ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) are not limited to childhood. Many adults struggle with the distraction, concentration problems and frustration of trying to cope with attention problems.
Understanding ADHD
There are multiple symptoms and signs of ADD and ADHD that go beyond the “typical” distracted or hyper traits of attention problems. According to Dr. Stephanie Moulton Sarkis, Ph.D. in her book, 10 Simple Solutions to Adult Add, indications can also include less obvious things such as:
- mood swings
- substance abuse
- frequent speeding tickets
- impulsively quitting jobs
- chronic procrastination
- making lists of things to do, then not completing them
- interrupting others
- difficulty managing money
- lacking close friends
Consider Medication
Treating ADD began mostly with medication for children, primarily stimulants like Ritalin. However, in the last decade, new drugs are being used successfully. In addition to stimulants, non-stimulant medication like Strattera, antidepressant medications and mood stabilizing drugs are being prescribed for ADD and ADHD. Each person is different and sometimes trial and error and different medical approaches are needed to achieve success.
Once a diagnosis of ADD has been established, doctors can prescribe medications to help alleviate symptoms. Finding a doctor locally that works with attention disorders can be done through a primary care physician or through foundations like CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder).
Get Organized with ADD and ADHD
A common problem with ADD/ADHD is organization and clutter. It is important to reduce environmental over-stimulation for adults with attention problems.
- Feng Shui is a good method to explore to create a home and workplace setting that is most productive and relaxing for adult ADHD.
- Declutter: Dr. Sarkis recommends dividing items into five sorting boxes: "Fix it," "Give it Away," "Keep it," "Don’t Know" and "Trash." All items can be sorted and put into those categories to help reduce clutter on desks, in rooms, cars or wherever over-accumulating is a problem.
- Reduce paperwork and distractions. Subscriptions to daily papers and magazines, unnecessary mail and other diversions that require time and attention can be eliminated to help with focus and attention.
- Work with a professional organizer if affordable to help reduce stress and increase focus.
Time Management for ADHD
Allow more time than anticipated to get to appointments and obligations. People with ADD tend to have issues with lateness. Avoid this by always planning to go early; this helps alleviate problems associated with constant tardiness.
Don’t overbook a schedule. Adults with attention problems will frequently plan to be involved with too many activities and then become frustrated with not being able to get most of their obligations. It is better to under-schedule and then add in more activities with some spontaneity.
Monitor and use computer time effectively. Getting lost on the internet and in e-mails is a common problem for adult ADD. Learn to set a limited amount of time to be on the computer and stick to it. Keep emails short and to the point. Set up three folders in an email account and apply a de-cluttering system to email too: "Fix it," "Forward it," and "Don’t know" and put everything else in the Trash folder. Don’t accumulate unnecessary email as they can bog down a person with ADD.
Use a notebook planner or smartphone/PDA to organize time and schedule into one place.
Attention disorders are much more common and better understood today. As an adult, it is possible to manage ADD symptoms and live with less frustration. By embracing ADD and ADHD with a positive attitude, a person can learn to appreciate the good attributes that are associated with attention disorders: creativity, multi-tasking, drive and versatility which will help to achieve optimum success.
Reference:
S.M. Sarkis, Ph.D, 10 Simple Solutions to Adult ADD, New Harbinger Publications, 2003
Elizabeth Richards - Elizabeth Richards has published almost 200 articles for Suite101 since 2007 as a Contributing and Feature Writer.
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