A guide to practical insights and strategies on managing ADHD, enabling you to thrive in daily living with confidence and clarity.
Conditions
Let’s talk about ADHD
Overview
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is way more than an attention deficit. It’s a persistent pattern of inattention and hyperactivity combined with impulsivity, impinging on different areas of life. Be it missing deadlines, restlessness, or the incapacity to focus, ADHD can make ordinary tasks a challenge. Understanding ADHD forms the basis of dealing effectively with the condition.
Symptoms
Signs to watch
The ranges of ADHD symptoms vary so much from person to person. In knowing these signs alone, what is most important is getting professional advice for a confirmed diagnosis.
Inattention
Difficulty sustaining focus on tasks; frequently leaving out fine details or making careless mistakes due to lack of attention to detail, easily sidetracked
Hyperactivity
Fidgeting, tapping, or talking excessively in inappropriate settings
Impulsivity
Acting on impulse, interrupting others, or having trouble waiting for one’s turn
Disorganisation
Trouble organising tasks, keeping track of belongings, or following through on instructions.
Forgetfulness
Frequently forgetting daily activities, appointments, or things needed for an activity
Restlessness
Feeling internal restlessness, fidgeting even when sitting
Emotional Instability
Becoming easily frustrated, irritable, or experiencing frequent mood swings
Treatments
What Helps: Proven Strategies
Treatments focused on individual needs can help in keeping ADHD under control. Following are some of the effective strategies:
- Medication – Useful in developing focus and discouraging impulsive behaviour by using stimulants and non-stimulants.
- Behavioural Therapy – Various techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, assist in developing coping strategies and organisation skills.
- Lifestyle Interventions – Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and good sleep may affect the ADHD symptoms positively.
- Academic Assistance – These school or workplace accommodations can enable a patient with ADHD to keep up with his responsibilities effectively.
Tips & Tricks
Try for today
Let’s focus on what you can do right now, manageable and simple strategies that can help you navigate through the day. Here are some suggestions for “Try for today”:
Tips & Tricks
Try for tomorrow
Now, let’s focus on what you can do to grow and get better. Here we share some proactive strategies and resources that can help you not just survive, but thrive, as you journey towards overcoming depression.
Seek Help
When to seek professional help
If the symptoms are severely interfering with daily life, then it is necessary to seek professional help. Mental health professionals—like psychologists and psychiatrists—will diagnose the problem properly and then chart a course of treatment. Recall that getting help is among the most vital steps to maintain ADHD effectively and live a better life.
Dr Sarah Herniman
Clinical Psychologist
Sarah is an AHPRA-registered Clinical Psychologist, and is dedicated to helping individuals lead fulfilling lives. Learn more about Dr Sarah
