and activities
- Reluctance to engage in tasks requiring sustained mental effort
- Loses items necessary for tasks or activities
- Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
- Forgetful in daily activities
- Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
- Leaves seat when remaining seated is expected
- Runs about or climbs excessively when inappropriate
- Difficulty playing quietly
- Acts as if "driven by a motor"
- Talks excessively
- Blurts out answers before questions are completed
- Difficulty awaiting turn
- Interrupts or intrudes on others
Early identification and intervention are crucial for children with ADHD. With appropriate support, children can develop strategies to manage their symptoms and thrive both academically and socially.
In Adults
- Chronic lateness and poor time management
- Difficulty prioritizing and completing tasks
- Poor working memory and recall
- Difficulty managing emotions and stress
- Impulsive decision-making
- Challenges with organization and planning
- Restlessness or feeling constantly "on edge"
- Problems starting and finishing projects
- Difficulty maintaining focus during conversations
- Frequent job changes or underemployment
- Relationship difficulties due to forgetfulness or inattention
- Low frustration tolerance
- Chronic feeling of underachievement
- Sensitivity to rejection or criticism
- Hyperfocus on certain activities to the exclusion of responsibilities
Many adults with ADHD were never diagnosed as children. Receiving a proper diagnosis can be life-changing, providing an explanation for lifelong struggles and opening doors to effective treatments.
Medication-Free ADHD Treatment in Birmingham
At Taproot Therapy Collective, we offer a range of evidence-based, non-pharmaceutical approaches to managing ADHD symptoms. Our comprehensive treatment plans are tailored to each client's unique needs, strengths, and challenges.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and develop practical skills for managing ADHD symptoms. Our therapists work with clients to improve time management, organization, planning, and emotional regulation through structured CBT techniques specifically adapted for ADHD.
Neurofeedback
This cutting-edge approach uses real-time displays of brain activity to teach self-regulation of brain function. With qEEG brain mapping and neurofeedback, clients can learn to strengthen brainwave patterns associated with focus and attention while reducing patterns linked to distractibility.
Mindfulness-Based Interventions
Mindfulness practices enhance awareness of the present moment and strengthen attentional control. Our ADHD-specific mindfulness programs help clients develop greater self-awareness, reduce reactivity, and improve their ability to notice when their attention has wandered and redirect it intentionally.
Executive Function Coaching
Our specialized coaches work with clients to develop personalized systems for organization, time management, task initiation, and goal setting. This practical, skills-based approach addresses the core executive function challenges that often accompany ADHD.
Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) for ADHD
ISTDP can be particularly effective for individuals whose ADHD symptoms are complicated by emotional regulation difficulties or past trauma. This approach helps clients identify and address unconscious emotional patterns that may be amplifying their ADHD symptoms. By processing core emotional experiences, many individuals experience significant improvements in focus, motivation, and impulse control.
Nutritional Approaches to ADHD Management
Emerging research suggests that nutritional interventions can significantly improve ADHD symptoms in many individuals. At Taproot Therapy Collective, we incorporate evidence-based nutritional strategies into our comprehensive treatment plans.
Micronutrient Support
Studies have shown that many individuals with ADHD have suboptimal levels of essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that support brain function. Strategic micronutrient supplementation can help address these deficiencies, potentially improving attention, reducing impulsivity, and enhancing overall cognitive performance. Learn about the specific vitamins that support brain function and the role of minerals in neurotransmitter regulation.
Amino Acid Therapy
Amino acids are the building blocks of neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers that regulate attention, motivation, and impulse control. Strategic amino acid supplementation can help support optimal neurotransmitter production and function, potentially addressing core neurobiological aspects of ADHD.
Visit our dedicated page on holistic micronutrition for mental health issues to learn more about our comprehensive approach.
ADHD and Co-occurring Conditions
ADHD rarely occurs in isolation. Up to 80% of individuals with ADHD have at least one co-occurring condition, which can complicate diagnosis and treatment. At Taproot Therapy Collective, we provide comprehensive assessment and integrated treatment for ADHD and common co-occurring conditions:
Anxiety Disorders
Up to 50% of individuals with ADHD also experience anxiety disorders. Our therapists use specialized techniques to address both conditions simultaneously, recognizing how they interact and amplify each other.
Depression
Chronic struggles with ADHD can contribute to depressive symptoms, while depression can worsen ADHD symptoms like concentration and motivation. Our integrated approach addresses both conditions for more effective treatment.
Learning Disabilities
Approximately 30-50% of children with ADHD also have a specific learning disability. We provide comprehensive assessments and interventions that address both ADHD and learning challenges.
Executive Function Disorder
While related to ADHD, executive function difficulties can be distinct and require targeted interventions focusing on planning, organization, working memory, and cognitive flexibility.