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Adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be managed successfully with a combination of therapy, medication and lifestyle changes.
If you can, find a psychologist and/or psychiatrist with experience in adult ADHD.
Medication
The medication is similar to that prescribed for children: stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and methylphenidate hydrochloride (Concerta), the non-stimulant atomoxetine (Strattera) and sometimes medications that are both anti-depressants and stimulants. These help improve concentration and fight hyperactivity.
Psychologist Peter Collis says one of his patients, a chartered accountant, took work home every night and worked until after 10 pm until he started taking methylphenidate. On the medication he finished work by 4.30 pm.
Therapy
Therapists help you overcome stress and anxiety. Your self-image may also need rehabilitation because many people with ADHD blame themselves instead of their condition for failures. Learning skills such as conflict management, anger management and organisation are helpful.
Lifestyle
Healthy eating habits and exercise are a vital part of ADHD management.
“There’s no reason why a person with ADHD shouldn’t lead a normal life,” Kim Coppen, who lives with ADHD, says. “But you must understand the condition. Then you’ll also understand the patterns, recognise the symptoms and manage them on the spot.”
Survival tips for sufferers
• Choose a career that really stimulates your interest. People with ADHD are often very creative and talented and can be very successful if their ADHD is controlled. Celebrities with ADHD include actor Woody Harrelson and swimmer Michael Phelps.
• E-mail programmes and cell phones have all the functions necessary to organise your day. Make lists, set up a daily planner, send yourself texts and reminders, make notes on your phone and set an alarm if you need to remember commitments.
• Before you overreact, learn to count to 10.
• If you have too much energy, look for an outlet in the form of a hobby or exercise.
• Be aware of substance abuse and the risks of self-medication.
• Scale down on perfectionism. "Don’t aim for gold; silver is fine," psychologist Peter Collis says.
• Explain ADHD to your colleagues and family so they can understand your behaviour better.
If you can, find a psychologist and/or psychiatrist with experience in adult ADHD.
Medication
The medication is similar to that prescribed for children: stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and methylphenidate hydrochloride (Concerta), the non-stimulant atomoxetine (Strattera) and sometimes medications that are both anti-depressants and stimulants. These help improve concentration and fight hyperactivity.
Psychologist Peter Collis says one of his patients, a chartered accountant, took work home every night and worked until after 10 pm until he started taking methylphenidate. On the medication he finished work by 4.30 pm.
Therapy
Therapists help you overcome stress and anxiety. Your self-image may also need rehabilitation because many people with ADHD blame themselves instead of their condition for failures. Learning skills such as conflict management, anger management and organisation are helpful.
Lifestyle
Healthy eating habits and exercise are a vital part of ADHD management.
“There’s no reason why a person with ADHD shouldn’t lead a normal life,” Kim Coppen, who lives with ADHD, says. “But you must understand the condition. Then you’ll also understand the patterns, recognise the symptoms and manage them on the spot.”
Survival tips for sufferers
• Choose a career that really stimulates your interest. People with ADHD are often very creative and talented and can be very successful if their ADHD is controlled. Celebrities with ADHD include actor Woody Harrelson and swimmer Michael Phelps.
• E-mail programmes and cell phones have all the functions necessary to organise your day. Make lists, set up a daily planner, send yourself texts and reminders, make notes on your phone and set an alarm if you need to remember commitments.
• Before you overreact, learn to count to 10.
• If you have too much energy, look for an outlet in the form of a hobby or exercise.
• Be aware of substance abuse and the risks of self-medication.
• Scale down on perfectionism. "Don’t aim for gold; silver is fine," psychologist Peter Collis says.
• Explain ADHD to your colleagues and family so they can understand your behaviour better.
