Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD)
A recent study by researchers at Harvard found that 4% of American adults continue to suffer from symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Many of these people have no idea that ADHD is causing many of their problems.
Note that, despite the name, individuals can have ADHD with or without hyperactivity. Whether someone has ADHD has no relationship at all to his or her intelligence level. In fact, people with high intelligence often suffer more when they have ADHD, because it may never have been diagnosed in childhood. When you were a child, your teachers and parents may have seen that you did well in some subjects, and so they did not identify the ADHD, instead saying things like “You need to try harder” or “you’re lazy.”
Here are some signs that you may be suffering from ADHD:
- Your relationship partner often complains that you’re not listening
- People have often told you that you are an underachiever in school
- Your grades in school were uneven, with good grades in classes that you liked, and poor grades in subjects that you found dull
- You have great difficulty finishing boring and tedious tasks
- You are easily distracted and have difficulty completing tasks
- You feel like a failure, or you have low self-esteem
- You struggle with time management skills and lose track of details
- Your personal finances are disorganized
- You frequently lose track of personal items or appointments
- You tend to blurt things out in social situations, then regret it
- You feel restless and squirmy during long meetings, especially when bored
Of course, there are many other potential reasons for any of these difficulties, so a careful examination by a trained professional is necessary for an accurate diagnosis. You might be interested in filling out this questionnaire before your appointment if you wonder if you have ADHD. Again, note that even if your responses on this questionnaire are suggestive of ADHD, other emotional problems could be causing the symptoms, so we should carefully examine potential alternatives when we meet.
ADHD can be effectively treated through a combination of psychotherapy and/or medications. Often people with ADHD have emotional difficulties, such as anxiety or depression, as well. We can work together to make an accurate diagnosis, help you with self-understanding, and problem-solve to increase your productivity and coping skills.
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Please contact me if you are interested in learning more at 773-859-1822 or e-mail me.