Adult Attention Deficit Disorder (Spring 2012)

Adult Attention Deficit Disorder

Today, we have many tools and more information available to diagnose ADD as we have in years past. However, diagnosing Attention Deficit Disorder is still not an exact science. For adults it is even more challenging. The resources we have today were not available years ago. Therefore, some adults may have struggled through childhood with the symptoms and received no help or information to address it. Although ADD symptoms do not develop in adulthood, when someone is older, the diagnosis may become more obvious. Individuals may have found different ways to adapt while growing up which may have masked the symptoms. Indications may become more obvious if a person finds themselves in a new environment or other changes in life happen. To be diagnosed with ADD, symptoms would have had to start in childhood.

The positive symptoms of ADD (creativity, intuitiveness,
highly intelligent) may also be a factor in having
ADD undiagnosed. ADD impacts career development, family relationships, finances, peer groups, and self confidence. Symptoms include:

Easily distracted
Impulsiveness
Forgetting things
Procrastinating
Tardiness
Difficulties staying on task
Anger management problems
Lack of organization
Difficulties prioritizing

Significant others may see the problems
as something else, such as laziness or lack of
motivation. It is important to understand that this
diagnosis is more of an inability to perform as opposed
to not wanting to complete the tasks. If you have some of these symptoms, it does not mean that you have ADD. There may be other factors that may need to be considered, such as anxiety, depression or other mental health or life related issues. If these symptoms are present and impacting on life areas, it is important to discuss them with a professional.

If your child has ADD or ADHD there is a likelihood you may have it since it is hereditary. Having ADD is not the end of the world. Once diagnosed individuals could
lead very health and productive lives. It is important
to understand your limitations as well as strengths with ADD.

“Much of the stress that people feel doesn’t come from having too much to do. It comes from
not finishing what they’ve started.”
— David Allen: Management consultant,
trainer, and author

Myers Counseling Group is now accepting group members for our Anger Management and Children’s Therapy Group. Visit our website for more details (click here)

Website Update

Myers Counseling Group’s website had been updated. Now available on the website are podcast interviews with local experts on alternative therapies, links to articles on mental and behavioral health on MCG’s social media sites, “Ask the Expert” answers by Mark Myers available on Quora and also over 70 tips, videos and articles written by Mark Myers on MCG Solutions Blog. All these outlets can be accessed directly from the homepage.

Our latest additions to our Website interview and video section. We have added an audiocast with Ms. Melissa Inglese. Melissa is a Occupational Therapist from Kids Therapy. She presents information about Occupational Therapy and how people may benefit from it.

There is also a video we have put together on Understanding Depression. This offers helpful suggestions in understanding more about depression.

Strategies for Managing

Your Adult ADHD

In a world where life comes at us fast, the adult with ADD struggles with a jet speed brain that makes it difficult to focus and prioritize.

At Myers Counseling Group, we assist people to learn to manage their thoughts and priorities so that life can be a little more within your control. Some of our favorite strategies are summarized here for your review.

▄ Make a to do list. Make sure the list is in a place that is easily assessable. Having tasks down in writing will not only help you organize better, but hold yourself accountable as well.
▄ Set aside specific time during
the day to get organized. Be consistent with that time. A few minutes in the day organizing could make a huge difference by the end of the day.
▄ Break big projects into smaller,
more manageable projects.
▄ Include some physical activity
during the day.
▄ Understand your own limits and
strengths. Identify unrealistic self talk that could make managing ADD more difficult.
▄ Set time limits. Include alarm
clocks or timers.

▄ Buy and utilize a shredder…
clutter is your enemy.
▄ Avoid fatigue, get plenty of
sleep.
▄ Keep an open dialogue with
your partner. Communication is
essential. He/she can help you
stay within your own limitations.

What Causes ADD?

ADD is a neurobiologically-based developmental disability. Although it’s exact causes are unknown, there is strong evidence that genetics play some factor. A chemical imbalance or deficiency in neurotransmitter activity in certain parts of the brain has also been suspected to cause ADD. These transmitters are chemicals that help the brain regulate behavior.

Myers Counseling Group is now offering our Focus Group. This is a five session group that includes both parents and youth. For more details visit our website at www.myerscounseling.com

We also provide substance abuse assessments for adolescents for no charge if they are directly referred from a school. Included in this evaluation is collaborative contact with referring school and written report with recommendations. Urinalysis and breathalyser are provided(if requested) at additional costs.

Adult Attention Deficit Disorder (Spring 2012)

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