Parents and teachers need to understand the child’s condition. As stated above, every person manifests different situations, so parents need to understand ADHD as a disease and the symptoms that the child is explicitly showing. Deep knowledge of the issue will lead to comprehensive and well-planned management of specific cases.
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Sometimes it can be challenging to live with ADHD. Therefore, many adults can manage their symptoms of ADHD effectively and lead productive, satisfying lives. It depends on the severity of your symptoms and whether you need help from a doctor right away or not. You can make personal adjustments to get a handle on your symptoms with these following tips and tricks!
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ADHD is rarely described as a “mental illness”; instead, many practitioners describe it as a “behavior disorder.” It may also be defined as a learning and thinking difference that can affect all areas of learning. So, although ADHD falls under the umbrella of “mental disorders,” it is rarely described as one.
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ADHD usually begins during childhood and can continue till adulthood, while an anxiety disorder most commonly occurs in adulthood. Anxiety disorder is not only about feeling anxious, but it is a severe and long-lasting medical condition that can make you feel distressed, uneasy, and terrified in regular situations. An adult with ADHD leads a very anxious life, as the nature of ADHD makes everyday life stressful, uncertain, and frightened.
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How to Find the Perfect ADHD Coach: A Comprehensive Guide [+Tips]
Like finding a good physician or a therapist, finding a good ADHD coach is not easy, but it is possible. When you have an excellent ADHD coach, you can become more effective in getting things done, leading teams, and growing meaningful relationships. Good ADHD coaches offer professional coaching skills and a solid understanding of ADHD. Moreover, before you start searching for the right coach for you, you must consider your goals and specific needs for coaching. Are your needs focused on procrastination and activation for tasks or on managing key relationships? Also, consider what role you want your coach to play and what kind of coaching you want.
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Is ADHD a Mental Illness? Differences in Learning and Thinking in Society.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition of lack of focus, overactive, difficulty controlling behavior, or a combination of all these. A person diagnosed with ADHD is out of the normal range of a person’s age and development. What causes ADHD is not yet apparent, but a combination of genes and environmental factors may play a part. Technically speaking, yes, it is a neurodiverse illness and a complex term that can confuse many individuals. Mental illness is a broad term that comprises many conditions affecting one’s mood, thinking, and behavior. The three main symptoms of ADHD are impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention, which influence mood and behavior and make ADHD fall under mental illness. ADHD is rarely described as a “mental illnessâ€; instead, many practitioners describe it as a “behavior disorder.†It may also be defined as a learning and thinking difference that can affect all areas of learning. So, although ADHD falls under the umbrella of “mental disorders,†it is rarely described as one.
Still, ADHD being a mental illness, is tough to absorb for many parents, and they may worry that their child will be stigmatized. Heredity, stress, and environmental factors all play a part in mental illnesses, and it has become a significant health concern, even for kids. Mental illnesses are much more common, and so is the stigma around them, which will only decrease the more we learn about them. Parents are worried about the labels, but the main point is that the terms describing ADHD do not matter; the main aim is to get the right help for your child. After you’ve found out that your child has ADHD, you can take steps to manage it and work with your child’s doctor and the school to develop the best solution for it. Getting the correct information, support, and management for ADHD children is the key to a better life.
What is a Mental Disorder?
The terms “mental illness,†“mental disorder,†and “mental health conditions†are used interchangeably and provide no separate definition for a mental disorder. Those with a mental illness or a disorder have the right to choose what they call it, as there is no clinical difference between these terms. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Trusted Source (DSM-5) has described the terms and the criteria for certain mental health conditions and is a standard guideline for many clinicians and professionals. In simple language, mental illness is a condition that affects one’s mood, thinking, and behavior.
What is ADHD, and How is Living with it?
ADHD is the most frequently diagnosed mental disorder among children. As the name indicates, it is a disorder that is characterized by an inability to focus on something or having a restless heart meaning the inability to rest for a while. A person with this condition can have both types of symptoms. It is predominantly found in boys rather than girls. It occurs in childhood and continues into adulthood also. This is a severe disorder that can impair the quality of life severely. It affects daily life routine, work, and social life badly.
Living with a person or child with ADHD can be exhausting, especially for a mother. There’s a little we can do about them, and they won’t improve at all. At times, they can be very irritating, but we need to know that they don’t stop to think before reacting to some situation in these situations. We have not only to work on these individuals but also on our behavior. There are some very effective life hacks about that, which are of much help.
What are the differences in learning and thinking?
ADHD is a neurodevelopment condition that causes changes in attention, behaviour, and activity levels, including impulsivity and hyperactivity. Differences are noted in brain structure, development, and function of people with ADHD who haven’t. These differences help in understanding and treating common behavioural patterns in ADHD. ADHD individuals also struggle with everyday thinking and learning and cannot optimally complete their tasks and deadlines. They have an executive function problem, but it is not of that extent to be diagnosed as a learning disability. In children, ADHD can also cause delayed thinking and learning patterns development.
References:
Psychiatry.org – What is ADHD?
Is ADHD a Mental Illness | Understood
Is ADHD Considered a Mental Illness? (healthline.com)
ADHD | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
Living with ADHD; Strategies for Psychological Well Being
After diagnosing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you might wonder what the next steps are. Most people think living with ADHD means adopting new tools to help manage their symptoms, which allows them to grow in their emotional health, careers, and personal relationships. Everyone has a different experience of ADHD, which is unique. There are many ways to control ADHD or manage the symptoms, and what works for one person might not work for another person. Your symptoms can lead to trouble meeting deadlines, extreme procrastination, and impulsive behavior. You may feel that family and friends don’t understand what you are against. People with ADHD can improve their daily habits, learn to recognize and use their strengths, maintain organization, and interact better with others. Helping yourself may also include educating others to help them understand what you are going through.
How does it feel to be newly diagnosed?
Many people are astonished by their emotions when they are diagnosed with ADHD. Common emotions include;
Tips for living with Adult ADHD:
Sometimes it can be challenging to live with ADHD. Therefore, many adults can manage their symptoms of ADHD effectively and lead productive, satisfying lives. It depends on the severity of your symptoms and whether you need help from a doctor right away or not. You can make personal adjustments to get a handle on your symptoms.
Exercise Regularly; Regular exercise may help you handle aggression and extra energy in a healthy, positive way. Practice can also be critical for maintaining good health, other than soothing and calming your body.
Get sufficient sleep; It’s very important or necessary for adults to get at least 7 to get 8 hours of sleep every night. It is difficult for you to focus, maintain productivity, and stay on top of your responsibilities by lack of sleep. You must talk with your doctor if you are having trouble sleeping.
Improve time management skills; stay organized, and set deadlines for everything, including seemingly small tasks. Alarms and timers are also helpful, so you don’t forget about specific jobs. Manage your time to prioritize essential tasks. It will further set you up for success.
Therapy for ADHD; Therapy for ADHD can be beneficial. It includes education about the disorder and psychological counseling. Therapy can help learn different ways to manage impulsive behavior. It is helpful to boost your self-esteem. Therapy may also be beneficial in improving relationships with your family, co-workers, and friends. It also creates strategies for maintaining your temper. Cognitive behavior therapy helps you manage your behavior and change negative thoughts into positive ones. Cognitive behavior therapy can be done individually or in a group. Marital therapy can help loved ones to manage the stress of living with someone who has ADHD.
Medications for ADHD; Medications help to treat symptoms of ADHD by boosting and balancing levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Stimulants used to treat ADHD include dextroamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine, methylphenidate, etc. Some other medications that can treat ADHD contain atomoxetine and some antidepressants; they work slower than stimulants. The type of medication and its dose varies from person to person. It may take time to find what’s best for you.
Finding an ADHD coach; An ADHD coach can also help you treat the symptoms of ADHD. A coach provides individuals with strategies to overcome challenges and accomplish their goals.
Avoid multitasking; Some people thrive while multitasking, but many of us do not. Eliminate the distractions around you that attract you to doing other tasks. For example, if you are reading one subject, pack away your books on different topics. If you are focused on cooking, put your phone away.
References:
What It’s Like to Live A Day with ADHD (healthline.com)
Living With ADHD: Strategies for Well-Being (verywellmind.com)
Facts And Real Confessions About Living With ADHD (additudemag.com)
How ADHD Affects the Many Areas of Your Life (webmd.com)
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Picky Eating and ADHD, are They Linked?
Picky eating is when a person refuses to eat certain foods or eats the same food repeatedly. This condition is usually present in toddlers and young children, and it worries their parents if their child is getting enough nutrition or not? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition of trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors, or being overly active. It is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood, and due to its link with mental function and wellbeing, it is often seen as linked with picky eating. Studies have shown that children with ADHD show low levels of dopamine activity and are more predisposed to craving sugar, making them avoid many nutritious foods such as vegetables and fruits, as they do not deliver as much sugar as the ADHD individual craves.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodiverse disorder that includes problems in focusing on specific tasks, inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Personals with ADHD are inattentive or hyperattentive most of the time, and another habit that they exhibit is being picky about certain things, such as their food. A study looked at different eating habits and how they are linked with psychological issues such as ADHD.
According to a study, there is a link between selective eating disorders and psychological disorders, and the more severe the one is, so is the other. Picky eating has also been seen to have an association with anxiety and depression. Besides, picky eaters can be of various categories, like some get afraid of the idea of eating in a restaurant than inside their house, and most of these are those with ADHD. Although a simple picky eater avoids a portion of food and eats the rest, those with ADHD do not have this simple scenario, as they not only separate anything on their plate but also become hyperactive, impulsive, and irritable.
This can lead to an exaggeration of symptoms for many days. These children are very much sensitive to anything and tend to avoid any nutritious foods, such as vegetables and fish; instead, they favor food that contains sugar. Parents need to be very vigilant when children become picky eaters since that selective eating can signify something serious. Picky eaters are commonly observed during childhood, as they tend to limit their amount of food, particularly vegetables, and are reluctant to try new foods. This behavior leads to anxiety for the parents, as it requires providing a different meal for the ADHD child, a different meal from the rest of the family. That is why they tend to struggle in feeding special meals to their picky eater child and are often concerned about the variety of nutrients their child might be getting. Selective eating also leads to an unhealthy composition of nutrients and halters proper neurodevelopmental growth.
Picky eating with ADHD is a concerning problem because the child is not getting enough nutrition from the variety of generally needed foods. Moreover, picky eating starts with a stressor such as inflammation, zinc deficiency, gut breakdown, etc., but it can become a vicious cycle later. For example, zinc deficiency can lead to picky eating, but then the child develops a habit of eating only those selective foods, which makes picky eating even worse, and the cycle continues. Besides, ADHD is not only about the brain, but it is also connected with the gut via the gut-brain connection, which means that our brain and gut are linked, and if the gut is not functioning well, the brain will also not. This leads to even more worsening symptoms of ADHD.
When gut health improves, so does the brain, and a reduction in ADHD symptoms is seen. Removing inflammatory foods such as soy, dairy and gluten, from your child’s diet and replacing these with nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables results in an improvement in ADHD symptoms happens. Of course, dealing with picky eaters is not an easy task, but it is possible. Here are some of the tips that families of picky eaters can use to manage better,
Is Your Child a Picky Eater with ADHD? (additudemag.com)
Picky Eating and ADHD – PTS Coaching
Picky Eaters with ADHD: A Parent’s Guide To Mealtime (additudemag.com)
Children with ADHD and Picky Eating: Things in Common (adhdcentre.co.uk)
Children with ADHD: Tips for Picky Eaters – HealthiNation
Picky eating and adult ADHD – do you see any connection? : ADHD (reddit.com)
Work-life balance is a significant issue for people who have ADHD. While many people fight with life-work stability, people with ADHD face extra problems due to additional task impairments and self-acting difficulties. Lifework balance might seem hard being employees with ADHD and their partners, who usually carry a more considerable percentage of work at home.
HOW DOES ADHD AFFECT EXECUTIVE LIFESTYLES?
ADHD has various effects on job performance, as whole meetings can be agonising if you can’t sit still and struggle with organisation and focus. Managing several projects and deadlines is difficult. People with ADHD experience more problems with awareness, retentiveness, mindset, and expressiveness as all of these are governing function abilities, which are crucial in organisations.
Having ADHD, it gets hard to do the following tasks:
Although every person has trouble sitting motionless, being attentive, or managing rude behavior, people with ADHD have difficulties that are so extensive and stubborn that they affect all elements of their lives: family, academics, social interactions, and jobs.
COACHING STRATEGIES TO GET AND KEEP A JOB FOR PEOPLE WITH ADHD:
The first step is to see a specialist that specializes in adult ADHD therapy since this is crucial for accurate diagnosis and starting the right treatment plan. Medication, treatment, or both have proven to be effective. Organizational strategies can also be studied and practiced with the help of a coach or occupational therapist.
JOB TIPS TO BE FOLLOWED:
ACCOMMODATING ADHD:
With proper treatment and adjustments, nearly all indications of ADHD can be relieved, allowing employees to perform at their best. Individuals with ADHD may require accommodations such as a quiet work environment, additional time to complete tasks, and a double system check for critical review of more comprehensive work. People with ADHD also demand flexible working hours to get peak time of attention and observation.
The written form supervision, commands, and training manuals suit ADHD workers better than vocal resources. HR professionals should foster an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their problems and requesting appropriate help or accommodations. They should learn about invisible issues, such as behavioral and learning disabilities.
ADHD AT WORK- THE POSITIVE SIDE:
There are some advantages to having ADHD. Restlessness, impulsivity, and a relentless drive to try new things can all be beneficial qualities. This is particularly true if you own a business. Many adults with ADHD become entrepreneurs, according to studies. Finding a vocation that best suits you is the key to success. Then, to get the most out of your job, leverage your energy, inventiveness, and other strengths. When placed in the correct work along with the proper procedures with an order, people having ADHD can be outstanding and even influence workers.
REFERENCES:
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Did we just say superpower? Can humans possess a superpower? Well ADHD patients seem to have a useful habit that may help them achieve certain goals as if they have a superpower.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurological difference. It results in certain behavioural issues such as lack of attention and impulsivity. There was a myth that it affected male children only but now we know that it affects adults and females as well. ADHD can make everyday life a little difficult to lead as the patient is unable to pay attention to one task and makes impulsive movements. This can lead to learning difficulties in school as well.
Have you ever enjoyed an activity so much that you forgot time? Hyperfocus is the ability to concentrate on a task so much that you forget other things.
As the name Attention Deficit indicates the patient faces a lack of attention but recent studies have found that the patients face the challenge of concentrating on one task only and therefore get distracted easily. These patients may have a habit of hyper-focus. In other words, they can concentrate on one task completely, or even with more than normal concentration, if they found the task interesting.
Hyperfocus can help achieve incredible tasks. One can complete great tasks, from writing a 5-hour long tiresome research paper nonstop to completing art projects with great enthusiasm. Michael Phelps, an American professional swimmer who has won many Olympic gold medals, also has ADHD. Many famous actors and artists have ADHD and probably this superpower helped them achieve these accolades.
Disclaimer: ADHD is a disorder that may have this additional beneficial symptom. So, it is not at all worth praying or wishing to have this superpower. ADHD comes with great difficulties in life. It is not a blessing, and it should be clear to those who are lazy, face difficulty paying attention, possess poor memory, etc.
Hyperfocus is not present in every ADHD patient however it is found to be more prevalent in adult patients. More so, the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th edition (DSM-5) does not even list hyper-focus as one of the diagnostic indicators of ADHD. However, hyperfocus can help psychiatrists identify the disorder in adult patients as it is difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults.
People who may get distracted easily or find it difficult to concentrate on studies and tasks may think that this superpower of hyperfocus is beneficial and may even wish to have it. But the reality is that where hyperfocus can help people achieve their tasks fully, it can also disrupt their schedules and may result in ignorance of more important tasks. Hyperfocus can result in a loss of interest in other activities such as eating food, studying for exams, completing job work, etc
With every superpower comes great responsibility to use it for the right purpose. If this superpower, that is hyperfocus, is used appropriately, one can use it for great purposes. Learning to control this power is the key here. And who knows you may be the next Olympic gold medal winner or some award-winning artist or scientist.
Following are some tips to follow so that hyperfocus doesn’t lead to wasting your precious time that could have been used for more important tasks.
General medication for ADHD can also help mitigate this superpower.
ADHD patients may have this seemingly paradoxical habit of hyper-focus, leading to prolonged fixity on one task that is most of their interests. This may result in not only completion of their tasks but also in an incredible way. But learning to control it and use it for productive things can be a feat to achieve. There are some modifications or medications to not let hyperfocus get the best of you and you are good to go.
REFERENCES:
Barrell, A. (2019, 8 juli). What to know about ADHD and hyperfocus. Medical News Today. Geraadpleegd op 7 mei 2022, van https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325681#summary
Hupfeld K, Abagis T, Osborne J, Tran Q and Shah P (2022) Hyperfocus: The ADHD Superpower. Front. Young Minds. 10:625433. doi: 10.3389/frym.2021.625433
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