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Tips for Adults With ADD

Despite the overwhelming belief that attention deficit disorder is reserved for young children, many adults suffer from it as well. Having ADD can affect how people perform at work as well as other environments in which they may feel inadequate. The adult with ADD has options, though, that will make the disorder much easier to live with.

  1. See a Doctor and Learn About ADD

    • If you are unsure of the diagnosis, talking to your doctor may be an important step in managing the disorder. Even if you don't have ADD, your symptoms may point to another problem that your doctor is able to address. Talk to your doctor as openly as possible about all the problems that lead you to believe you have adult ADD and learn as much as you can about the disorder. It's important to know all about your condition when trying to manage it so that you don't blame yourself.

      Your doctor may also prescribe a medication to help you control your ADD in the short term while you develop long-term habits to help your symptoms. Talk to your doctor about the different medications and any concerns you might have about dependence or similar issues.

    Talk to Your Boss

    • If you are employed and struggle at work, talk to your supervisor. Explain the condition and all the symptoms that manifest at work. If you have any ideas, put them forward, but ask your boss what she thinks as well. She might have dealt with a similar problem previously, and may know a few things that will help. Depending on the symptoms you struggle with, you might suggest being isolated from other coworkers or perhaps suggest taking many short breaks instead of a few longer ones.

    Keep Healthy

    • A lot of conditions can be helped immensely with diet and exercise modifications. Be mindful of what you consume and when. For example, caffeine can exacerbate the symptoms of attention deficit disorder. Cutting it from your diet may improve your ability to control these symptoms. Frequent and vigorous exercise can also be a big benefit to people struggling with ADD as it releases a lot of energy. Surprisingly, a stricter, regular sleep schedule can also show benefits in people working with their attention deficit disorder.

    Organize

    • Keeping track of paperwork and other items can be a struggle when trying to cope with ADD. That's why it's important to have an organization plan in place. This might include systems for alphabetizing receipts or simply making a note of every transaction made in a specified notebook. Start by fixing the areas you notice most and simplify that area as much as possible by eliminating anything unnecessary or that you are likely to lose track of.

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