Main Line NAMI Forum Presentation on ADD in Adults
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Created September 2013 ADD in Adults Presented by NAMI PA, Main Line, an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Presenter: Ellen Berman MD EllenBermanMD.com 610 667 4617 Please view the final slide for NAMI PA, Main Line contact information.
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ADD/ADHD makes life challenging, both for the person struggling with the problem, and family members. Because of its genetic basis, it is frequently found in several members of a family. It may co-occur with depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder, making diagnosis and treatment complex. However, it need not stop people from having happy and successful lives. Our speakers will discuss symptoms of ADD/ADHD in children and adults and frequently used medication and behavioral therapies. Coping mechanisms for the parents and sibs of ADD children and partners of ADD adults will be reviewed.
Transcript of Main Line NAMI Forum Presentation on ADD in Adults
Created September 2013
ADD in AdultsPresented by NAMI PA, Main Line,
an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental IllnessPresenter:
Ellen Berman MDEllenBermanMD.com
610 667 4617
Please view the final slide for NAMI PA, Main Line contact information.
Who is a family member of an adult with ADD?
What questions do you come with?
What is ADD?
Biologically based
Genetic component
Deficit in “executive functioning”: a basic capacity that includes inhibition, planning, working memory and set shifting.
Does not imply decreased intelligence
Level of impairment very variable
Generally responsive to treatment
Diagnosis
More difficult to diagnose in adulthood Disorganized, forgetful, loses things Unable to complete tasks (easily bored,
procrastination, indecisiveness) Racing thoughts or wandering thoughts Misses social cues, difficulty collaborating Hyperactive: Impatient, constantly moving Symptoms must be present from before age 12 Symptoms must be severe, persistent, pervasive,
impairing
Problems and Strengths
Impulsive Disorganized Difficulty starting and completing tasks Job difficulties Higher divorce rate BUT Can be creative and fun Hyperfocus can get things done Often very good at spatial relationships, hands on
work, athletics
Co Occurring Problems
Learning differences
Depression
Anxiety
Substance abuse (commonly alcohol and marijuana)
Bipolar disorder
Increased rate of accidents (especially driving), arrests and antisocial behavior
Overlap bipolar and ADD
ADHD: poor follow through, poor listening skills, easily overwhelmed, inconsistent, forgetfulness
Bipolar-ADHD shared: hyperactivity, difficulty maintaining attention and focus (during highs), mood swings
Bipolar only: enduring dysphoric or euphoric mood, insomnia, delusions, decreased or increased sleep related to moods
Late Teenage and Launching
High use of substances
Difficulty studying, structuring life tasks in non-structured situations, such as college
Often one to two years behind socially
Driving accidents frequent
Impulsive sexuality, unsafe sex
Does not learn quickly from failures; may repeat same destructive behavior several times before changing
Relationship Issues in Adulthood
Forgetfulness/inability to stay on task or remember agreements
Hyperfocus on issues appears as disinterest in partner
Easily bored, hard to “linger”, high need for stimulation
Impulsiveness
Time management problems
Messiness; difficulty organizing home environment
Intent vs. ability to carry through
Sexual issues
Work Issues
Inability to complete tasks
Procrastination
Anger management
Trouble reading social cues
ADD and Parenting
Difficulty following through with routines or consequences
Time management difficulties make day to day activities difficult
Impatience/easily frustrated
May have difficulty reading child’s cues or emotions
Particular struggles when child is ADD as well
Parental arguments about strategy common and stressful for the child
Treatment
Accept the diagnosis and get treatment!! Work arounds ; do what you’re good at, delegate
what you’re bad at Get well enough organized to function at work and at
home. ADD coaching. Cognitive therapy. Go with the positive but don’t avoid the problems. Practice good communications and problem solving
with your partner Medication usually helps. Try it. Reaching for strengths
The Non ADD Partner
Frustrated and confused
Tired of doing most of the routine work
Worried about money
Feels as if partner is not listening
Feels as if they have another child in the house
How can the Partner/Family Help
Accept the diagnosis in your loved one.
Choose your battles; stay as calm as possible.
Do not suggest person is stupid, lazy or “just not trying”.
Look for and appreciate the positives.
Practice good communication skills .
Do the budget/child pickup/clean-up yourself if you are seriously upset by the difficulties. Trade for tasks the ADD person is good at.
Suggested reading and websites
Driven to Distraction: Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder from Childhood Through Adulthood. by Ed Hallowell and John Ratey
Delivered from Distraction: Getting the Most out of Life with Attention Deficit Disorder by Ed Hallowell and John Ratey
The ADHD Effect on Marriage: Understand and Rebuild Your Relationship in Six Steps. by Melissa Orlov
Is it You, Me or Adult ADD? Stopping the Roller Coaster When Someone You Love Has Attention Deficit Disorder. by Gina Pera
ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life. by Judith Kolberg and Kathleen Nadeau
The Disorganized Mind: Coaching Your ADHD Brain to Take Control of Your Tasks, Time and Talents. by Nancy A. Ratey
CHADD: www.chadd.org/. Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder. Excellent website for everyone
Local coaching for ADD adults: www.americoach.org/
Created September 2013
Presented by NAMI PA, Main Line an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness
All information is current as of publication date; please let us know if you encounter broken hyperlinks.
