--- title: "ADHD Awareness | Denver Psychiatry Blog" description: "ADHD Awareness If you are seeing orange awareness ribbons around this month, they are not to raise awareness for Halloween. They represent ADHD awareness month. 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For children and adolescents, this includes integrated meetings with parents. By the end of 1-2 visits, you'll have a clear clinical formulation and personalized treatment plan." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Denver Psychiatry treat both children and adults?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, Dr. Steve Sarche is board certified in both general psychiatry and child & adolescent psychiatry. Denver Psychiatry provides comprehensive care for patients ages 10 and older, with age-appropriate treatment approaches." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What mental health conditions does Denver Psychiatry treat?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Denver Psychiatry treats a wide range of mental health conditions including anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, situational stress, behavioral problems, and relational difficulties. Dr. Sarche takes a comprehensive, holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Denver Psychiatry offer non-medication treatments?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Absolutely. While medication can be an important part of treatment, Dr. Sarche also emphasizes non-medication modalities including sleep hygiene strategies, lifestyle modifications, stress reduction techniques, and therapeutic approaches. Treatment is tailored to each individual's needs and preferences." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the difference between a D.O. and an M.D. psychiatrist?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Osteopathic physicians (D.O.s) receive the same training as M.D.s but with additional focus on the interconnection between the body's systems. 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I think October is an apt month for hav...", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Dr. Steve Sarche", "jobTitle": "Board Certified Psychiatrist" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Denver Psychiatry", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com" }, "datePublished": "2024-10-04T14:11:06+00:00", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/article/adhd-awareness" } } ] --- [ Denver Psychiatry Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. ](#home) [](tel:303-393-8808) [ Denver Psychiatry Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. ](#home) [Home](#home) Services ### Conditions We Treat [ ADHD Treatment Child & adult ADHD specialist care ](/adhd)[ Anxiety Treatment Generalized anxiety, panic, social anxiety ](/anxiety-treatment)[ Depression Treatment Major depression, bipolar, mood disorders ](/depression-treatment)[ PTSD & Trauma Treatment Trauma recovery focused on full healing ](/ptsd-trauma-treatment) ### Specialty Care [ Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship-trained, ages 10 and up ](/child-adolescent-psychiatry)[ Performance Optimization Precision psychiatry for high performers ](/performance-optimization)[ Medication Management Expert prescription and monitoring ](#services) #### Talk to Dr. Sarche Call to schedule your initial evaluation [Call Now](tel:303-393-8808) About ### About Us [ Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. Board-certified psychiatrist ](#about)[ Our Approach Patient-centered, evidence-based care ](#approach)[ Osteopathic Medicine Holistic medical philosophy ](#resources) Resources ### Educational Resources [ General Information Learn about psychiatry and mental health ](#resources)[ Sleep & Wellness Tips for better sleep and health ](#resources)[ Nutrition & Mental Health Diet's impact on mood and cognition ](#resources) ### Patient Info [ Blog Articles Latest insights and updates ](#blog)[ FAQs Common questions answered ](#faq) #### New Patient? Learn what to expect at your first visit [Learn More](#services) Contact ### Get In Touch [ Contact Form Send us a message ](#contact)[ Call Us (303) 393-8808 ](tel:303-393-8808)[ Our Location 720 S Colorado Blvd, Suite 910N ](#contact) [Call Dr. Sarche](tel:303-393-8808) [Back to Blog](/blog) Wellness & Lifestyle # ADHD Awareness Dr. Steve Sarche Board Certified Psychiatrist • Friday, October 4, 2024 • 5 min read Share: [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fadhd-awareness)[](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fadhd-awareness&text=ADHD%20Awareness)[](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fadhd-awareness&title=ADHD%20Awareness)[]() ADHD Awareness If you are seeing orange awareness ribbons around this month, they are not to raise awareness for Halloween.   They represent ADHD awareness month. I think October is an apt month for having ADHD awareness, as October is associated with Halloween and monsters.   ADHD, when untreated can be a monster.   On other hand, treated ADHD can be sweet as candy. The common symptoms of ADHD are grouped into three categories.  This includes inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity.   Not all people have symptoms in the three categories.   Basically, everybody who has ADHD will have inattentive issues. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition.   It is a common condition (at very least 8% of kids) and it starts with an issue of activation of the prefrontal cortex.   Kids with ADHD tend to have lower activity in this part of the brain for tasks that may require high mental energy and effort, and sustained attention for boring and not naturally stimulating tasks. The result is that people will hyperfocus on what they are interested in and naturally drawn to at the cost of not shifting and regulating focus to things they need to attend to or take care of.   Younger people have a harder time with this as the part of their brain that wants immediate gratification is very strong compared to an adult. Procrastination is a common challenge in ADHD.  The reason most people with ADHD tend to procrastinate is that another way they can focus on boring and high mental energy tasks is because now the deadline is here and it HAS TO be done.  That is also naturally stimulating.   The problem with that is that constant procrastination can lead to burnout and to poor quality of work and careless mistakes. In short, life with ADHD can be very difficult. For kids, it leads to behavioral and social problems in school and at home, academic challenges, anxiety and stress, and self-criticism.    According to the CHADD website, author and psychiatrist William Dodson estimates that by age 12 a child with ADHD has endured approximately 20,000 more negative messages when compared to peers without ADHD. This boils down to roughly 6-8 more negative messages daily starting at age 2.   The messages are not necessarily severe or abusive.  The messages are often from frustration and are intended to motivate the kid to change behavior.  For example, the message can be in the form of, “I have asked you 10 times to put your coat away.  What is wrong with you?”  Or, from a teacher, “How many times do I have to tell you to turn in your homework at 8:30am in the blue basket?”  In general, the message is, “You need to learn to be more responsible and less lazy.” The problem is that with ADHD, just telling a kid to make a change will not work.  The frontal lobe activation and focus regulation issues eventually lead to the same patterns, even after putting in effort to change over time.  Because of that, people with untreated ADHD will underrate what they are capable of, not try new things or things they fear that are not good at for fear of failure and criticism.   There is avoidance of work in school.   The tendency to avoid criticism or failure can lead to lack of good boundaries and assertiveness as well. These issues can lead to long – term problems into adulthood that include less education, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, difficulty in relationships, job instability, substance misuse and health problems. Yes, ADHD untreated can be a monster. The good news is that there are effective treatments out there for ADHD. ADHD is diagnosed with thorough clinical evaluation.  Genetics is thought to be a significant factor in ADHD.   Some experts suggest that if a child is diagnosed with ADHD, the parents should be evaluated as well.    Brain injury may contribute to ADHD.  Low birth weight, premature birth and stress or substance exposure in utero may contribute.   Lack of nutrients such as iron, zinc and magnesium may worsen symptoms as well. For starters, seek more information.    The website adhdawarenessmonth.org is a good resource.  This includes an adult ADHD self-screener and several links to credible information about ADHD. Medications are considered critical for optimal ADHD management.  Stimulants are first line because they increase neurotransmitters that help activate the frontal lobes more.   This is mainly from Dopamine. With the medication support, ADHD coaching, working on environmental and behavioral strategies, and learning good habits become more and more effective. Finding a provider can be tricky.   The Colorado Psychiatric Society keeps a list of members and where they are located so that website may be helpful.  Talk to your social network and see if anybody has any good names or referrals.   There is a general shortage of child psychiatrists, so you may have to do a web search and call multiple providers in your area. Either way, the work is worth it.   ADHD is a very real disorder, and the focus regulation issues can cause significant life disruption and distress.   You will find that treatment can be life changing.   People with ADHD have gifts of cognitive energy, empathy, resilience and creativity.  The hyperfocus can be a superpower when the hurdles are managed well.  People with ADHD can be incredibly imaginative and amazing problem solvers and out of the box thinkers.   Some of the most amazing people I have worked with are the ones with ADHD. Let’s get those orange ribbons out there and let’s get to the point of taking advantage of the fact there are good treatments for ADHD and that ADHD can be a gift.  Life doesn’t have to feel so much like a monster but can also be sweet like candy. Share: [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fadhd-awareness)[](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fadhd-awareness&text=ADHD%20Awareness)[](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fadhd-awareness&title=ADHD%20Awareness)[]() ### Need Help With Your Mental Health? Dr. Steve Sarche provides compassionate psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and adults in the Denver area. [Call to Speak With Dr. Sarche](tel:303-393-8808) ### Get new articles from Dr. Sarche We'll only email you when Dr. Sarche publishes a new article. Unsubscribe anytime. Subscribe ## Related Articles [ Wellness & Lifestyle ### The Low Effort High Reward Paradox Managing internet harm May 13, 2026 4 min read ](/article/the-low-effort-high-reward-paradox)[ Wellness & Lifestyle ### The Osteopathic Approach to Mental Health Care Understanding how osteopathic medicine's holistic philosophy enhances psychiatric treatment. Jun 10, 2024 1 min read ](/article/osteopathic-approach-mental-health)[ Wellness & Lifestyle ### Managing Stress During Major Life Transitions Life changes—whether positive or challenging—can trigger significant stress. Learn healthy coping strategies. Apr 5, 2024 1 min read ](/article/managing-stress-during-transitions) ### Denver Psychiatry Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. Providing compassionate, comprehensive psychiatric care to children, adolescents, and adults in the Denver area since 2004. 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