Discussions of ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) normally revolve around children with behavioral and/or learning difficulties. But ADHD and its cousin, ADD (attention deficit disorder without hyperactivity, which is more common in grown-ups), can persist into adulthood. In fact, over half of the adults who were diagnosed as children still have the disorder -- that's about 4 percent of all adults in the U.S.
Although people with ADD look the same as everyone else, the disorder manifests itself in behavior, such as forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, and impulsiveness. If you have ever dealt with a person who has ADD, you know how frustrating it can be, as my patient Marklearned. And if you have the condition yourself, you may be all too aware of how disappointing it is to have the best intentions and not be able to fulfill them.
To make matters worse, adult ADD sufferers are rarely able to correct the situation without some sort of intervention, such as medication, nutrients, therapy, or a support group. But instead of getting treatment, they often self-medicate by shopping, drinking, using illegal drugs, or engaging in other potentially risky behavior that can spin out of control.
Recognizing the Symptoms of ADD
Individuals with ADD may become depressed and/or anxious over their seeming inability to accomplish things, setting the stage for new symptoms and complications. And many people don't even realize they have symptoms of ADD.
Symptoms of ADHD and ADD | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Developed in conjunction with the World Health Association (WHO), the following link provides a quick adult ADHD screening test: http://psychcentral.com/quizzes/adultaddquiz.htm
Taking Control Beyond the Prescription Pad | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The truth is, people with ADD are often very intelligent and highly creative, but their brains just work differently, so certain things are difficult for them -- difficult, but not impossible. Albert Einstein, Bill Gates, Bill Cosby, Eleanor Roosevelt, and former President Dwight Eisenhower are all thought to have had ADD, and they managed to achieve great things. The question is, what is the best way to manage ADD? The pharmaceutical industry has cashed in on ADD big time. Today, millions of children are taking medication -- mostly amphetamines -- to control symptoms of ADD, while the debate over the appropriateness of medicating children rages on. Medication is less likely to be used for treating adults. In part, that's because conventional medicines, primarily amphetamines like Ritalin, Concerta, and Adderall, don't have the same effect on grown-ups. In addition, these drugs can raise blood pressure and the heart rate and create psychological dependency; and they are linked to a long list of negative side effects, so they're just not suitable for many people. 11 Healthy Ways to Ease ADD Symptoms If you're considering medication for ADD, let me say this: Medication alone does not make ADD go away. It simply helps some people focus for longer than usual. A psychiatrist must prescribe most ADD medication, so the process is expensive, and the side effects can be serious, including everything from digestive disorders to insomnia and impotence as well as heart palpitations and arrhythmia. Clearly, these are not drugs to be taken lightly. Meanwhile, you can achieve excellent results with changes to your diet as well as by taking certain nutrients and avoiding some substances, such as sugar and high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Here are my suggestions: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Since ADD can wreak havoc on relationships and jobs, many people with the disorder have found it helpful to participate in a support group, like CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). Sometimes, simply recognizing why you're having problems completing tasks and getting organized can be a huge relief. It's also very helpful to have like-minded individuals to talk to and share strategies for overcoming the disorder. Just remember, ADD is a challenge you can overcome. Start with a nutrition overhaul, make sure you're getting the right nutrients, and work on developing new habits. It may take some time, but many people have found that making simple changes is all it takes to stay on track and win the battle with ADD. |
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