How to deal with ADHD in everyday life
This guide will show how medication, changing patterns of behaviour and developing goals can help someone manage life with ADHD.
Key points:
- Although it is not necessary for managing symptoms of ADHD, a diagnosis may warrant the prescription of stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) or dextroamphetamine (Adderall)
- A person living with ADHD should hold themselves accountable beyond simply taking medication, including the development of a routine, a natural sleeping schedule and a balanced lifestyle, including a proper diet and exercise
- When possible, make a note and set a respective alarm for commitments or subscriptions, as forgetfulness will come at the expense of your budget and relationships
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts the lives of people who live with it, through symptoms such as: hyperactivity, inattentive behaviour, a lack of impulse control and forgetfulness.
These symptoms can impact self-esteem, personal and professional success, relationships and wellbeing.
This edition of Disability Support Guide will discuss ADHD and how a person living with the condition can realise their true potential through working to change patterns of behaviour which may hold them back.
In particular, this guide will show how medication, changing patterns of behaviour and developing goals can help someone manage life with ADHD.
ADHD in Children
ADHD is a common diagnosis among children and can often progress into adulthood. Children with ADHD can lack control over their emotions and can often react aggressively without thinking about the impact of their actions on their peers.
Parents most commonly tend to think that ADHD will fade away as the child grows up, but studies have suggested that ADHD can intensify with age and affect the child’s behaviour in school and among their social circle.
Urban myths can cause a lot of anxiety among new parents in today’s internet era. To burst some of these, excessive sugar consumption or excessive exposure to a television screen do not cause ADHD in children. Another common opinion is that food allergies contribute to ADHD, and similar to the former myths, this too lacks any evidence to support it.
Medication
One thing that is often misunderstood about the disorder is how medication works for someone with ADHD, because giving someone who presents as hyperstimulated a stimulant… Seems kind of pointless at face value.
However, following a diagnosis and prescription, people with ADHD can take their medication as per the directions of their specialist and find a sense of focus for tasks that they would otherwise feel unable to complete.
Sometimes, it may not be beneficial to take medication in order to manage the condition, but people with ADHD often find it to assist in having the willpower to stick with one task, rather than leave it unfinished or ignore it entirely.
In school or university, the people in your classroom or taking notes in a lecture hall on a computer can present a way to escape something that isn’t engaging, but medication may help to isolate an area of focus.
Similar to how adrenaline operates during moments of danger in order to focus on survival, helping someone who is hyperactive with stimulant medication can let them to ignore challenges in order to accomplish their goals.
Another thing to keep in mind for people with ADHD is that different laws apply for medication, particularly when travelling overseas, as countries such as Japan have outlawed prescription stimulants. Additionally, countries such as America have legalised controlled prescriptions of Adderall (dexamphetamine), whereas it is illegal to import or sell in Australia.
Ensuring that a child with ADHD is taking their medication, if necessary, is something to discuss with their specialist and for adults living with the condition, is something to consider taking with water and food, as needed.
Changing patterns of behaviour
If you have ADHD, a charged phone may just be your best friend. The alarm function, with the ability to write notes relating to each alarm you set can allow you to overcome the obstacles associated with memory and ensure that you can prepare for deadlines.
Calendars, colour coding and letting others know to remind you of different things, including getting ready for events, can assist with productivity, performance and personal success.
A proper sleep pattern, (seven or more hours for an adult, eight – ten hours for ages 13 – 18 and nine to ten for ages 6 – 12) can offset some of the lethargic and inattentive qualities of ADHD, along with improve cognitive performance overall and help with keeping to routines and schedules.
One thing to keep in mind for adults living with ADHD is the nature of subscription models and particularly of so-called “therapy” apps which rely on subscription models to treat ADHD. Many of these apps target forgetful people intentionally in order to charge money over time and without direct attention.
Setting goals and finding support
Incentivising yourself, your child or someone you care about who lives with ADHD can be a powerful motivational tool.
Rewards or outcomes can assist with justifying effort, focus and time, as it gives people a reason, be it video games, money or sweets.
As seen in the Disability Support Guide on disabilities not covered by the NDIS, access to funding is not typically available without comorbid (multiple conditions overlapping) conditions leading to significant impairment.
However, the support guide portal for therapists and specialists may help with behavioural training, ongoing support and professional development.
Additionally, the guide to creating a Behaviour Support Plan may be of value in hitting targets and changing your life around.
Related content:
Education rights for students with disability