How to Live With a Person With Adult ADD

Attention Deficit Disorder, or ADD, is most commonly associated with children. However, it can also affect adults. The symptoms are similar to those exhibited by youngsters. Help Guide says the symptoms include problems concentrating, disorganization and impulsivity. All of these things can impact an adult's life and his relationships with others. If you are living with a person who has adult ADD, you must take some steps to minimize the impact of his symptoms on your household.

Instructions

• 1

  Identify the symptoms that are causing the most problems. For example, the person with adult ADD may be making impulsive decisions that are causing financial issues, or she may be making promises and not following through due to trouble concentrating. Come up with specific examples of how the adult ADD is affecting you.

• 2

  Share the list of problems and examples with the person who has adult ADD. Don't do it in an adversarial way. The objective is not to put blame on her. The problems are being identified so you can work with her to create an action plan.

• 3

  Devise a plan to deal with the symptoms that are causing problems. For example, if the person is making impulsive decisions that cost money, get her agreement to call you before spending anything above a pre-set limit. If she is not following through with promises, get her commitment to put the promises in writing along with a deadline. You can use the written commitment as an objective reminder instead of continually nagging her.

• 4

  Support the person's treatment program. Many adults with ADD are on medication. Some see a therapist or life coach to help them learn how to manage their symptoms in daily life. Be supportive of all efforts to treat the ADD appropriately.

• 5

  Hold the person accountable. Some adults with ADD get stuck in a victim role, using their ADD to justify bad behavior and poor choices. ADD may be challenging, but it can be overcome with proper treatments and cognitive techniques. Refuse to let the person blame his actions on his ADD.