Home Blog Page 11

How to Choose the Best ADHD Coach?

0

How to Choose the Best ADHD Coach?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodiverse condition characterized by hyperactivity, irritability, and negativity. These individuals face difficulty in managing their behavior and daily tasks. Those with ADHD have difficulty completing tasks and managing deadlines. This also causes difficulty for the family, as they are not much educated and aware of how to deal with an ADHD person. Here come the ADHD coaches, trained individuals to help adults (and children) better manage their lives. For example, you may be facing difficulties in switching jobs, hurting your marriage, or perhaps your child is facing difficulty in completing his schoolwork; all these falls under ADHD, and in each case, you may need to team up with an ADHD coach. It also comes helpful if you’re looking to better yourself in physical fitness, social skills, emotional growth, financial planning, and workplace management.

What is ADHD coaching, and are there any benefits?

In some individuals, ADHD can positively impact their energy and creativity. In contrast, others may face difficulty doing specific tasks, such as responding to emails, meeting deadlines, and following instructions. An ADHD coach is a trained person who works closely with teens and adults and directly helps them cope with these challenges. ADHD coaching can also be tailored to meet your needs, depending on you and your coach. Many coaches are flexible and can tailor their services according to your needs, making it easier for both of you to move along. You can also opt for group sessions, which may not be personalized, but they are more affordable. Another benefit of group sessions is that you may meet and exchange strategies with other ADHD individuals. Your ADHD coach helps you manage your problems in the following steps,

  • The organization includes time management, project management, record keeping, workflow, multitasking, prioritizing, and managing your home tasks.
  • Next is managing emotions, which comprises improving self-esteem, personal empowerment, reducing stress, and managing anxiety.
  • Developing new skills and achieving goals is also the aim. These include communication and social skills, problem-solving, public speaking, conflict resolution, etc.

How to find a good coach?

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. The following steps can help you in choosing a good coach.

  • Consider your needs and evaluate yourself to know what kinds of coaching you need and what role you see your coach play. Do you need a one-on-one or group session, and do you want to interact directly or on the phone call? Also, remember that your ADHD coach will not treat your depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, and these are the illnesses you’ll have to consult other professionals for.
  • Research thoroughly and compile a list of potential ADHD coaches, then see what services they offer and what are the reviews of other ADHD candidates of them. Spend some time studying the coach’s website thoroughly and narrowing your search to the five best coaches.
  • Contact the coach and do your interview questions. Many coaches offer a free trial session, and in that, you can ask your questions, discuss your needs, and ask your coach if they can mold their services according to your needs.
  • After that, you can take a trial run at the best coach you have selected and be sure to take notes of all the questions you want to ask. Good professional coaches are always forthcoming to answer all your questions and help you with whatever difficulty you face.

References:

ADHD Coach: Benefits, Finding a Coach, Cost, and More (healthline.com)

ADHD Coach: What is an ADHD Coach? How Much is an ADHD Coach? (additudemag.com)

ADHD Coaching: Benefits and Tips to Find Affordable Support (psychcentral.com)

How to Find the Right ADHD Coach for You d Certified ADHD Coach Training Program and Courses | ADD Coach Academy (addca.com)

(99+) How Do I Find a Good ADHD Coach? | LinkedIn

How do I choose an ADHD coach? – ADDA – Attention Deficit Disorder Association

Free 15 Min Call

Initial free call

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

ADHD; It’s not a Disability, It’s a different Ability.

0

ADHD; It’s not a Disability, It’s a different Ability.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common mental disorder which affects today’s children, though it also affects adults. It is a neuropsychiatric condition marked by problems such as focusing, holding attention, impulsiveness, and behavior issues related to hyperactivity and impulsivity in certain circumstances. ADHD symptoms can be undetectable; for others, symptoms can be the loss of energy or strength. The average age people, 7 years old, are diagnosed with ADHD, and symptoms are often manifest by age 12; however, it can affect younger children and even adults. In the United States, it is estimated that 9 percent of children and 4 percent of adults are affected by ADHD. Today many people see individuals with disabilities as different people who may have additional disabilities.

Understanding ADHD in adults:

According to studies, ADHD is caused by genes, changes in the environment, and slight differences in how the brain is hardwired. If adults were diagnosed with childhood ADHD, the chances are that they have carried at least one of the symptoms into adulthood. If adults were never diagnosed as a child, it doesn’t mean ADHD cannot affect adulthood. If you are affected by ADHD, you may have anxiety, depression, problems at work, impulsiveness, low self-esteem, forgetfulness, low motivation, etc. These problems can affect you significantly, or they may not bother you much. Problems can appear all of the time or may depend on the situation. Two people with ADHD are not exactly alike. ADHD is a lack of willpower.

People affected with ADHD focus well on things that interest them; they could focus on any other tasks if they wanted to. ADHD is not a willpower problem. It is a chemical problem in the management system of the brain. People affected with ADHD can focus or concentrate on activities they enjoy. They have difficulty maintaining focus when the task is tedious; it doesn’t matter how hard they try. People of all levels of intelligence are affected by ADHD. And although sometimes everyone has symptoms of ADHD, only those with chronic impairments from these symptoms have authorization for ADHD diagnosis. Sometimes ADHD overlaps with other disorders. Someone can have depression, anxiety, or any other psychiatric problem, but it doesn’t mean he is affected by ADHD. Many people struggle all their lives with unrecognized ADHD symptoms. They assumed that their chronic difficulties, like anxiety or depression, were caused by other disabilities that did not respond to usual treatment, so they haven’t received help.

Effects of ADHD in Adults:

If you discover that you have adult ADHD, there are chances that you have suffered over the years due to the unrecognized problem. You may feel like you have been struggling to maintain your head, which is overwhelmed by the constant stress caused by deferral and handling demands at the last minute. People may call you “irresponsible,” “lazy,” or “stupid” just because of your habit of forgetfulness or trouble in completing specific tasks, and you also start thinking of yourself in these negative terms as well. ADHD can contribute to various health problems, including compulsive eating, anxiety, tension, chronic stress, and low self-esteem.

When you neglect important check-ups and appointments with a doctor, ignore medical instructions, and forget to take vital medications. The symptoms of ADHD can put a quality on your work, family relationships, and love. You may be fed up with annoyance from loved ones to listen more closely. On the other hand, the people close to you may feel hurt over your insensitivity and irresponsibility. The effects of ADHD can lead to embarrassment, frustration, disappointment, lack of hope, and loss of confidence. You feel you’ll never be able to get your life under control.

How is ADHD treated?

ADHD can be treated y medicine, therapy, learning more about ADHD or education, and getting family support. Adults with ADHD have been prescribed stimulant medications. Stimulant medications include Dexmethylphenidate, Lisdexamfetamine, and Amphetamine. Stimulants are not always ideal; they have controlled substances that can be misused. Cognitive and behavioral can help with self-esteem. Mentoring may help you support at work and improve job performance. Exercise is ethical for everyone; even a little regular exercise can ease ADHD symptoms. If you regret doing weird things, such as getting angry at others, manage the impulse by pausing.

References:

It’s not a “disability.” It’s a different ability! | The World of Special Olympics (wordpress.com)

Learning disabilities and Attention Deficit Disorder | Accessibility Resources (oswego.edu)

Is ADHD a Disability? | The Recovery Village

Is ADHD a Disability? (healthline.com)

What is ADHD? | CDC

“ADHD It’s Not Disability It’s A Different Ability Skeleton Funny Gifts” T-shirt by DavosLLC | Redbubble

Adults ADHD and anxiety, Are they linked?

Adults ADHD and anxiety, Are they linked?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and anxiety disorders frequently co-occur in the same individual. Individuals with ADHD often have other mental health conditions, and around half of them may have an anxiety disorder. One thing common in both anxiety disorder and ADHD is the lack of concentration and relaxation.

The connection between ADHD and Anxiety.

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. So, ADHD cannot be discussed without bringing up anxiety, as they directly relate to little bouts of anxiety or a full-fledged anxiety disorder. Either way, they are so much linked that anxiety disorder is the most common comorbid diagnosis alongside ADHD. An ADHD individual who misses a deadline or forgets to work on an important task becomes stressed, worried, and fearful. When experienced for a longer interval of time, these situations lead to an anxiety disorder.

What is an anxiety disorder, exactly?

Anxiety is a long-lasting condition of anxiousness, fright, and uneasiness. These symptoms may affect your ability to work, study, and do daily things efficiently. Although occasional anxiety is normal and is a normal response to critical situations, which makes your response better, in anxiety disorder, these anxious feelings become permanent even at rest. These feelings interfere with daily life, and you may face difficulty controlling your fears and anxiousness. The major types of anxiety disorder are generalized anxiety (GAD), major anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and depression.

What are the signs and symptoms of ADHD and Anxiety Disorder?

Many of the symptoms of ADHD and Anxiety are similar and occur in the same individual. In anxiety along with ADHD, your symptoms of ADHD worsen, such as feeling restless or having trouble concentrating. Besides, you may also experience symptoms of,

  • Constant worry and uneasiness
  • Fidgeting
  • Inattentiveness and lack of focus
  • Feeling on edge
  • Stress
  • Difficulty socializing
  • Fatigue
  • Trouble sleeping

How to differentiate?

Many things are common in ADHD and anxiety, but it is important to differentiate them. Anxiety is mainly a disorder of anxiousness, nervousness, worry, and fear, while ADHD is primarily characterized by a lack of attention and concentration. Individuals with an anxiety disorder may also exhibit compulsive or perfectionist behaviors, not typically seen in those with ADHD. Lack of concentration and focus is occasional in those with an anxiety disorder, but it is a permanent thing in those with ADHD, and they experience it most of the time. These symptoms can also be identified by friends and family, but the healthcare provider must undertake a complete evaluation to reach a diagnosis.

Treatment of ADHD & Anxiety:

The treatment plan aims to treat both ADHD and anxiety disorder and varies based on the individual and the situation. Anxiety disorder can complicate ADHD treatment, as it may make people afraid to try out new things. Sometimes, both the conditions need to be treated simultaneously, while on other times, one of the conditions need to be dealt on priority basis. This is helpful, if ADHD is the cause of anxiety, or treating ADHD may can benefit with anxiety.

Medication:

ADHD treatment most commonly comprises of prescription medications, such as anti-psychotics, anti-depression, benzodiazepines, and relaxants. If any of these medications is causing any symptoms or worsen the anxiety symptoms, the medication must be replaced with an appropriate one.

Therapy and relaxation techniques:

The anxiety related to ADHD may be better managed with:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBD helps people alter their thinking pattern to better manage their behavior and anxiety symptoms. It is widey used for anxiety disorders and has also been shown beneficial in ADHD individuals.
  • Relaxation techniques: Meditation, yoga, praying, progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, and deep breathing exercises, all play a positive part in treating stress and anxiety.

Lifestyle Changes:

Sleep is essential for better functioning, and you should aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Fatigue can worsen the feelings of anxiety, so make sure to get 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep each day. Regular exercise is also helpful in relieving anxiety in several ways. Heathy and balanced diet and staying hydrated also makes you less anxious and keeps your symptoms of ADHD under control.

References:

Adult ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA

ADHD and Anxiety: Understanding the Link and How To Treat (webmd.com)

Relationship Between ADHD and Anxiety (healthline.com)

ADHD and anxiety: What’s the connection? (medicalnewstoday.com)

ADHD and Anxiety: Understanding the Link & How to Cope (additudemag.com)

ADHD-Related-Behaviour-Issues-In-Children-and-How-To-Cope-With-It

0

ADHD-related Behaviour Issues in Children; and how to cope with it?

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), also known as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder that involves the brain’s self-management system. People with ADHD often face hardships performing mundane everyday tasks such as concentrating, following directions, managing their emotions, etc. There is a wide range of abnormalities within this domain, and every person going through ADHD present with a different set of symptoms.

ADHD lesser-known facts :

  • People are often misjudged for being lazy or not putting in enough effort, even though it is proven that ADHD is a disorder.
  • It was thought earlier that most teen boys suffered from it. But research shows adults and women can also get this disease.
  • It is often an inherited disease. One in every four children with ADHD disease has inherited this disease.

What are the ADHD-related behavior issues in children?

As the name indicates, the critical problem in the behavior of the children who have ADHD is a lack of attentiveness and hyperactivity or impulsiveness. These behaviors can manifest in one or more of the following several ways:

  • Facing difficulty paying attention
  • Poor academic performance
  • Unable to follow directions
  • Appear as ignorant
  • Make careless mistakes
  • Can not seem to stay still, constantly in motion
  • Rush into completing the task
  • Emotional outbursts
  • Interrupt a lot and yell out
  • Trouble waiting in lines or sharing

These are a few of the everyday behavior issues with these children. They are most often punished for their misbehavior or throwing ‘tantrums.’ Parents may feel stressed or embarrassed by their child’s behavior and may even scold him without realizing that the child is suffering. It requires deep understanding and keen observation for parents to recognize that these issues are not a facade or laziness on a child’s behalf but an actual problem.

How do you cope with these issues?

Once parents realize that their child has ADHD, it becomes relatively easier to interact with and handle the child. There are multiple ways for parents to manage their children with the utmost patience and perseverance. This is the only way to help them and lead them to live a healthy balanced life.

·      Learn about ADHD and your child’s condition

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.

·      Team up with teachers and school for proper education

Since children face issues with concentration and learning new things, teachers and school staff should be aware of the child’s condition. Early in the disease, when a diagnosis of ADHD has not been made, the child may wrongly be punished for his non-serious attitude and inappropriate behavior in school. Therefore, proper coordination between teachers and parents is a prerequisite for appropriate education and teaching.

·      Customize activities according to the child

Every child has a different attention span and learning graph. Teaching the child new things at short and repetitive intervals is more fruitful than long sessions for teachers or parents. Visual and auditory learning is better than textual learning. Give small, easy-to-follow, and repetitive directions to children. These simple techniques can improve the child’s learning abilities.

·      Focus on your relationship with your child

As parents know that their child is suffering from a neurological disease beyond their ability to manage, you must treat them gently. Patience, understanding, and empathy are their topmost requirement. They may require validation and kindness from you. They may feel different from other children. Hence, parents and teachers should show empathy and compassion.

·      Set realistic goals

Every child responds differently and may vary considerably in their management techniques. Some techniques work more on a group of children, while others may not respond as much. Parents should keep this fact in mind and set appropriate expectations for their children and management plans. They should keep trying in case one technique fails to improve conditions. One needs patience and time to understand the type of technique the child responds to fully.

·      Support groups

Apart from regular visits to doctors about your child’s health, it is always recommended to join support groups where you can meet other parents who face similar issues. These support groups can be a great way to understand and learn about diseases and try out new and different techniques for your child. There are organizations and social media platforms specially made for ADHD patients.

REFERENCES:

Hasan, S. (Ed.). (2020, June). Parenting a child with ADHD (for parents) – nemours kidshealth. KidsHealth. Retrieved May 6, 2022, from https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/parenting-kid-adhd.html

ADHD: Behavior problems in children: Learning issues: Child anxiety. Understood. (n.d.). Retrieved May 6, 2022, from https://www.understood.org/en/articles/does-adhd-raise-risk-mental-health-issues

ADHD and Trauma; Similarities & Differences

0

Overview:

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodiverse disorder that affects your thinking, behavior, learning, how you react to certain situations, and how you complete your daily tasks.  Adolescents and teenagers are most affected, although it can also affect adults. Symptoms of ADHD include hyperactivity, inattentiveness, laziness, lack of focus, inability to concentrate, and inability to read directions or complete tasks. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has been connected to executive functioning issues and difficulties with sustained and divided attention.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is usually accompanied by concurrent mental disorders, making detection, diagnosis, and treatment difficult. ADHD affects 2.5 percent of the adult community and is linked to substantial personal and private distress. Above other comorbidities, ADHD can also cause trauma or vice versa. So, the main aim is to untangle symptoms and how somatic therapy can help patients heal psychological wounds by reconnecting the brain and body.

Relationship between ADHD and Trauma:

Living with ADHD and Trauma is like a spider web, where many strings are interconnected, and a single string is attached to many others. You pull one string, and everything collapses; the same is the relationship between ADHD and trauma; it is complex. Studies have shown that trauma and its symptoms can increase the chances of one being diagnosed with ADHD and increase its intensity and complexity, as many symptoms of trauma overlap with that of ADHD. The symptoms shared by ADHD and trauma may include concentration difficulty, poor memory, learning difficulty, hyperactivity, emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, problems connecting to others, substance abuse, and interrupted sleep.

ADHD and trauma present with similarities, and correctly diagnosing and treating them requires skill and experience. For example, poor memory is a hallmark of ADHD, but it can also result from the mind avoiding traumatic thoughts of that experience. The practitioners and patients must understand the difference between ADHD and trauma to manage them better.

ADHD is a brain disorder diagnosed mainly in children after they struggle to perform in school or later in their life, while trauma results from exposure to a stressful event or a traumatic experience. Childhood trauma, which occurs when the brain develops, results in psychological and emotional disturbances resembling ADHD. About 70% of adults report at least one traumatic experience in their life, which may be the death of a loved one, divorce, car accident, childhood trauma, or a natural disaster; all of these can lead to trauma symptoms like ADHD. Though trauma doesn’t have lasting effects, it can become chronic sometimes and can exhibit symptoms of nightmares, frightening flashbacks, avoidance of things, behavioral changes, and emotional dysregulation.

What are the differences?

Although there are many similarities between ADHD and trauma, some key differences need to be noted to distinguish them. A person, after experiencing trauma, has feelings of fear, helplessness, uncertainty, increased arousal, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, irritability, feelings of guilt, dissociation, continually feeling on alert for threat or danger, aggressive or destructive behavior, and self-destructive thoughts. At the same time, those with ADHD may present difficulty sustaining attention or concentration, struggling to follow instructions, organization difficulty, excessive talking, interrupting acts, and difficulty managing their behavior.

What could be done to manage these?

A better outcome depends upon the early identification and diagnosis of these difficulties. If you suspect your child is facing problems in managing behavior and concentration or is exposed to a stressful or traumatic event, seek help from a professional as soon as possible. If you have any questions or feel like your ADHD diagnosis is not entirely correct, raise your concerns and queries with your health professional or ADHD coach, as they are there to help you and your child.  Children with ADHD and Trauma need consistency, predictability, and discipline within their lives. The treatment options for ADHD include emotional adjustments, proper coaching, parent behavior management, strategies delivered in a group or individual setting, and stimulant medication in some instances. In contrast, those who have experienced trauma are managed by a psychologist who may utilize Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) and anxiety management techniques. In some cases, sensory regulation activities and anti-arousal or anti-anxiety medications are also used.

References:

ADHD and Complex Trauma – Child Development Clinic

ADHD and Trauma: Causes, Symptoms, Somatic Therapy (additudemag.com)

Is It ADHD or Trauma? – Child Mind Institute

ADHD and Trauma in Children: Overview, Signs, Treatment (additudemag.com)

ADHD and Trauma: Similarities and Differences | Psych Central

How Do We Correctly Label ADHD In Society?

0

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that can cause initial guilt and remorse but in many cases can also lead to a huge sigh of relief. Which is it for you?

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dude-where-is-my-adhd/message

ADHD & Picky Eating, Are They Linked?

0

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.

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dude-where-is-my-adhd/message

What Is this ADHD SuperPower Cliche’ We Keep Hearing?

0

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.

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dude-where-is-my-adhd/message

The Endless Search For Dopamine, What it is, and Why it Drives ADHD’ers Crazy?

0

Serotonin, Dopamine, and Norepinephrine are the main neurotransmitters that researchers believe play a major role in any mood or anxiety disorder. First of all, let’s have a clear concept about Dopamine as it’s the factor responsible for the considerable damage in ADHD. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter. A neurotransmitter, as the term suggests, transmits impulses or messages along with the set of neurons. Dopamine in our body is responsible for the transmission of messages that regulate mood, emotions, motivation, attention, and bring us a sense of pleasure and enthusiasm.

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dude-where-is-my-adhd/message

Sleep Problems And How They Could Relate to ADHD?

0

Sleep issues are reported by around 25%–50% of people with ADHD, and adults that do not obtain sufficient sleep are more likely to have ADHD symptoms. Sleep difficulties in these people have been linked to concomitant main sleep issues and/or changes in the medicines they take to treat ADHD.

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dude-where-is-my-adhd/message