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Look online and you’ll see that most of the literature on the topic is written for parents of children who have been diagnosed or who suspect ADHD. But what about adults who were never diagnosed as children but now suspect ADHD in adulthood? It’s hard to deal with ADHD at any age, and we’ve created a guide designed specifically for adults in this case.
We’ll give you the lowdown on ADHD: what it is, the symptoms adults face, and share some nifty management techniques to help you take charge of your ADHD game. Let’s rock this.
What is ADHD?
Lots is said about ADHD (you’ll find countless guides online!) but it’s often difficult to pin down a definition or really get to the root of the problem. ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder): the “squirrel syndrome” that affects both kids and adults. It’s like having a superpower for multitasking, but with a side of occasional chaos. Attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are our not-so-secret talents. Sitting still for too long? Well, that’s just not our thing.
Treatment for adult ADHD typically involves a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Medications such as stimulants (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin) and non-stimulants (e.g., Strattera, Wellbutrin) are commonly prescribed to help manage symptoms of ADHD in adults. These medications can help improve focus, attention, and impulse control.
Symptoms in Adults
People often think of children as soon as ADHD is mentioned but the truth is that it can affect people of any age. Estimates suggest that six in ten children carry the struggles into adulthood. The problem is that many children go undiagnosed, and this means that adults can have the symptoms of ADHD without even knowing it (crazy!). Adults with ADHD have a knack for making organizing, planning, remembering, sitting still, time management, and impulse control a thrilling rollercoaster ride.
Laburnum Psychology and other companies are working wonders for people with ADHD and their families. Autism assessments and the like are helping to blow the industry wide open and get people the help they need, regardless of age.
Management Tips
Dealing with ADHD on a day-to-day basis can feel like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle. It’s tricky, but fear not. We’ve got some nifty techniques up our sleeve to make the process smoother. We can’t promise that you’ll never struggle from time to time, but the idea is to learn how to deal with it more effectively.
Get your planning game on point. Grab a snazzy planner or a tech-savvy calendar app. The world is digital these days, let’s face it. Stay organized and slay your schedule like a boss. Make sure to write down all important dates, appointments, and tasks so that you don’t forget anything.
Here’s a nifty tip: slice those tasks like a pro. When you’re staring at a colossal project, it’s all too easy to get overwhelmed. But don’t worry too much. Break it down into bite-sized chunks and conquer them one by one. You’ve got this.
Taking breaks throughout the day is crucial. People with ADHD are like superheroes with restless energy, so quick bursts of movement or fun activities can boost focus and productivity. It’s like a power-up for your brain. The more you struggle against the urge to get up and walk around, the harder it will become to stay focused.
Lastly, don’t hesitate to seek some backup. It’s like having your own personal cheerleading squad, minus the pom-poms (maybe, anyway!). This has come a long way over the years and you’ll find it from various organisations as well as your loved ones (of course they’ll help you through anything!).
