Sufferers of attention deficit disorder, or ADD, may find themselves frequently overwhelmed by responsibilities, easily distracted, often late for appointments or in paying bills, frequently misplacing objects and impulsively spending money. Jobs and relationships can suffer, says Helpguide.org. Prescription medicines, therapists, support groups, self-help strategies, behavior coaches and professional organizers can help minimize symptoms of inattention.
Poor Time Management
Poor time management is a common symptom of inattentiveness in ADD, according to Arthur Robin, Ph.D., a professor of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences at Wayne State University in Detroit. Forgetting or double-booking appointments, procrastinating and feeling nothing is being accomplished due to an aimless approach to the day are common experiences. An important element in effectively managing time is the use of a day planner, the author says. The day planner should have a calendar, space for daily to-do lists and for recording addresses and other contact information. The planner should be carried at all times and referred to regularly. Too many tasks, projects and social engagements can be overwhelming and exhausting, explains Helpguide.org. People with poor time management skills should check their schedule before making new plans.
Distractability
Blood flow and neurotransmitters such as dopamine are decreased in the frontal lobe of ADD sufferers, according to author Manuel Matas, M.D., in the August 10, 2006 issue of Canadian Family Physician. The frontal lobe of the brain controls attention and affects abilities such as diligence, planning and organization. Distractability, or inability to stay focused, results in difficulty completing tasks, losing track of conversations, a tendency make mistakes due to overlooked details, and difficulty following instructions or remembering directions, Helpguide.org says. Finding a quiet place to work, reducing desk clutter, turning the work desk toward a wall and letting voice mail answer telephone calls are recommended to reduce distractions.
Disorganization
Frustration due to the inability to get organized is a common complaint, according to the journal American Family Physician. Life may seem chaotic to a person having trouble with organization, and his home, car and desk are commonly very cluttered and messy, says Helpguide.org. Keys, documents, phones and wallets may be frequently misplaced. Setting time aside daily for organization of the work desk, creating a filing system for paperwork and computer documents and completing more important tasks first is recommended. Wearing a watch at all times and creating a schedule for completing mundane tasks such as reading the mail, paying bills and filing paperwork can help with organization.
References
- Helpguide.org: Adult ADD / ADHD Signs, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Adult ADHD: Evaluation and Treatment in Family Medicine
- PubMed Central: Canadian Family Physician: Approach to Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
- Attention Deficit Disorder Organization: Gee Whiz, I Missed It Again
- Helpguide.org: Self-Help for Adult ADD / ADHD
