When most people think of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), they think of children who have problems paying attention, controlling impulses, or sitting still. However, it isn’t just children who are affected by ADHD.
ADHD can be just as disruptive in the life of an adult. The disorder has many symptoms, including restlessness and anxiety; adults with ADHD often have difficulty staying focused and can struggle with staying organized. People with ADHD can be extreme procrastinators. Many are impulsive—they might act before thinking, interrupt others, and blurt out comments that they quickly regret. This impulsivity can impact both personal and professional relationships, which of course creates even more stress, making it harder to manage not only your emotions, but even simple, everyday tasks.
If you suspect that you might have adult ADHD, getting a diagnosis is important. According to Martin W. Wetzel, MD, an assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, adults with ADHD tend to have lower incomes as well as higher rates of accidents, substance abuse, and unplanned pregnancies than those without it. But it’s not a hopeless situation, and getting the right help can be the beginning of a new way of life.
If you struggle with any of these symptoms, look for a psychiatrist who has experience with diagnosing and treating people with ADHD. Your doctor may perform a physical exam on you in order to make sure that there aren’t other medical problems causing your symptoms. She might also run blood tests, recommend psychological testing, and/or ask you questions about your health history.
Many people with ADHD respond well to medication, although there are other nondrug options that may help, too. Ari Tuckman, PsyD, the vice president of the Attention Deficit Disorder Association, suggests that those who are diagnosed with ADHD “start with treatments (medication) we know are effective. Then, if you’re interested, try some of the alternatives to see if it has any additional benefit.”
It’s important to find a therapist who can help you cope with the challenges of ADHD. They can help you learn to control impulsive behaviors, get organized, communicate more effectively, and be more productive. A good therapist can also give you strategies for managing your time, stress, emotions, and money.
There’s a lot you can do to help yourself. Regular exercise can work off excess energy and emotions in a positive way. Get plenty of sleep so that you can focus better. Set deadlines for everything, from the big projects at work to the small, everyday tasks at home. Write down everything you need to do throughout the day: your assignments, messages, or any important notes. Work on your relationships by listening when others are speaking and trying not to speak impulsively.
ADHD can create significant problems, but given the right tools, you can lessen and even eliminate many of the problems caused by this disorder. There is help available—but don’t put it off any longer!
If you’d like to set up a time to meet up with Reka, you can contact her by phone at 402-881-8125 and by email at reka@omaha-counseling.com. Make sure to follow us on Twitter or Facebook.
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photo credit: Drippity-Drop via photopin (license)
