Adult ADHD? Really?
If you’re an adult and suspect you have ADHD (or diagnosed already) chances are you’ve known for a long time that somehow you are a little “different.” When adults are finally diagnosed, most wish they’d learned sooner. Much sooner!
It helps to explain a lot about how unwitting actions created a long string of unpleasant consequences, as well as why, just when life starts to roll along......
you inevitably slip on the proverbial banana peel.
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Adults with ADHD are: easily distracted, have poor planning and organizational skills, suffer mood fluctuations and fits of temper, and struggle with work and relationship stress. They are prone to addictions (overspending, smoking, video gaming, etc) and often use drugs or alcohol. They are impulsive and restless, arrive late to events or miss deadlines, get in more car accidents, and are more often ill and less productive at work (compared to peers).
However, it’s important to keep in mind that “ADHD” is a syndrome, meaning its symptoms are highly variable and range from mild to severe. There is not one way of having ADHD. Each person is unique; each manifestation is unique.
ADHD vs Executive Functions - What's the Difference?
For nearly 100 years, ADHD has been recognized as essentially a behaviour disorder. However recent studies in brain maturation indicate that ADHD is more developmental in nature, and the overwhelming consensus at the moment suggests ADHD (similar to executive functions) is related to a delay in brain development.
According to one of the most recognized ADHD experts, Thomas E. Brown, PhD, and Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Yale’s University School of Medicine, in his latest book, A New Understanding of ADHD in Children and Adults, states: “Recent scientific research has developed a new paradigm which recognizes ADHD as a developmental disorder of the cognitive management system of the brain - its executive functions.”
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He goes on to say…
“Findings from neuroscience, brain imaging and various forms of clinical research have made the old understanding of ADHD as essentially a simple behavior disorder no longer tenable. A new paradigm has emerged to conceptualize this syndrome. Its language of executive function is barely mentioned in the description of ADHD provided in the most recent version of the official diagnostic manual. Yet this updated model is increasingly being recognized and used by many professionals in psychology, medicine, education and related fields.”
ADHD and Executive Functions are therefore one and the same – in that they are both rooted in the brain’s control centre (the prefrontal cortex) and they manifest a range of symptoms – some showing similarity, some vastly different.
As you read the list of “red flags” below, notice how many of the mature “executive” challenges faced by adults with ADHD are similar to the classic symptoms of ADHD found in children (inattention, distractibility and impulsiveness).
Adult ADHD - red flags
** It’s important to bear in mind that ADHD is highly variable and not all the symptoms or difficulties listed below apply to everyone.
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Lifelong history of difficulty with attention and/or a history of disruptive or impulsive behaviours
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Organizational challenges (time management difficulties, missed appointments or deadlines, frequent tardiness, unfinished projects)
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Erratic work history (frequent job changes, lack of preparation, poor reviews, difficulty initiating tasks, struggles with priorities)
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Anger control problems (argumentative, overly controlling parenting style, easily lose temper, conflicts with co-workers)
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Relationship/Marital issues (partner complains he/she does not listen, forgets promises and important events, not being “present”)
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Being over-talkative; interrupting; speaking too loudly
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Parenting problems (difficulty establishing and maintaining household routines, inconsistency in dealing with the children)
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Money management issues (impulsive purchases, failure to pay bills or taxes, bankruptcy)
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Substance use or abuse – especially alcohol, marijuana or caffeine
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Addictions such as shopping, gaming, overeating, compulsive exercise or gambling
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Frequent accidents on the job or in sports activities
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Problems with driving (speeding tickets or accidents)
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Considered “successful” but showing impairment when compared to potential; expending more energy than others for the same amount of work
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Forgetfulness — “blanking” on everything from small tasks to important obligations to entire conversations
Therapy, Meds or Both?
When it comes to ADHD treatment, two of the more common questions I hear are…
"Should I take medication?” and, “Are they safe?”
There’s no easier answer to these questions, since there are a multitude of factors to consider when it comes to ADHD medication including: age, severity of symptoms, comorbid conditions, family dynamics, physical health and personal beliefs about medication.
My personal opinion is to avoid medication, if at all possible, at least in the beginning. Start with therapy, monitor the progress, and if after 6-8 weeks there is no sign of improvement then drug treatment can be discussed with a clinical psychiatrist or your primary care physician.
By starting with therapy, you have virtually nothing to lose (except a bit of time) but plenty to gain. You have the potential to become a self-reliant individual, someone capable of self-monitoring and managing your ADHD symptoms, while recognizing the inherent gifts AND challenges you have as an ADHDer.
Truth is, we live in a world of quick fixes (of course, BigPharma is very happy about that). However one crucial and important medical fact that is often overlooked, even outright ignored, when discussing ADHD drugs is this: ADHD medication cures nothing. The behavioural challenges faced by children, teenagers and adults will persist until that person develops the right coping strategies. Otherwise, medication becomes a lifelong crutch.
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Specific to Adult ADHD, the most frequently discussed problems are (1) organizing and planning, (2) distractibility, (3) procrastination, (4) anger management, (5) communication issues, and (6) associated anxiety or depression. These particular issues, aside from distractibility, will not be fixed or relieved with traditional ADHD meds.
In good faith, it should also be pointed out that nearly all ADHD medications are classified as “Schedule II” drugs by the DEA (U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration) – in the same category as cocaine and morphine. The DEA warns these drugs are “highly addictive… can lead to psychological dependence… and are considered dangerous.”
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As an ADHD coach, someone who cares deeply about
your overall health, my only wish is that you give
traditional therapy/coaching a try FIRST.
That way, if successful, you avoid any potential side
effects of long-term drug dependency.
