The Role of Adaptive Thinking in ADHD: Understanding the Link and Benefits
If you can recognise unexpected situations, quickly calculate plausible options and shortlist the best one, then congratulations, you are an adaptive thinker. Adaptive thinking is the ability to adapt to change soon. This trait is useful in dynamic environments where decision-making needs to be rapid. Solving problems and coordinating with others comes naturally to adaptive thinkers.
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Self-regulation abilities are frequently challenged in people with ADHD. They may make statements in the heat of the moment without considering if they would insult someone’s feelings. When their hyperactivity causes others to be disturbed, people typically feel bad since they didn’t want to hurt anyone.
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Have you ever wondered how ADHD plays with a person’s mental health? What is the key factor that leads to emotional disturbance, mood instability, and lack of focus in ADHD patients? We are here with all the answers!
In simple words, the major factor affecting an ADHD person’s mind is Dopamine. But what is the big deal about Dopamine and why does it drive ADHD’ers crazy?
According to research done in 1999, there was a 70% increase in Dopamine Transporter Density proteins (DTD) in adult patients with ADHD as compared to those without ADHD.
What is DTD and what does it have to do with Dopamine and ADHD? Let’s find out!
What is Dopamine?
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.
Relation of Dopamine with ADHD
Lacking dopamine means the loss of all the feelings derived by its action. And that’s exactly what happened with ADHD’ers. They don’t feel rewarded and can’t sense pleasure even upon stimulus. They have low self-esteem, lack social and management skills, can’t organize their thoughts, nor do they enjoy the happy moments to the fullest. All because of a tiny little hormone not performing well in their body.
In ADHD patients, this happens when too many proteins result in excess release of dopamine. These proteins, aka Dopamine Transporter Density proteins, are responsible for the release of a limited amount of dopamine in a healthy person. When in excess, they rapidly push Dopamine out of the brain leaving no time for it to perform its action.
Therefore, even though the dopamine levels might be high in blood but their low levels in the brain lead to the symptoms of ADHD. This is why researchers regard Dopamine as the sole factor driving ADHD’ers minds crazy.
ADHD’ers and Dopaminergic neurons
Even though almost all patients with ADHD have decreased levels of dopamine but not all patients with decreased Dopamine levels have ADHD. Confused much? Let’s make it simple!
According to recent research, many people with ADHD have a distortion in the gray cerebral cortex when seen under MRI. This gray cortex is a collection of nuclei dealing with our emotions, controlling attention, and focus. And these patients do not necessarily have a reduced amount of dopamine in their brains.
Moreover, some patients have the DAT1 gene mutation which increases the risk of developing ADHD. Therefore, checking for DTD or Dopamine is only done for screening purposes and is not the basis of diagnosis. Lack of dopamine might be the most common cause of ADHD according to research done to date. However, it is not the leading or the only factor accountable for Attention Deficit Disorder.
Research is still being done to find out more about dopamine and its relation to ADHD. It looks like an endless study but one thing is for sure since dopamine regulates mood and focus and ADHD patients lack these two things, we can claim that Dopaminergic neurons do play a very significant role in ADHD and related disorders. And is needed to treat ADHD patients.
Key factors affecting the brain of ADHD patients
To summarise it all, the following are the key factors taking a toll on the mental health of people with ADHD,
Low Dopamine levels
Increase in DTD proteins
Genetics, for example, mutations in the DAT1 gene
Structural changes in Gray matter of Frontal cortex, limbic system, basal ganglia
So far, these are a few known contributing factors to ADHD. No one knows the importance of dopamine more than the people entrapped in a mental disorder. This is why ADHD patients constantly seek Dopamine. And perhaps this is why their medications include tons of stimulants that stimulate the action of dopamine in their body. This then regulates their emotions and helps them focus better.
For example, Ritalin or methylphenidate is a drug that increases dopamine levels in the brain and helps reduce ADHD symptoms.
Who doesn’t like vacations? Even the sound of it brings a sense of joy within oneself. As much as we all enjoy our days off of work or school, it’s a gruesome thought for people with ADHD. ADHD patients do not get fascinated by the idea of Vacations and holidays. The thought of it is frustrating for them. However, that shouldn’t be the case!
Having ADHD or any other disorder shouldn’t stop you from living a meaningful life. You can still go out, sleep in a luxurious hotel, eat somewhere fancy, walk at the beach or play around with animals.
Don’t worry, we are here to help you out through the whole process. Let’s now discuss the best ideas for holiday destinations, what places should you consider, and why.
Best Holiday destinations for ADHD patients
Holidays bring happiness, uplift your mood, help you stay active, focused, and organized. Most importantly, Holidays help you learn the importance of precious time in this world. If you have ADHD, you must read through the following holiday destination and choose your preferred location in the end. Believe us or not but you deserve a mental break!
What holiday destinations should you consider visiting and why? Let’s now dive into the details!
Cruise or Resorts
Fancy resorts or Cruises, though might be a bit expensive but are one the best holiday destinations to invest in. A cruise or resort includes all sorts of fun activities that will keep you indulged. Hence, you can easily forget about negative thoughts and gloomy feelings.
Note: If you have kids with ADHD, make sure to choose a destination that has kid-friendly games and activities so that your child doesn’t feel left out and lonely.
Beach
No one can ever say no to sea-view, sunsets, and cold winds. A peaceful beach-side trip with family or friends is the perfect solution to your ADHD-consumed mind. Walking on the sandy surface feeling the cold breeze in the daylight of summers is the perfect definition of a peaceful Holiday.
Moreover, you can take your pet, toys, food, play a little and enjoy some family time there. This can help you calm down, stabilize your mood, and bring peace to your anxious mind.
Lively Cities
NYC, LA, Chicago, to name a few are popular places and the most vivacious destinations to visit at least once in a lifetime.
These cities have interesting attractions that instantly catch the eyes of a visitor. In addition, you get to meet new people, experience a different exposure, and enjoy your time at famous museums, galleries, parks, or streets.
Parks
Theme parks are probably the best option for children with ADHD. Your kids can enjoy fun-filled rides, win their favorite toys, meet their ideal characters, or keep themselves entertained by simply making new friends and playing with them.
Similarly, National parks or historical places are the perfect escape route for adults with ADHD. You can go hiking, enjoy boating, or find a peaceful spot to read your favorite book and savor some snacks with a beautiful view.
Zoos or Aquariums
If you and your family love animals, going to a place that has several animal species would be a great way to relax your mind. You will find your favorite animals living their best life and will get a chance to interact with them. This is a fun activity to include on your bucket list, especially if animals are the prime source of your happiness.
Farmhouse
Last but not least, a pool-side barbeque with family or friends under the moonlight after a long week is always a yes!
We suggest you book a farmhouse or an all-inclusive resort now, especially if swimming brings you peace or if you need to enjoy quality time with your family.
Things to keep in mind before packing and leaving for the dream destination
If you have ADHD, here are a few tips for you to help you stay organized and attentive throughout your journey:
Book a tour guide so that you don’t have to worry about missing out on important stuff during your Holiday. However, we know that most ADHD patients prefer personalizing their trip, if that’s what you would like to do as well, go for it!
Talk to different traveling agencies before opting for one.
Keep a map of your dream place.
Make a checklist of all the things before packing them up. Save this list for plans as well.
DO NOT FORGET YOUR MEDICATIONS!
Include your ADHD kids in the discussion when planning for a Vacation.
Most importantly, choose a place that is best suited for your mental peace. For example, if you like a calm environment, choose a destination that is quiet and peaceful.
There is no right time to plan a trip. Just declutter your thoughts, make a schedule, pack your bags, book your ticket, and fly to your favorite holiday destination.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition defined by extreme energy in the form of frequent and severe hyperactivity and attention deficits and impulsiveness. ADHD is a prevalent mental disorder in childhood, and it affects around 60percent of them throughout adulthood. ADHD in adults is linked to plenty of negative outcomes, including unemployment, crime, family conflicts, and accidents. The incidence of ADHD is predicted to be 3.4 percent in adults worldwide, with substantial variation among geographical areas while rates in young people are significantly higher.
Impulsivity:
The Phrase “Act before think” is usually referred to as impulsivity. In a person with ADHD, impulsivity is quite likely to persist into adulthood. Individuals with ADHD have impulsivity, which may be the cause of most of the impairment they experience in their everyday lives.
People who suffer from impulsivity are frequently irritable when it comes to standing in line. An individual with ADHD has temper tantrums, reckless behavior, they usually interfere with others’ discussions or games, for example, Indulging in dangerous, antisocial, or irresponsible behavior without considering the outcomes. Individuals with ADHD usually have problems controlling their emotions. Emotional distress adds to functional disability in ADHD. The ADHD symptom also had a weaker personality, in addition to a poorer quality of life. Low self-esteem has been seen in both childhood and adolescence.
Impulsive behavior is a crucial factor in the diagnosis of ADHA and understanding etiology, many people think of ADHD as a typical impulsive disorder. The phrase impulsivity covers a broad spectrum of behaviors and actions that are improper, immature, and frequently lead to unfavorable results. As a result, someone with ADHD is more inclined to disturb others or engage in risky behavior without thinking about the outcomes. Impulsivity can show up in a different way, such as a proclivity for drug abuse, coexistence with other impulsive disorders, and hyperactivity.
People struggle to complete even the simplest chores due to a lack of attention and easy distraction. Those who have been diagnosed with ADHD have a variety of daily challenges that they cannot manage without assistance.
Impulsivity is a human nature characteristic that may be simultaneously advantageous and destructive to our daily lives. The capacity to respond on impulse enables us to grasp a wonderful chance or make a bad judgment that we eventually regret. Although impulsivity can be seen as typical human behavior, it has been linked to mental problems such as ADHD, hyperactivity, drug misuse, and psychological disorders. It’s been proposed that impulsivity isn’t a one-size-fits-all trait and that elevations in various components of impulsivity might indicate distinct forms of ADHD.
Picking:
Skin picking disorder (SPD) is defined as scratching the skin regularly, causing tissue injury and significant suffering. People usually pick their skin for a variety of reasons. They might have suffered from a health problem like ADHD. Skin plucking and other repetitive habits are also prevalent indicators of ADHD.
Managing Picking and impulsivity in ADHD”
People with ADHD who are impulsive allow their first reactions to determine their behavior; they act on what they feel rather than what they think. It will take time and hard work to reduce impulsivity, but an individual can control it using different methods, one might be mindful meditation. This exercise encourages individuals to be attentive and conscious of themselves. Another practice that might help individuals to manage their emotions is martial arts.
Skin plucking and other repetitive habits are also prevalent indicators of ADHD. Skin picking conditions can result in open sores, lesions, and substantial mental suffering if left untreated. Due to their negative perceptions of their looks, individuals with skin disease may withdraw socially and avoid engaging with family members and friends. Determining triggers, treating the habit, and controlling the symptoms or psychological disorders are all treatments of skin picking disorder.
References
MALLOY-DINIZ, L., FUENTES, D., LEITE, W., CORREA, H., & BECHARA, A. (2007). Impulsive behavior in adults with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder: Characterization of attentional, motor and cognitive impulsiveness. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 13(4), 693-698. doi:10.1017/S1355617707070889
Kessler RC, Adler L, Ames M, Demler O, Faraone S, Hiripi E, Howes MJ, Jin R, Secnik K, Spencer T, Ustun TB, et al. The World Health Organization Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS): a short screening scale for use in the general population. Psychol Med. 2005; 35(2):245–56. [PubMed: 15841682]
Kessler RC, Adler L, Barkley R, Biederman J, Conners CK, Demler O, Faraone SV, Greenhill LL, Howes MJ, Secnik K, Spencer T, et al. The prevalence and correlates of adult ADHD in the United States: results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Am J Psychiatry. 2006; 163(4): 716–23. [PubMed: 16585449]
Vingilis E, Mann RE, Erickson P, Toplak M, Kolla NJ, Seeley J, Jain U. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, other mental health problems, substance use, and driving: examination of a population-based, representative canadian sample. Traffic Inj Prev. 2014; 15(Suppl 1):S1–9.
Dogs have long been known as the most loyal companion one can own. They are sentimental, empathetic, and caring towards the owner. But can a dog help someone with a mental disorder? Is a family dog truly a solution to your family’s ADHD symptoms? Let’s find out!
It is a known fact that ADHD is more common in children than adults. According to research, around 6 million children in the US alone are diagnosed with ADHD or ADD and the cases are still rising. However, the good news is that we now have several treatment options to deal with ADHD symptoms. Can a dog be the answer to your ADHD symptoms? Read on to find out!
How can family dogs help relieve ADHD symptoms?
Dogs, as we know, have a very friendly nature which makes us all want to have at least one in our house. If you are suspecting ADHD in any family member, investing in a therapy dog might be the best idea for you and your family.
Following are a few benefits of owning a family dog while struggling through ADHD symptoms:
Keeps you occupied
People with ADHD tend to feel lonely even when surrounded by friends and family. Therefore, having a pet as an additional family member is always a good choice, best; if it’s a dog. Whenever you don’t feel like socializing much, you can play around with it, paying your goodbyes to the loneliness.
Helps you stay calm
We know how dogs keep us happy and cheerful all day long. They can help us stay calm and composed in the toughest of situations, sometimes; by testing our patience and other times simply by giving a warm hug.
Empower your self-esteem
Studies suggest that interacting with dogs strikes a sense of positivity in oneself. To test this, a randomized trial was performed to compare ADHD patients with family dogs to those without a dog, the results showed a positive change in behavior of the former group. Hence, having a dog around does strengthen your self-esteem preparing you to face the more difficult challenges in the future.
Helps you maintain a social life
People with ADHD find it difficult to stay connected with other people. Having a therapy dog around can help them learn the art of socializing, especially with other dog owners. Moreover, they reduce your stress level and help get rid of the impulsive behavior that may ruin one’s social life otherwise.
Teaches you management skills
This is probably the best thing you would learn from a dog. Organizing and managing are the two skills that usually people with ADHD lack. And what better way to learn it than by scheduling your dog’s routine?
From their playtime to evening walks, and breakfast to dinner, you are in charge of everything. It’s a huge responsibility, as well as a fun task to do every day. Moreover, it helps you stay organized in your life and focus better on important things that you otherwise might forget about.
Helps control your emotions
Being neurodiverse can affect one’s capability of thinking straight. But being around a dog and taking responsibility for petting one can strengthen your emotional stability severalfold. This way, children with ADHD can perform well academically, avoid negativity, and make better decisions in the long run.
As much as dogs love attention from their owners, they know how to give it back when the time comes. This is why dogs are the best option and an answer to your family’s ADHD symptoms. They know when and how to give you love and attention when you are in dire need of them.
What is the best dog breed for people with ADHD?
Dogs have qualified as true emotional support animals for ADHD patients after several studies and research. There are tons of dog breeds that you can opt for. It’s all up to your preference to find the best one for your family.
Here are a few shortlisted dog breeds that are capable of being the best choice to help alleviate ADD symptoms:
Labrador Retriever
Beagle
Golden Retriever
Cairn Terrier
Poodles
The best thing about owning a dog is that the need for medications subsides once you invest in a family dog. However, that’s not the case with all ADHD patients. Therefore, always consult your therapist before withdrawing any medications.
Business owners are often attributed to people with decent energy levels, who are willing to take risks, and who show adaptability in times of calamity.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition defined by extreme energy in the form of frequent and severe hyperactivity and attention deficits, as per the American Psychiatric Association (2013). It is primarily caused by mental “disinhibition” or a lack of constraint. ADHD affects around 8.4percent of infants and 2.5 percent of adults. ADHD is frequently detected in school children. It is more common in males than females, especially in school-going children.
Cause of ADHD
The underlying pathophysiology of ADHD is still unknown, but researchers have confirmed that the disorder is neurobiological and determined by genetic factors, with genetic makeup accounting for 60–75 percent of total cases. Even though ADHD seems to be quite persistent, the majority of teenagers continue to have symptoms into adolescence.
ADHD and work environment:
 ADHD is linked to “deficiencies” including responding without thinking, limited attention, and a lack of patience when faced with repetitive activities, people who exhibit such behaviour may struggle to meet the demands of a typical work setting. They choose activities that don’t need constant monitoring and allow them to work alone. Because of their impulsive nature, they are more likely to act without considering the outcomes, endangering their managers or colleagues. Their dissociative symptoms, which stem from a lack of inhibitory control, may make it difficult for them to engage in tasks that need continuous attention.
Individuals who are engaged in such behavior are more likely to have poor work performance and adverse effects in a workplace setting to become jobless. Even though they have greater intellectual levels, they are rarely seen in higher-ranking job positions.
ADHD and business ownership:
Economists have applauded such “disorganised people” for their potential to visualize and build innovative situations, breaking through odd business conventions and resistance. Individuals with ADHD may excel other individuals in various workplace settings, such as positions that require quick and creative decision-making, if they can build “adaptability” techniques to overcome their “deficiencies.” People with greater degrees of ADHD behavior but who have not been diagnosed positively for ADHD on a clinical scale are a better match for business ownerships, which boosts their entrepreneurial goals. When it comes to offering superior services, people with ADHD are typically attentive. Individuals with ADHD may be well-suited to running a small business. Their impulsive thinking and ability to take challenges make them remarkable businessmen.
People with ADHD are more interested in jobs that allow them to work autonomously. A high level of independence and autonomy is widely regarded as a universal motivator for new ventures and entrepreneurial goals. Business ownership not only blends well with ADHD behavior due to the lack of a structured and organized work environment, but it also necessitates qualities and talents that are typically linked with people who display ADHD behavior. The weaker inhibitory control attention – Deficit/hyperactivity has a variety of behavioral effects, including trouble focusing attention on a specific activity, and mind wandering. Though this may impede productivity in the workplace, especially in terms of “in-role efficiency,” a “unrestrained imagination” has been proven to be beneficial to innovative thinking.
Adults with ADHD are also better at occupations that demand to reason, accomplish tasks with more creativity, and have a higher motivation to generate new ideas. Adults with ADHD are quickly distracted when performing “boring, typical” activities, according to the APA, and tend to be more productive when working in new environments or engaging in tasks that they like. Adults with ADHD behavior are more inclined to seek occupational skills that enable them to employ their creativity because they appear to be more innovative and prefer non-repetitive tasks. At the same time, motivation for having entrepreneurial goals and pursuing an entrepreneurial venture is to create something new which distinguish business owners from non-business owners
There is evidence of successful entrepreneurs, for example, David, Neeleman (JetBlue Airlines’ founder), and Paul (Kinko’s founder) have Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder.
How can we help people with ADHD in their business careers?
We can help those individuals by raising awareness of what motivates and drives these individuals in their careers, as well as assisting them in choosing a career that is in line with their goals and capabilities.
References:
Barkley, R. A., & Murphy, K. (2010). Impairment in occupa-tional functioning and adult AD/HD: The predictive utilityof executive function (EF) ratings versus EF tests.Archivesof Clinical Neuropsychology, 25, 157–173.
de Graaf, R., Kessler, R. C., Fayyad, J., ten Have, M., Alonso, J.,Angermeyer, M., et al. (2008). The prevalence and effectsof adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD)on the performance of workers: results from the WHOWorld Mental Health Survey Initiative.Occupational andEnvironmental Medicine, 65(12), 835–842.
American Psychiatric Association. (2013).Diagnostic and sta-tistical manual of mental disorders: DSM V(5th ed.).Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Press.
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. Sleep disruptions that cause insufficient sleep or segmentation in an afflicted individual can cause considerable daytime weariness and affect mood, concentration, behaviour, and physical wellbeing, all of which are important for education productivity and good quality of life. Even though sleep disturbances are widespread in individuals with ADHD, concomitant sleep disorders are frequently neglected and addressed in this group.
The relationship between sleep difficulties and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The order to ensure the quality of sleep issues, for example, is used to diagnose sleep problems using rigorous subjective and/or objective criteria. Specific sleep abnormalities have been linked to ADHD or ADHD-like symptoms, and screening for sleep issues and disorders has been suggested as part of the original diagnostic and ongoing treatment of Adults with ADHD.
Insufficient sleep-in kids have been related to neurocognitive, neuropsychiatric, and functional aspects that are similar to those seen in ADHD. Experimental lack of sleep has been demonstrated to alter neurobehavioral performance in typically developing children, as well as attention and greater cognitive function. Despite the widespread belief that ‘counterintuitive’ hyperactivity exists, no experimental investigation has yet shown that sleep deprivation causes hyperactivity, impulsivity, or externalising behaviours in children. Daytime drowsiness has a cognitive reaction. Short sleep duration, on the other hand, has been associated with ADHD-like symptoms and behaviours as measured by families and teachers in recent epidemiological studies in children with typical development.
What’s the Biology Behind the ADHD-Sleep Connection? Sleep disturbances in ADHD may be a consequence of inadequate awakening, vigilance, and control neural pathways. Sleep disturbances in ADHD may be a consequence of inadequate awakening, vigilance, and control neural pathways. Other research shows that ADHD sleep symptoms are caused by a delayed circadian rhythm, which leads in a later beginning of dopamine production.Regardless of the fact that certain sleep problems and Behavior problems are similar, study has refused to spot regular sleeping irregularities in ADHD patients. The soothing effects of stimulant medications, which are widely recommended for ADHD, help people sleep much better. Psychoactive drug medicines, on the other hand, can cause a variety of sleep problems in their own sense for many individuals. Sleep problems are likely to further increase by underlying symptoms such as depression, sadness, or alcoholism, as well as poor sleep quality.
Common sleep disorders Sleep problems are common that make it difficult to get a good night’s amount of sleep. The average human need 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Depending on their age group, infants and older kids may require 8 to 14 hours of sleep a night. Among people with ADHD, the following sleep difficulties are common: restless legs disease.
Insomnia Insomnia is a common symptom in which falling asleep, staying asleep, or both is difficult. Insomniacs don’t normally feel rested when they wake up. It may be difficult for them to function normally during the day as a result of this.
Insomnia can harm: the overall quality of life mood energy state. It becomes more frequent as people grow older, as their sleeping habits and general health alter.
Sleep problems treatment It’s critical to have a good treatment strategy for sleep difficulties in individuals with ADHD. This frequently entails counselling or medication treatments that aid in the restoration of regular sleep patterns. Some typical examples therapeutic procedures are as follows:
Cognitive behavioural therapy It can teach you how to control or remove stress and worries that hold you awake at night. Before going to sleep, try relaxation exercises like meditation and deep breathing exercises to calm you down.
Light therapy It can enable you adjust your internal clock so that you try to sleep at a more reasonable hour. sensory management, which can advise you how to make the most use of your time. sensory control, which can instruct you how to minimize the time you spend in mattress without deep sleep so that your bed gets synonymous with slumber. Insufficient sleep is when you restrict the amount of time needed onyour bedding active or sleeping. Individuals with sleep disruption can benefit from a couple medical treatments. Although sleep medicine may not be suitable for persons with ADHD, you can consult a doctor about using supplements14 or adjusting your drug schedule to make it more conducive to sleep. Some persons with ADHD find that taking their prescription about an hour before having to wake up helps them remain alert.
Adults with ADHD are more likely than people without ADHD to have bad driving accidents. Adults with ADHD have had more accidents than adults without ADHD, even when other diseases are taken into consideration. In a startling analogy, uncontrolled ADHD symptoms in an adult driver might affect the driver’s driving skills in a way that mimics driving while inebriated. Intellectual functioning difficulties and other ADHD symptoms such as bad judgment, risk-taking, and adrenaline rush inclinations, all lead to these heightened risks. Distractions may result from lack of attention, and impulsivity can result in bad reflexes to other drivers or road circumstances. People with ADHD tend to exaggerate their driving skills while having less experience of driving than their counterparts.
Distracted Driving During low intensity, or dull, riding, drivers with ADHD appear to be particularly susceptible to diversions. Hard and highway driving, where excessive speed might increase the risk of major accidents, are examples of boring driving. Changing music channels, doing make-up, smoking, drinking, conversing with some other person in the car, and thinking are all examples of diversions. Diversions produced by children or in-vehicle amusement systems designed for rear occupants must be considered by families who drive small kids. When dealing with ADHD symptoms, these factors enhance the likelihood of bad driving, which can result in automobile accidents and disasters. Cellphones and Music players should be set aside or switched off, and no meal should be consumed by individuals with ADHD. Knowing how to get to the goal and knowing how to get there will help you get there faster.
Tips for safe driving Drivers with ADHD can enhance their driving abilities and develop their pedestrian safety by following these steps: Avoiding distractions in driving, especially the use of devices, is important. This entails shutting off mobile phones or blocking all “alerts.” Know the road rules in your state, such as how to utilise turn neural impulses, flashers, and traffic zone requirements. If you have any questions about special laws, contact your government’s department of motor vehicles. If necessary, participate in and pass a driver education class that covers ADHD concerns. Create and stick to your ADHD medication regimen with the assistance of your medical professional. Consider the impact that medicine has been found to perform in enhancing driving abilities while doing so.
Automated Vehicle Control Systems Driver-assist technology, like safety belts and helmets, will soon be a standard kit in all new vehicles. These products can save lives, but they could also put drivers with ADHD in danger. Adaptive cruise, for example, may instantly stop the car to prevent backside somebody, lane management can keep the car from straying into the centre lane, and autopilot can prevent possible racing citations (if set at/below the legal limit). Fasten your seatbelts Wear your seatbelt at all times. As soon as you’re in the car, consider this one a part of your routine. Place a bright colours sticky note on your dashboard as a recall if necessary.
Insurance Most drivers should be aware of their country’s insurance regulations. Drivers having ADHD may also wish to speak with an insurance agent or person from a trustworthy firm about additional insurance coverage that matches their needs. Personal injury lawsuits may be covered by additional umbrellas insurance policies. Insurance costs are frequently raised for drivers who had multiple incidents, even rear bumper. Because drivers with ADHD are more likely to be involved in accidents than local drivers, they may wind up paying more for car insurance. Drivers must talk with an insurance provider about their concerns and individual driving histories, and search for a policy that fits their needs and offers safe-driving incentives. Parents, as well as peers, are important Parents and friends play a substantial effect in the driving results of teen drivers without ADHD, according to research. The same can be said for teenage drivers who have ADHD. Teenagers who have better relationships with their parents, for example, are less likely to drive recklessly. Teenagers who drive more securely are more likely to have parents who express less parenting conflict.
As a result, the parent-child bond is critical: the stronger your bond with your young driver, the more likely they are to follow your advice and drive carefully when you are not present. Your teenager is paying close attention to you (even if they don’t show it!). Many of the suggestions for breaking down the procedures to getting a driver’s license and driving include a lot of dialogue, dilemma, and negotiating between adults and young people. Families and adolescents with ADHD may discover working with a counsellor to learn these methods is beneficial.
Not every perfectionist is suffering from ADHD. Even people having ADHD may seem reckless many times and they often don’t pay attention to their tasks. However deep down, many people with ADHD show perfectionism in their behaviour.
What is Perfectionism?
Perfectionism isn’t about being good at a particular job but people with this trait thrive to do everything perfectly. Also, they take a lot of time while doing everyday tasks. Additionally, they can’t accept the fact that they can be mediocre at one thing or another.
For example, people with ADHD want to ace in their career, education, and at home simultaneously. This behavior triggers their anxiety constantly. Even peers around them find their need to be perfect irritating. Furthermore, they are prone to get involved in serious relationships and professional issues. However, according to some researches, it is evident that perfectionism is more common in females diagnosed with ADHD.
Anxiety with ADHD and Perfectionism
People with ADHD alongside perfectionism often suffer from anxiety daily. However, many issues can trigger their anxiety such as managing a heavy workload, having a fight with a partner, or attending a social event. People with ADHD tend to dissociate from their emotions which also causes them anxiety. In addition, having a financial crisis or irregular diet provokes an anxious state in ADHD.
Moreover, chronic anxiety develops a fear of failure in people diagnosed with ADHD. So, they start feeling that they are not worthy of having good things in life. That’s why in ADHD, people are most likely to overwork themselves but they are not satisfied with their quality of work.
Obsession with ADHD and Perfectionism
Another factor that connects ADHD and perfectionism is having obsessive behavior. Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD do feel distracted while working on a specific project. But they do hyper focus where they put extra effort while running a simple errand. That’s why people with ADHD work on a single task for days, even for months without having boredom.
Moreover, this sort of intensity also tells us about the obsessive thinking of perfectionists. In the same way, people with perfectionism will focus on a single task until they have done it perfectly or else, they won’t be moving to the next task. Also, perfectionists put extra effort on an errand to excel in their area. Thereby, both people with perfectionism and ADHD can overwork a single task without putting attention to the other aspects of their lives.
Apathy with ADHD and Perfectionism
People with both conditions, either ADHD or perfectionism find it difficult to understand others’ emotions. Moreover, perfectionists always see the world from their point of view. So, their keen interest is to complete a project or task. That’s why they don’t pay attention to others’ feelings nor do they think whether their intentions are hurting their peers or not.
Whereas in ADHD, people cannot often identify others’ emotions. Consequently, these people are apathetic towards others feeling and are self-centered. Moreover, it is hard for them to maintain effective communication. For instance, in ADHD, individuals cannot focus while listening to someone or holding proper eye contact.
Thereby, both individuals having ADHD and perfectionism don’t show empathy towards others which can cause issues in their personal or impersonal relationship.
How to manage ADHD and Perfectionism?
We have listed approaches down below that may help people to manage their ADHD alongside perfectionism:
Make a shift in your perspective
People with ADHD and perfectionism need to do work in how they perceive their surroundings. Perfectionists have high expectations while they are running after their goals. Therefore, they must find someone whom they trust so that person can review their approach towards their lives and can bring maturity within their goals. Furthermore, counselors can also tell those about the pros and cons of certain problems so they can make wiser decisions in their lives.
List down small reminders
People who are diagnosed with ADHD alongside perfectionism should list some reminders such as quotes, and phrases that may help them to change their perception. And they must put those reminders within their reaches such as on phone wallpaper or their desk. So, they can shift their thoughts on perfectionism.
Make little mistakes
People with ADHD and perfectionism need to make little mistakes in their lives so they don’t have to be perfect all the time. For instance, these people can wear mismatched socks, take extra hours of break, watch a show late at night to challenge their minds to form new patterns. Furthermore, these mistakes will help people with perfectionism and ADHD to understand their mentality better.
