Photo of SonderMind, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 02129, MA
SonderMind
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02129
Alison is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with 30+ years of experience. Areas of specialty include anxiety/stress, depression, executive functioning disorders, couple/family/peer issues, conflict resolution, trauma response and coping with medical concerns. Her style is strength-based and collaborative with a goal of identifying areas of concern and working together to develop a solution-focused plan to achieve measurable and sustainable progress. Alison received her doctoral training and Master's Degree at Boston College and completed a fellowship at Harvard. She is committed to multi-disciplinary integrated care.
Alison is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with 30+ years of experience. Areas of specialty include anxiety/stress, depression, executive functioning disorders, couple/family/peer issues, conflict resolution, trauma response and coping with medical concerns. Her style is strength-based and collaborative with a goal of identifying areas of concern and working together to develop a solution-focused plan to achieve measurable and sustainable progress. Alison received her doctoral training and Master's Degree at Boston College and completed a fellowship at Harvard. She is committed to multi-disciplinary integrated care.
(617) 539-2443 View (617) 539-2443
ADHD Therapists

When should I seek treatment for ADHD?

You should seek treatment for ADHD if you consistently have difficulty with attention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity that interferes with your daily life. Symptoms of ADHD include the inability to sustain attention during tasks, difficulty organizing tasks and activities, being easily distracted, frequent fidgeting or squirming, and talking or interrupting excessively. If these symptoms interfere with your career, academics, or relationships—for example, consistently failing to complete professional projects on time—you should seek an evaluation for ADHD.

How does treatment for ADHD work?

Effective treatment for ADHD often consists of medication, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes. Stimulant medications such as Adderall and Ritalin work by altering levels of neurotransmitters in the brain; higher levels of dopamine and norepinephrine are known to improve attention and focus. Therapy works by helping people with ADHD understand the condition, discuss their areas of difficulty, and develop behavioral strategies to manage their symptoms. In some cases, modifying one’s diet and exercise can also help improve symptoms.

Are there specific medications for ADHD?

Medications to treat ADHD are generally stimulants, the most common are Adderall and Ritalin. There are two categories of stimulants: Amphetamines include Adderall, Dyanavel, Vyvanse, and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates include Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana, Focalin, Quillichew, Quillivant, and Metadate. Non-stimulants and antidepressants may be used as an alternative if stimulants aren’t effective or viable for a particular patient.

How long does treatment for ADHD take?

It’s tough to give an exact time frame because everyone varies. In terms of medications, stimulants begin to work very soon after you take them, generally within the hour. It may take time to identify the right medication and dosage, but the medication itself is fast-acting. In terms of therapy, it takes time to develop skills and put them into practice, but you will likely see improvements within a few weeks or months.