AD/HD Characteristics | Basics
What Works Best
SO WHAT’S IT LIKE FOR AN “ADDULT” TO HAVE AD/HD?
Some say the so called syndrome doesn’t exist, but believe me it does! Dr. Ned Hallowell, world renowned authority and author of bestselling book Driven to Distraction says it best:
"Sometimes it’s like listening to a radio station with a lot of static and you have to strain to hear what’s going on, it’s like trying to tune in one radio station where many are being broadcast simultaneously, or it’s like trying to build a house of cards in a dust storm.
"You’re always trying to build a structure to protect yourself from the wind but before you can even start on the cards…. they blow away. It’s like being super charged lots of the time. You get one idea and you have to act on it, and then, what do you know, before you know it you’ve got another idea before you’ve finished up with the first one so you go for that one but of course a third idea intercepts the second and you just have to follow that one pretty soon people are calling you disorganized and impulsive and all sorts of hurtful and confusing messages that miss the point completely. Because you are trying really hard. It’s just that you have all of these invisible vectors pulling you this way and that which makes it really hard to stay on task. Plus which, you’re spilling over all the time."
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WHAT ARE THE SOME OF THE DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS OF ADULT AD/HD?
How do you recognize AD/HD?
AD/HD in adults might manifest in some or all of the following—the level of impairment and functioning can be mild or severe:
| Impulsivity (constant interrupting, going in a zillion directions, incessant talking, shopping , obsessing, changing the topic, blurting things out) |
| Consistently forgetful in daily activities |
| May have a problem following conversations; People constantly saying “Don’t you remember I told you that last week”. |
| Problems in relationships (frequently unable to maintain stable and intimate, rarely sure why) |
| Low self esteem issues that have been “lurking around” since childhood ( lots of self doubt, negative self talk, insecurity, lots of uncertainty, frustration as a result of years of significant academic, work and social challenges) |
| Difficulty getting motivated to begin a project |
| Problems getting organized (time management / chronic lateness /disorganization /constantly losing keys, important papers, phone numbers...) |
| Employment problems (recurring issues around jobs like under earning, trouble holding a steady job, trouble with authority figures, often missing social cues and subtleties crucial to getting along with others) |
| Over activity / ‘multitasking’ with finesse long before it became popular or conversely can ONLY do one thing at a time |
| Appears blasé or indifferent or self centered or hostile when they are simply confused or unaware of what is going on around them. |
| Highly creative with lots of exciting ideas and great intentions but inconsistent ability to follow through |
| Chronic boredom |
| Trouble staying on task and sustaining enthusiasm |
| Seemingly disconnected or distracted |
| Forgetful and often seemingly sad |
| Very bright, social, articulate, accomplished, type ‘A’ personality |
| Anxiety /Depression /Mood swings |
| Tendency to overreact and live in extremes |
| Restlessness/ constantly changing the topic without ever finishing the thought |
| Addictive tendencies/substance abuse |
| Procrastination/perfectionism |
| Inattentive |
| Difficulty following directions of more than a few steps |
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THE BASICS
As more information is written and in the media today, more and more adults are beginning to ‘see’ themselves. For many years, it was believed that ADD was a childhood disorder that was outgrown in later years. We have discovered that the symptoms of AD/HD actually do continue into adulthood. What we see is that, while some of the childhood behaviors have changed, the actual symptoms (impulsivity, distractibility, hyperactivity, inattention, boredom) may not have.
FACT: Experts believe that as many as 8 million adults (1 in 20) in the United States alone are ADD and 85% of them are undiagnosed. The implications of this conservative statistic are staggering!
FACT: In order to make an accurate diagnosis, impairment has to be simultaneously affecting more than one area of a person’s life. i.e. work, home, relationships
FACT: Many of those not receiving treatment have found various ways of coping with the symptoms in their daily lives or may have partners that help them with structure and organization. Some may be self medicating with caffeine or alcohol and are often leading lives of quiet desperation.
FACT: There are indeed similarities between childhood and adult AD/HD, as mentioned above however most adults indicate that their hyperactivity has slowed down as they mature.
FACT: AD/HD is a spectrum disorder which onsets before the age of 7. It is about brain wiring and body chemistry . It is not a moral issue or a matter of intelligence but rather neurobiologically based.
FACT: For some adults, understanding AD/HD is enough to manage their uncomfortability. The knowledge alone is enough to help them to find ways to cope and find productive outlets in their lives. For others, coaching, therapy, group or some combination are essential. Still others choose to treat their AD/HD with medication and no other intervention. It is an individual decision and each person must find what is right for himself.
FACT: There is no known cure
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WHAT WORKS BEST FOR US ADDers?
( Tips for bosses, spouses, friends and loved ones out there)
AD/HD adults require a lot of tenderness and understanding. We are quite accustomed to being criticized and feeling diminished and often humiliated although you most probably will not know that immediately.
| You will want to create structure and ongoing accountability for the struggling ADD adult because structure = freedom! Left to their own devices, AD/HD adults tend to meander (to put it mildly) |
| Work in small spurts rather than long hauls |
| Break tasks down into smaller tasks (macro to micro) |
| Encourage them to make lists incessantly |
| Introduce the concept of their getting help where it is needed so that they can put their productive energy into things in which they feel competent and not get drained doing all of the things they really can’t or don’t want to do…. whether it is a good secretary, or a bookkeeper or a good filing system created by a professional organizer etc. |
| Suggest that they get lots of blank folders, lined pads, post it notes, big index cards with one file box, a tape recorder for classes |
| Focus on jobs that maximize their strengths, skills and interests to create a greater sense of mastery and accomplishment |
| Get educated. Read all you can about AD/HD |
| Maintain a sense of humor |
| Work at eliminating negative self talk – identify, recognize, and acknowledge strengths |
| Help to proactively schedule stimulating activities |
| Get a good diagnosis from a knowledgeable clinician |
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contact Nancy Snell
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