Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While most commonly diagnosed in childhood, many individuals continue to struggle with ADHD well into adulthood. Living with adult ADHD can be challenging, but with the right strategies and support, it is possible to manage the symptoms and lead a fulfilling life.

Understanding Adult ADHD

Adult ADHD is similar to the childhood form of the condition, but with some differences in how it presents. Symptoms of adult ADHD include:

Difficulty concentrating or staying focused on tasks
Forgetfulness or disorganization
Impulsivity and poor decision-making
Restlessness or fidgeting
Difficulty completing tasks or following through on commitments

These symptoms can have a significant impact on daily life, affecting work, relationships, and overall well being. It is important to understand that ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder and not a personal failing or character flaw.

Managing Adult ADHD

The first step in managing adult ADHD is to seek a professional diagnosis from a qualified healthcare provider. A thorough evaluation may involve questionnaires, interviews, and testing to rule out other conditions that may mimic ADHD symptoms.

Once diagnosed, treatment options may include medication, therapy, or a combination of the two. Medications such as stimulants and non-stimulants can be effective in managing symptoms, but they may also have side effects and are not suitable for everyone. Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help individuals develop strategies to manage symptoms and improve executive function.

In addition to formal treatment, there are several self-help strategies that can be effective in managing adult ADHD. These include:

Develop a routine: Establishing a regular schedule for tasks such as work, exercise, and sleep can help individuals with ADHD stay organized and focused. Novelty-seeking behavior is a common trait in individuals with ADHD, both in children and adults. To deal with this, you may try to spice up your routine by making small changes to keep things interesting.
Find New Challenges: Rather than seeking novelty in unpredictable or risky behavior, channel that desire for new experiences into positive outlets. Try new hobbies or activities that challenge your mind and keep you engaged, such as learning a new language, taking up an instrument, or joining a sports league.
Minimize distractions: Individuals with ADHD can be highly sensitive to distractions, so it is essential to minimize them as much as possible. This may involve working in a quiet space, turning off notifications on electronic devices, or using noise-cancelling headphones.
Use Reminders: Alarms and reminders can be very helpful for individuals with ADHD who struggle with forgetfulness, disorganization, and time management. By setting reminders for important tasks, appointments, and deadlines, individuals with ADHD can stay on track and reduce the likelihood of missing important events or deadlines. Most smartphones have built-in alarms and reminders that can be easily customized to suit individual needs. Set reminders for important tasks, appointments, and deadlines throughout the day to ensure that nothing is forgotten. Experiment with different types of reminders: Some people respond better to visual reminders, while others prefer auditory reminders. Try different types of reminders to see what works best for you.
Body Doubling: Body doubling is a technique used to help individuals with ADHD stay focused and on task. It involves having another person in the same room while the individual is working on a task, providing a sense of accountability and reducing the likelihood of distraction. The concept of body doubling is based on the idea that individuals with ADHD often struggle with self-regulation and need external support to stay on task. By having someone else in the room, the individual with ADHD is less likely to get distracted or lose focus. The other person is not necessarily there to provide help or guidance, but simply to provide a physical presence and a sense of accountability. Body doubling can be particularly helpful for individuals with ADHD who work from home or struggle with procrastination. It can also be effective for tasks that are particularly challenging or tedious, such as paying bills or doing paperwork.
Get support: Support from friends, family, or a therapist can be crucial in managing adult ADHD. Joining a support group or finding an accountability partner can also be helpful.

Improve your Quality of Life

Seeing a counselor or therapist can be a helpful tool for managing ADHD symptoms and improving your overall quality of life. Here are some things we can help you with:

Coping with emotional challenges: Adults with ADHD often struggle with emotional regulation, such as managing stress and anxiety. A counselor can help develop coping skills and techniques to better manage these emotions.
Improving self-esteem: Many adults with ADHD struggle with low self-esteem, particularly in areas such as organization, time management, and completing tasks. A counselor can help identify strengths and develop strategies to build confidence and self-esteem.
Developing healthy habits: Counselors can help individuals with ADHD develop healthy habits and routines that can improve overall quality of life. This may include developing a consistent sleep schedule, improving nutrition, and incorporating regular exercise into daily routines.
Addressing relationship challenges: ADHD can affect relationships, particularly in areas such as communication and organization. A counselor can help individuals with ADHD and their partners or family members develop strategies for improving communication and building stronger relationships.
Managing work and academic challenges: Many adults with ADHD struggle with work or academic performance due to difficulties with focus, organization, and time management. A counselor can help develop strategies for managing these challenges and achieving success.

Help with Adult ADHD in the Denver Area

Adult ADHD can be frustrating and challenging to deal with. However, by identifying the signs of this behavior and using effective communication and boundary-setting strategies, you can manage this behavior and improve your relationships. We’re here to help you deal with your ADHD in the Denver Area. We invite you to call us at 720-551-4553 for a free 20-minute phone consultation with a therapy specialist. Click here learn more about our Therapy Services