You're an adult who suspects that you may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or you have just recently been diagnosed with it. You may feel relieved that you finally have an explanation for your lifelong struggle to focus on projects, stay organized and control impetuous behavior. You may also wonder how a diagnosis can help you.
ADHD History
The character of Esau in the Biblical book of Genesis is an early example of behavior indicative of ADHD. Esau was so impulsive that he sold his inheritance rights to his brother Jacob in exchange for a dish of stew during a hunger attack. On the other hand, Esau's ADHD hyperfocus---a trait which allows ADHD people to switch from complete inattention to a state of extreme concentration---undoubtedly contributed to his reputation as a skilled hunter.
ADHD first entered medical literature in 1798, when Scottish doctor Alexander Crichton analyzed physically restless patients with fragile attention spans. But the cause of ADHD remained elusive for centuries, until brain scans showed the differences between ADHD people's brains and those of other people.
ADHD Brain Scans
ADHD is a brain condition which usually runs in families. Scans of ADHD children, as described in a 2006 National Institute of Mental Health article, "Brain Changes Mirror Symptoms in ADHD," showed that neural communications between the pre-frontal cortex, which handles complex thinking and goal setting; and the amygdala, which processes emotions, were weaker in those with ADHD than in normal people. The amygdala also appears smaller in ADHD children. The ADHD brain patterns shown on scans lead to the ADHD symptom triad of hyperactivity, impulsiveness and difficulty paying attention.
Adult ADHD Symptoms
As an ADHD adult you may have spent years struggling with issues such as chronic lateness, financial chaos and a home that looks like a tornado hit it. Your problems may be compounded through parenting an ADHD child. By the time you are diagnosed, usually by a psychologist or psychiatrist, either your child's diagnosis has led to yours, or your own symptoms have brought you to a therapist. Your self-esteem may be decimated by years of self-criticism for a condition that is not your fault.
ADHD Treatments
ADHD treatments fall into three types: medications, psychotherapy and self-help practices. You and your physicians will devise a program that works best for you personally. Another source of help comes in the form of professional ADHD coaches. A good example of a self-help book on ways you can make your life easier to manage is a 2002 book, "ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life," by Judith Kolberg, a professional organizer; and Kathleen Nadeau, a clinical psychologist.
Help Available
You may feel that your ADHD diagnosis has left you isolated. But the ADHD community is extremely well organized, with many books, DVDs, and in-person and online support groups, all of which offer much useful advice. The Attention Deficit Disorder Association focuses specifically on the needs of ADHD adults. If you are parenting a child with ADHD, you can check out Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as CHAAD.
References
- "ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life"; Judith Kolberg and Kathleen Nadeau; 2002
- National Institute of Mental Health: Brain Matures a Few Years Late in ADHD, But Follows Normal Pattern
- National Institute of Mental Health: Brain Changes Mirror Symptoms in ADHD
- Attention Deficit Disorder Association
- Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
