Coping with ADHD in Daily Life

Living with ADHD ADHD Is short for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder which the Oxford Dictionary defines as a mental condition, beginning in childhood and often persisting into later life, that is characterised by persistent difficulty in maintaining attention and concentration and is frequently accompanied by hyperactive and impulsive behaviour. The 3 categories of symptoms of ADHD include the following: Inattention: Short attention span for age (difficulty sustaining attention), Difficulty listening to others. ... Impulsivity: Often interrupts others. ... Hyperactivity: Seems to be in constant motion; runs or climbs at times with no apparent goal except motion. ADHD symptoms may include: · Impulsiveness · Disorganisation and problems prioritising · Poor time management skills · Problems focusing on a task · Trouble multitasking · Excessive activity or restlessness · Poor planning · Low frustration tolerance · Frequent mood swings · Problems following through and completing tasks · Hot temper · Trouble coping with stress Most of us experience some of these symptoms at various times in our life and if experienced occasionally, we probably don’t have ADHD.

Diagnosis

There’s no simple test to determine whether you or your childh as ADHD, but your first step should be to talk to your GP. In the case of children, also speak to the schoolSENCO who may be able to organise an assessment by an Educational Psychologist.

You may be asking yourself whether a diagnosis is even necessary. Isn’t it just a label?Do you or your child want to be ‘labelled?’ If the ADHD symptoms are severe, they are likelyto affect your work, and for children, they can affect studies at school, especially focusing during lessons. If a child has a diagnosis of ADHD,they receive 25% more time in exams– it can really help.They may also qualify for ‘stop the clock’ support which means if they need to take a break, they can get that time back at the end if they want it. In severe cases of ADHD, a child can take an exam in a child-friendly room with a supportive invigilator. For working adults with ADHD informing your employer could be important if, for example, you need longer to respond to emails and complete tasks. Adult ADHD and Relationships Living with a partner who has ADHD can be challenging. For example, a person with ADHD may zone out during conversations, which can make a partner feel ignored and devalued. They may also miss out on important details or agree to something they don't remember later, which can be frustrating to their loved ones. The person with ADHD may seem to have endless amounts of energy, and their partner may feel they just can’t keep up! If this resonates with you, encourage your partner to seek professional help. Focus on their strengths, listen to them, be patient and support them with organisation and prioritising of tasks without ‘parenting’ them.

Many people with ADHD have trouble regulating their emotions. They may lose their temper easily and have trouble discussing issues calmly. A partner may feel like they are walking on eggshells to avoid confrontation. It’s important to remember that an ADHD brain is hardwired differently than a neurotypical brain.Knowing a partner's symptoms can be a relief to understanding their behaviours and a step closer to helping them navigate life.You can take simple steps to ensure your partner with ADHD feels validated and heard, not disregarded and ignored. Medication for ADHD

Not everyone with ADHD needs medications. However, medicine can help most people with ADHD stay focused longer, listen better,and fidget less. Stimulants are the best and most common type of medication used to treat ADHD. There are only two stimulant medications, methylphenidate (the active ingredient in Ritalin, Concerta, Medikinet, Equasymand other formulations) and amphetamine (the active ingredient in Adderall and other formulations). If medication is prescribed, it’s important to note any side effects and discuss these with your GP. Natural Remedies for ADHD

Whether or not an adult/child takes medication, they will benefit from proper nutrition, physical exercise, adequate sleep, mindfulness and limited screen time, limited intake of sugar, and limited fizzy drinks.

Therapy

Adults and children with ADHD also benefit from therapy to learn and practice skills like staying organised, managing school/homework, coping with stress and communicating better. Medicine isn't a quick fix to mastering these skills.

For support with ADHD for adults and children, contact Dr Danielle Baillieu