1. Educate Yourself About Symptoms, Pathology and Treatment
The first resource you should turn to if you're diagnosed with adult ADHD is your doctor. It's essential that you learn as much as you can, not only about the symptoms you're experiencing, but also about the pathology of ADHD at the treatment options available to you.
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults manifests differently than the condition does in children. If you have adult ADHD, you'll likely have trouble relaxing, experience mood swings, interrupt people and have a hard time focusing on tasks. These symptoms are present in adult patients in varying degrees, and you'll learn a lot about your personal condition by reviewing your case assessment with your doctor. You'll be able to identify your primary symptoms and learn specific coping strategies that can help you overcome their debilitating effects.
In addition, your doctor can teach you a great deal about the different treatment strategies available to you. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants less often than childhood ADHD is, because the adult version of the condition is often accompanied by underlying psychological disorders such as depression or anxiety. Thus, antidepressants are more commonly used to manage symptoms.
2. Take Advantage of Community Resources
Adults afflicted with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder can also take advantage of educational opportunities in the community. Through social programs and special therapy groups, you can receive instruction in specific coping skills for life with ADHD. You'll then be able to apply your newfound knowledge as a supplementary management tool to regain control over your symptoms.
3. Learn About Genetics
If you have or plan to have children, you should also understand that you have a good chance of passing on genes that will elevate your child's risk of developing ADHD. Scientists are still looking for the specific genetic mutations thought to be linked to the altered dopamine production associated with ADHD, but they have found mothers with ADHD are 25 times more likely to have an affected child than a mother who does not have the condition herself. Fathers with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder are five times more likely to pass the condition on to their children than unaffected adult males are. Researchers have not yet been able to explain this disparity.
