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What are Some Tools for Parents with ADHD?
Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is stressful enough when you are a child, but parents with ADHD face even greater challenges. While many resources have gone into researching and treating ADHD, very little of that research has focused on what to do if you are an adult afflicted with the condition. Fortunately, parents with ADHD can benefit from this research and adjust it to fit their own needs.
The key for those who think they may be parents with ADHD is to determine whether they may have had it as a child. ADHD is not something that develops in adulthood. To have it, an individual must have had it as a child. However, there are cases where it was never diagnosed.
One of the biggest keys for parents with ADHD is to understand that it can be overcome and treated. The biggest factor is medication. To find the medication that is right may take a little time. However, this can be significantly enhanced by going to a psychiatrist that has experience treating adults with ADHD. While the media may create a big hype over certain drugs, the best option is to work with your psychiatrist, not to try come up with your drug of choice solely by yourself.
Another method parents with ADHD have for dealing with the condition is to always be consciously aware of their organizational skills. Keeping organized is a big key to effectively staying on task, not matter what the assignment. Due to the fact that those with ADHD, by definition, have short attention spans, being organized can help parents with ADHD get things accomplished.
In some areas, there may be support groups in place designed specifically for adults who have ADHD. This may even be specialized further to parents with ADHD. At any rate, even an adult ADHD support group would be of some benefit to parents with ADHD, whether or not it is specifically tailored to them. Local psychiatrists should be able to provide some information on any support groups that may be available in your area.
Another effective strategy is to keep in mind any goal-directed activities parents with ADHD may have. Having goals, even if you do not have ADHD, is a good way to keep on track. However, doing so means reviewing those goals often and having the discipline to constantly remind yourself what those goals may be. Without following through, it is likely the goals you set will never be met.
For some, therapy is also helpful. This is usually done with a counselor, perhaps a psychologist, specifically equipped to deal with those who have ADHD. The therapist should help provide practical advice and encouragement along the way. While some may tend to shy away from one-on-one therapy, it is important to remember the therapist is not there to judge, but to aid.
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![ADHD may be treated with medication.]()
By: guysagneADHD may be treated with medication. -
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By: Sandor KacsoIt is important for parents with ADHD to remember that the condition can be overcome and treated.
Discussion Comments
Wow. Surely your situation now is tough, Your husband must be lucky to have you in his life. What I can say is that always stay by his side and always show him how much you care for him, because what an ADHD person needs more than treatment is the care, love and support of the people around him. About your concern of passing the condition of your future children, well I think that's the time you should consider help from ADHD expert and specialist. I've just remembered one of my friend saying something about ADHD Centre in London, which really helped their child who also had ADHD. I think they could help you also.
My husband has been diagnosed with the disorder and my in laws were completely shocked to find out. They agree that the symptoms existed when he was a child but they never thought of it as being out of the ordinary.
Thankfully my husband unknowingly had positive hobbies like exercise, body building and meditation that helped him balance out his symptoms a little bit and gather some concentration ability and organization in his life. But I imagine that not everyone who was not diagnosed as a child did the same.
My husband continues these hobbies still and does have medication to support him during stressful times as his symptoms generally get worse then. As for the forgetfulness, I try to help him with that by reminding him and updating his schedule for him regularly.
One thing I am worried about is that I read an article that ADHD is hereditary and is often found in grandparents, parents as well as in the children. We don't have kids yet, but I'm worried about the likelihood that our kids will also have ADHD.
The treatment options that is available for adults seem to be the same as options available for children with ADHD.
I guess the advantage of starting treatment from an early age is that you can find out what works for you from early on. Life becomes more stressful as we get older and even more when we are married and become parents. I can't imagine what it would be like to be diagnosed as an adult. I'm sure families and spouses need to be extra understanding. Especially if one spouse is unable to carry their share of responsibilities due to ADHD, it might pose problems for their marriage and parenthood.
I think visiting a marriage counselor and making sure that the marriage is not going to suffer due this health condition might be a good idea.
Coaching is also an important tool available to adults with ADHD.
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