ADD is a collection of mental and behavioral traits associated with creativity, intuition, high energy, distractibility, impatience, problems with time management, a love of excitement and innovation, and forgetfulness. It can cause many problems for the people who have it, including low achievement, low self-esteem, depression, relationship instability and substance abuse. .

I am experienced with effective approaches to helping people with Adult ADD. Treating ADD is not just getting the right medication. Many authorities now recognize that medication alone is not an adequate approach. Treatment should involve coaching and counseling that covers emotional swings, anger, the feeling of failure, and depression. In addition, good ADD counseling/coaching will cover benefits to be gained from nutrition, exercise, and relaxation. The counselor/coach will teach techniques to help keep track of items and times, to expand their creativity and spontaneity, and to find more enjoyment in life.

Until recently, ADD was considered a disorder of childhood, with the assumption that ADD/ADHD children would grow out of it. It is a myth that all children with ADD grow out of it. We now suspect that many people with ADD learn to deal with its challenges as they mature, while others continue to suffer from its impacts throughout their lives.

ADD can coexist with and be confused by symptoms of dyslexia and other learning difficulties, conduct disorder, PTSD, anxiety disorders, Tourette's syndrome and bipolar disorder.

ADD affects 5 to 8 percent of people, three-quarters of them male. Many more people of all ages show some of the traits of ADD, such as inattention and losing items, without suffering from severe problems.

ADD's causes are not known, but it seems to be genetic and biochemical. It can be made worse by brain damage, and, some specialists believe, by too much television during the developmental years. Signs of Adult ADD are almost always visible in childhood.

ADD/ADHD SIGNS OTHER PEOPLE MIGHT HEAR AND SEE

People with ADD/ADHD often show or report these things about their life:

•  "S P I N" - Shame, Pessimism, Isolation, No creative outlet —
•  Shame, based on how their behavior effects them and others. Shame leads to damaged self-image and seriously low self confidence.
•  Pessimism and Negativity, leading to giving up, "Why bother" thoughts, setting low goals, not trying new things.
•  Isolation, pulling away from social contact, escaping into anxiety, substance abuse, generally poor life performance, and depression.
•  No Creative / Productive Outlet, Giving up on activities that return a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment, because of perceived failures. Not learning to take satisfaction from simple tasks, tasks for which the client may have talent, or play.
•  Frequently late for meetings and appointments, or completely spacing them out.
•  Losing things, including the Day Timer that they got to track appointments.
•  Not doing tasks agreed to in session.
•  Jumping from one topic to another; difficulty in staying with a theme.
•  Self attack, regular self put-downs, underestimating self.
•  Seeing life as gloomy, unrewarding, generally not worthwhile. (signs of chronic depression, which can come from ADD/ADHD).
•  Chronic worry, ruminating about things over which there is no control.
•  Escaping into drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, or eating when anxieties increase.
•  Difficulty maintaining relationships.
•  Being drawn into and held by "screens;" including computers, TV, and video games.
•  Describing their room, home &/or office as "a horrible mess".

Positive Features of ADD/ADHD:

•  High mental and physical energy.
•  Spontaneity, creativity, energy, originality, seeking change, welcoming innovation.
•  Very capable in some areas, particular to each individual (e.g. Sales, Programming).
•  Hyper-focus on highly stimulating tasks.

The two most important books for people dealing with ADD are these:

•  *Hallowell, E.M., M.D., and John Ratey, M.D., Delivered from Distraction: Getting the most out of your life with ADD. (Ballentine Books, 2005).
•  *Kolberg, Judith, and Kathleen Nadeau, ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life. (Brunner-Routledge, 2002). Gives an excellent understanding of the disorder with the most effective and practical remedies. Written by a psychologist and an professional organizer.

Other helpful references are the following:

•  Amen, Daniel G., M.D., Healing ADD (Putnam, 2001). Explains six types of ADD and gives a comprehensive treatment program.
•  Hallowell, E.M., M.D., and John Ratey, M.D., Driven to Distraction: Recognizing and coping with ADD from childhood through adulthood. (Pantheon, 1996). The original popular and thorough book on ADD.
•  Hartman, Thom, Attention Deficit Disorder: A different perception, (Underwood Books, 1997). Explains some of the positive characteristics of ADD, and provides an explanation that can help people at home, at work and in school.
•  Jensen, P.S., M.D. and Janes Cooper, M.D. eds., Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: State of the science, best practices. (Civic Research Institute, 2002). A comprehensive academic volume on the topic. Brings together various points of view. A valuable reference book..
•  Kelly, Kate, and Peggy Ramundo, You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy? A self-help book for adults with ADD. (Scribner, 1996).
•  Novotni, Michele. What Does Everybody Else Know That I Don't? Social skills for adults with ADD/ADHD. (Specialty Press, 1999).