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ADHD in Adults: Overcome the Challenges and Achieve Success

ADHD in adults can turn everyday tasks into overwhelming challenges, but with the right strategies and support, you can overcome these hurdles and achieve success.

Is ADHD in adults common? How do I know I have it?

Yes, ADHD in adults is common, you definitely not alone. You might be one of the many who have gone undiagnosed well into adulthood, leading to challenges in various areas of your life, and frustration, guilt or shame about these limitations. Unaddressed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may be impacting your work, relationships, and personal growth.

Sometimes it can be difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults because its’ symptoms are similar to other issues like anxiety or depression. However, here are some indicators where further investigation from a medical or mental health professional may be needed:

You find yourself constantly struggling to focus
You often feel forgetful or disorganized
You feel you are always running late
It seems like your brain is going a mile a minute, making it difficult to stay on track and complete tasks

If this sounds like you, it is understandable that you may be wondering if you have ADHD. ADHD in adults is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in Canada, and only recently are people beginning to make the connection for themselves. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, you must be seen by a doctor or a mental health professional with the word “clinical” in their license designation (like “Registered Clinical Social Worker – RCSW”, etc.).

One thing to note though, is that the non-medication treatments for ADHD do not typically change if someone has a diagnosis or not. In counselling therapy, the interventions and strategies are meant to treat the symptoms, not the diagnosis title.

There are Different Types of ADHD

Depending on your symptoms and severity, ADHD in adults can manifest in different ways, such as:

Inattention

Do you often find your attention drifting away from tasks, missing details, or switching between activities without completing them? You might have Predominantly Inattentive Presentation ADHD in adults, which can include symptoms like:

Short attention span or easily distracted
Lack of attention to detail
Incomplete duties/tasks based on instruction
Low focus on work and play
Disorganization of tasks
Careless mistakes
Forgetfulness
Switching focus often, between activities

Hyperactive-Impulsive

Are you constantly on the move, unable to stay seated or focused? If your main symptoms are hyperactivity and impulsivity, you might have Predominantly Hyperactive Impulsive Presentation ADHD in adults, which include symptoms like:

Constant fidgeting
Trouble staying seated
Excessive running or climbing
Being unable to concentrate on tasks
Excessive physical movement
Tapping hands or feet
Excessive talking
Being unable to wait your turn
Acting without thinking
Interrupting conversations
Little or no sense of danger

Combined Presentation:

If you experience a more equal mix of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity, you might have Combined Presentation ADHD in adults. Recognizing these symptoms is the first step toward getting the right diagnosis and treatment.

Strategies for Managing ADHD Symptoms

If the above resonated with you, symptoms of ADHD in adults can create real challenges in performing everyday tasks. For example, a simple task like making your bed in the morning can become daunting. You might wake up with the intention of completing this task, but find yourself easily distracted by a myriad of other thoughts and activities.

As a result, a typical two-minute task can end up taking hours, or not get done at all. Sound familiar?

While there is currently no cure for ADHD in adults, there are numerous strategies that individuals can use to effectively manage its symptoms.

One effective approach is to create a success strategy tailored to your specific needs and challenges. This may involve setting specific goals for the week (maybe two or three to start) and breaking them down into smaller, more manageable daily tasks. By doing so, you can track your progress and stay motivated to achieve your objectives.
You can also utilize tools such as calendars, timer apps, and phone reminders (using Siri or Alexa at the moment when important things spring to mind). This can be invaluable in improving time management skills for ADHD in adults. These tools can help you stay organized, prioritize tasks, and allocate your time more effectively.
Creating a dedicated workspace can significantly improve your ability to tackle tasks effectively when managing ADHD in adults. Start by setting up your workspace in a quiet and organized area, free from distractions. This could be a separate room, a designated corner of a room, or even a specific desk or table.
Releasing yourself from shame and guilt associated with your symptoms of ADHD is a huge component of managing symptoms of ADHD in adults. Hanging onto these heavy and very common feelings can actually make things much worse. Learning about ADHD and how it affects you can be empowering and help relieve you of shame and guilt.
Seeking Support and Treatment for ADHD from a qualified healthcare professional is crucial in effectively managing ADHD and making concrete changes that will improve your life and your potential. Some people seek support from their family doctor but consulting with a therapist or counsellor can provide valuable insights and practical strategies for improving life with ADHD.

Next Steps

Shame and guilt can be heavy burdens for ADHD in adults. These feelings can make your symptoms even harder to manage, creating a vicious cycle that’s tough to break.

Understanding how ADHD affects you can be empowering, provide clarity, a path forward and help to lift the weight of these emotions.

If you find yourself stuck in this cycle, therapy can be one of the best ways to get unstuck. Your therapist will work closely with you to recommend techniques that are tailored specifically to your struggles with ADHD.

Together, you’ll develop strategies to improve focus, organization, and time management, and even find ways to shift how your brain processes information.

This personalized approach ensures that the techniques you learn are not just theoretical but practical and effective for your daily life. By working with a therapist, you’ll build a toolkit of skills that are designed for ADHD in adults, and help you manage symptoms more effectively. This will ultimately lead you to a more organized and focused life over time and your future self will thank you!