- Creativity, imagination and humor
- Hyperfocus (the ability to focus on a task and block out all external stimulus)
- Boundless energy and spontaneity
- Ability to be a problem solver and think “outside the box”
- Intense passion
Treatments
Treatment for adult ADHD is the same as for children. The most traditional treatment is a combination of medication and behavior modification techniques.
These techniques can include:
Accommodations at work such as flexible work schedules, adapting training materials to include audio and or video presentations, allowing meetings to be tape recorded, color coding for filing, restructuring of jobs, and room dividers to minimize distractions.
Personal organizational systems to include PDAs or dayplanners, using a computer and email for scheduling, using grammar and spelling software, using charts and reminder systems, and dividing household chores.
Additional methods often used by adults with ADD/ADHD include using white noise to help with concentration or to sleep, making lists to remember chores and errands and joining a support group.
Many adults with ADHD have compensated for symptoms of ADHD throughout their lives without even realizing it, finding methods such as the ones listed above to overcome shortcomings. For some, finally having a diagnosis means understanding what has been causing problems for most of their lives. Beginning treatment, at any age, opens new opportunities and allows individuals to make the best of all they have to offer.
Read Eileen's SharePosts.
Sources:
"Diagnosis of AD/HD in Adults (WWK9)." National Resource Center on AD/HD. 2003. CHADD. National Resource Center on ADHD
Searight, PhD, H. Russell, Burke, PharmD, John M.. Rottnek, MD, Fred. "Adult ADHD: Evaluation and Treatment in Family Medicine." 01 Nov 2000. American Academey of Family Physicians.
