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ADHD - IT’S NOT ONLY A KID'S PROBLEM

It runs in families.  It affects adults as well as kids; women as well as men; achievers as well as those who fall short of what’s expected of them.

What is this culprit called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? Is there a test that can tell whether you have it or not? And if you have it, can you do anything about it?

ADHD –Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder -- is a neurobiological condition that affects how the brain and body work. Diagnosis is determined via symptom checklists, behavior rating scales, and a detailed history of past and current functioning.

The three major problem areas are: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, though not everyone with ADHD exhibits problems in all three areas.

If you are wondering if you have ADHD, here is an abbreviated list of symptoms:

Inattention

1. Is inattentive to important details.
2. Often makes careless mistakes.
3. Has trouble organizing tasks.
4. Has difficulty screening out distracting stimuli.
5. Cannot sustain focus or concentrate well.
6. Often loses and forgets things.

Hyperactivity

1. Can’t sit still; often fidgets and squirms.
2. Often feels restless, has to keep moving.
3. Has difficulty with self-control.
4. Can’t enjoy quiet activities.
5. Difficulty staying with a task till completion.

Impulsivity

1. Makes impulsive decisions.
2. Interrupts others in conversation.
3. Intrudes on other people’s space.
4. Is easily upset.
5. Has low frustration tolerance.

What to do if these symptoms hit home for you or for someone you love?

First step is to obtain a professional evaluation to determine if the problem really is ADHD. If so, you also want to discover what specific symptoms are handicapping you in your life.

Second step is to plan a course of treatment. This usually involves:

1. Acquiring insight and awareness about your problem.
2. Learning compensatory coping skills. Identify ways you can improve your memory, increase your ability to focus as well as concentrate, manage your stress, calm yourself down, and tolerate frustration.
3. Determining what technology tools can help you meet your goals.
4. Learning how to increase your motivation and bolster your self-confidence.
5. Seeing if medication is appropriate for you.

If you do discover that you have ADHD, you will probably feel relieved that you are not stupid, lazy, crazy or indifferent. You’ve got a problem, however, that needs to be addressed, not ignored or hidden. Coming to grips with the way you learn is an essential step in helping you become the truly creative, engaging, savvy person that you can be.

Copyright 2005

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