Understanding ADHD

In adults, ADHD often goes undiagnosed  

• ADHD is a spectrum disorder, where you may have significant impairments in certain areas of executive functioning, and milder impairments in other areas of executive functioning. Executive functioning skills refer to a set of skills that develop as a child grows older and helps them function in the areas of life that require planning ahead, staying focused (even if you don’t love what you are doing), prioritizing, good time management, being organized, exercising self-control, and regulating emotions, to name a few areas.  ADD might present itself as hyperactivity, (in adults the hyperactivity will be seen as fidgeting, or the inability to relax), impulsivity, poor persistence towards goal setting,  procrastination, making careless mistakes, lack of motivation, understanding relationships and misinterpreting social cues.  Dr. Russel Barkely, when describing “Best New Symptoms for Adults”  also includes poor follow- through on plans or promises made to others.

How might adult ADD be affecting you? According to Dr.Russel Barkely, the effect on an adult with undiagnosed ADD could lead to financial problems, relationship and family problems, limited educational success,  impulsive decisions that negatively impact future success, accidental injuries and driving risks.  

Now what?   Terry Huff writes in his book “Living Well with ADHD ( Huff, Terry, M. 2016. Plantation, Florida), 

You should give up trying to be like those who do not have ADHD…. Accepting your differences allows you to define your challenges accurately and stop wishing to be some other way. Wishing to be some other way causes you to suffer.  You have suffered enough!  (p. 19).

Understanding what ADD is, and how it is impacting is a good place to start.  Finding ways and strategies to help in the areas that you struggle is key.  Getting a clear understanding of what ADD is and how it is impacting your life will be one of the most important things you can do for yourself and for those who may be impacted by your ADD.