Adults

At first glance, adults may find an ADHD diagnosis overwhelming and difficult to manage. However, they can often overcome it by making small changes to the way they do things.

• About Adult ADHD

  ADHD isn’t just a kid’s problem. An estimated 2 to 4 percent of adults live with the disorder. Half of those who have ADHD as children continue to have it when they grow up. In fact, it often goes undiagnosed. Many adults who have ADHD had it when they were kids, but were never diagnosed. Adults with ADHD often have marital problems, battle depression, or may abuse alcohol or drugs. At first glance, ADHD may seem daunting for adults. However, they can often overcome it by making small changes to the way they do things.

• Adults and ADHD

  Parents pass on all sorts of things to their children, and sometimes they pass on ADHD. More than 40% of children with ADHD have a parent with ADHD. Learn more in this article about what it means for the family when a parent has ADHD.

• How to Stay Focused

  Children and adults with ADHD can stay attentive – if they are engaged in something they love. There are common characteristics in activities that often prompt increased levels of attention and focus in kids and adults with ADHD. The activities tend to be highly stimulating, involve challenges that are surmountable, provide immediate feedback, and facilitate activity in both the brain and the body.

• Meditation or Medication for ADHD

  One of the most promising interventions for adults with ADHD is mindfulness meditation. In mindfulness meditation individuals focus their attention fully so they can deliberately pay attention to moment-to-moment experiences and screen out all other distractions.

• Adults with ADHD who Struggle with Executive Functions

  Adults with ADHD who struggle with executive functions report minor concerns such as offices or desks being disorganized or memory lapses that mean forgetting why they left their workspace or dialed a co-worker’s extension. More seriously, problems with relationships may be observed due to tendencies to anger easily or to overreact to minor stressors. For the majority of adults these issues only minimally impact their day-to-day lives or their performance in their jobs. However for some individuals, these executive difficulties cause serious problems at work.

• Becoming an Active Adult with ADHD

  One of the best things to do to treat ADHD is to be active — very active. In fact, researchers have found that vigorous exercise can reduce the symptoms of ADHD. For adults with ADHD who do not exercise, making the commitment to a sustained program of regular physical activity can be life changing. Not only will it improve your physical health and fitness, but it will also help you to improve your attention span and assist you in handling day-to-day stress.

• Parenting with ADHD

  Adults with ADHD and ADD are often “the fun parents.” Yet experts agree that problems with impulsivity, organization, and structure can create hardships for moms and dads with ADHD. Parenting any child is a tough task. Parenting a child with ADHD is even harder. Read this article to get more information about the difficulties of parenting a child with ADHD and learn what you can do to manage your own behavior.

• ADHD at Home

  An organized household runs on routines, schedules, and good time management. This can be a source of stress for anyone with ADHD. Yet chaos can be controlled. Enjoy a little more order with these easy-to-implement tips.

• ADHD and Sex

  What’s not to love about sex? It takes energy, creativity, playfulness — all positive qualities of ADHD. Yet it also requires focus, patience, intimacy, and communication — skills that may be more of a struggle. The result is often a less-than-sizzling bond in the bedroom, as well as increased anger, frustration, and isolation (for both partners) beyond it. However, this rarely-discussed but common issue doesn’t have to cool your passion. Follow these expert strategies outlined in this article and you’ll feel more satisfied.

• ADHD and your Finances: Changing your Mindset about Spending

  Here are some small but realistic, do-able steps, suggested by an adult with ADHD, that you can put into place without too much effort. While these may seem like insignificant steps, they can make big differences in your financial mindset.

• ADHD and Work

  The workplace can be tough to navigate for people with ADHD. Sometimes literally so, as piles of papers and files turn your office into an obstacle course. Meanwhile, struggles with time management can lead to frustration, stress, and in the worst-case scenarios, a history of job-hopping and dismissals. This article outlines the top three concerns and solutions to keep your career on track.

• Time Management on the Job

  For adults with ADHD, time management is crucial for job success. Read this article and learn how to use your time effectively and reduce distractions at work. Learning how to maintain awareness that time is passing, and using time effectively, are the cornerstones of effective treatment.

• Career Strategies for Living with ADHD

  There are many ways you can control ADHD on your own. Discrimination is against the law. So, don’t be afraid to ask if you need changes at work. It is important that you learn more about your rights, read and understand the law, and contact a human resources representative if you need help. The laws are there to help. It’s your responsibility to seek it.

• ADHD Rights: The Americans with Disabilities Act

  The Americans with Disabilities Act is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities, like ADHD. It does not guarantee special services for people with disabilities, but it does allow a person to ask for reasonable accommodations in a school or workplace. Read this article to learn what the Americans with Disabilities Act means for people with ADHD.