Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a mental health condition often discovered during childhood. Occasionally, an individual remains undiagnosed until well into adulthood. While there are a number of common symptoms, such as difficulty paying attention during a lecture, hyperactive behavior and impulsiveness, many people experience odd symptoms that may not be recognized as ADHD. A proper diagnosis of the condition can lead to effective treatment and education in coping strategies for both children and adults.
Forgetfulness
A child who frequently arrives at school without his homework is often considered defiant, lazy or unconcerned about his education. The problem may be caused, however, by attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The sufferer may forget that he was assigned homework or do his work but forget to take it to school. It may be helpful for the child to have a written reminder, such as a chart, in a prominent location to refer to throughout the day. The chart may contain instructions such as "Do homework from 3:30 to 4:30" and "Gather homework, lunchbox and other items for school each morning." The parent can offer a reward for successful completion of homework and delivery of homework to school.
Accident-Prone
TeensHealth, a website maintained by the non-profit organization The Nemours Foundation, reports that young people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder have a greater number of automobile accidents than others their age. This serious symptom is often attributed to recklessness rather than its true cause: People with ADHD are more easily distracted. Removing distractions from the car can be helpful. The sufferer may need to instruct passengers to remain silent while she is driving. Cell phones and other communication devices should be turned off while driving. A parent can ride with the child on different occasions to ensure that she has the ability to concentrate well enough to safely operate an automobile.
Inappropriate Comments
An adult with ADHD may blurt out a hurtful or embarrassing comment before thinking through the consequences. This is often considered rudeness or thoughtlessness, rather than recognized as a mental health condition. Untreated, it can lead to severed relationships and job losses. A variety of practices can be helpful in managing unintended comments. The individual can make a practice of thinking for 10 seconds before he speaks or he can gently hold the inner portion of his lower lip between his teeth while around others as a reminder to think before opening his mouth. Practicing these skills for several months may help ingrain the habit of thinking before speaking, gradually making the practices unnecessary.
Bad Temper
An adult with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder may display an explosive temper, appearing happy one moment but infuriated the next, explains HelpGuide.org, a website maintained by a non-proft informational organization. This may be falsely attributed to a personality disorder, especially if other symptoms of ADHD go unnoticed in the individual. The sufferer may learn helpful skills to avoid or cope with an explosive temper in an anger-management class. He may also benefit from practicing the separation of feelings and behaviors, acknowledging to himself that he feels angry at the moment but recognizing that he doesn't have to display it to others. He can practice choosing to calm down for an hour before addressing the situation, giving him time to think through an appropriate coping strategy.
