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What is ADHD
ADHD in
Adults
To
be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, the symptoms must be present
from childhood.
As children
mature into adulthood, some develop strategies to better cope with
their symptoms. Many children however, will carry symptoms of ADHD
through to adulthood and if untreated, these result in significant
impairment in their ability to study, work and manage their lives.
SOME
SIGNS OF ADD IN ADULTHOOD
-
Chronic
forgetfulness
-
Problems
with time management; problems estimating how long a given task
will take
-
Tendency
to take on far too many projects or tasks
-
Generally
disorganised; frequently late; rushed; unprepared
-
Frequent
moves or job changes
-
Tendency
to speak without considering the reaction which may be elicited
by the comment
-
Tendency
to interrupt conversations
-
Difficulty
controlling temper
-
Difficulty managing paperwork on job
-
Chronic
pattern of under achievement
-
Pattern
of establishing relationships with caretakers - this may be
spouse, room mate or a secretary
-
Pattern
of periodic depression
-
Difficulty
in maintaining long-term relationships
-
Greater
than average tendency toward substance abuse
-
Tendency
toward impulsivity; making decisions without careful long-term
planning
-
Tendency
to be either over-active or under-active
-
Low
tolerance for frustration - tendency to overreact to frustration
-
Tendency
to give up on difficult long-term projects
-
Pattern
of interests which are taken up, then dropped, often with the
investment of substantial sums of money
-
Difficulty
concentrating when reading
-
Difficulty
handling demanding learning situations which may be required
for job advancement
-
Pattern
of achieving less than ones siblings: academically or professionall
There
are 3 core symptoms of ADHD:
- Inattention
- Hyperactivity
- Impulsivity
HOW
IS ADHD DIAGNOSED?
ADHD can only be diagnosed by a qualified health professional. A
full history and evaluation is carried out and symptoms are checked
against a set of diagnostic criteria.
A
range of tests to exclude other causes of symptoms, eg hearing and
sight, should be carried out before ADHD is diagnosed.
It
is vital that an accuraate diagnosis is made so the most effective
treatment and support can be provided.
HOW
IS ADHD TREATED?
The most effective treatment of ADHD involves a range of interventions
often referred to as the 'multi-modal' approach.
-
Family support
- Educational support
- Medication
- Counselling/behavioural management
- Occupational therapy
- Speech and language therapy
Note:
for people with food sensitivities in addition to their ADHD, diet
modification can be used as an additional therapy. Diet modification
in itself is not a treatment for ADHD.
RELATED CONDITIONS
ADHD hardly ever exists by itself. Many people have associated conditions
and issues:
- learning disorders
- speech problems
- conduct disorders
- depression and anxiety problems
- poor self esteem
- difficulties with assertiveness
- poor social skills
PROFESSIONALS WHO MAY HELP
- Neurologists
- Psychiatrists
- Psychologists
- Natural Therapists
- Speech Pathologists
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SOME
MYTHS ABOUT ADHD
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ADHD is not a real disorder
"We never heard of ADHD when I was a kid"
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ADHD is a hereditary condition and has been recognised since the early 1900s.
In the past it was known by other names such as minimal brain dysfunction and hyperactivity disorder.
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Bad parenting is responsible for ADHD
"They need to be disciplined"
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Poor parenting skills can lead to bad behaviour in any child, but it cannot cause ADHD.
Parenting children with ADHD is challenging, however, family support and education can provide valuable aid in the effective management of ADHD.
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ADHD is just about hyperactivity
"They're just out of control"
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Not all children with ADHD are hyperactive. Remember the 'AD' part of 'ADHD' stands for Attention Deficit.
Difficulties concentrating in a 'quiet' child can lead to serious problems with schooling and relationships, even though the child might not attract attention through hyperactivity.
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It's just a childhood disorder
"They'll grow out of it" |
Many people believe that children will grow out of ADHD. In fact, when not treated appropriately those with ADHD are at a much greater risk of failures in school, employment, social relationships and developing low self-esteem. They are also at double the risk of forming a substance abuse.
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Poor diet causes ADHD
"It's too much red cordial"
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Food sensitivities can often produce symptoms similar to ADHD but do not cause the disorder.
People with ADHD and food sensitivities can experience a worsening of their symptoms if they consume certain foods.
Dietary management can be a complementary therapy in conjunction with recommended treatments.
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We depend on YOUR SUPPORT as we are a non-profit organisation.
By becoming a member, and through donations,
we can continue our work which is to SUPPORT adults with ADHD.
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