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Understanding ADD
So, you or your child has just been diagnosed with ADHD. But what does that mean? Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is a biologically based brain disorder. Research shows that it's a result of an imbalance of chemical messengers, or neurotransmitters. Its primary symptoms are inattention, impulsivity, and, sometimes, hyperactivity.
Here's how noted psychologist Thomas Brown, Ph.D., explains ADHD: "Imagine a symphony orchestra in which each musician plays his or her instrument very well. If there is no conductor to organize the orchestra, it will not produce good music. Symptoms of ADD can be compared to impairments, not in the musicians, but in the conductor."
And Edward M. Hallowell, M.D., a renowned psychiatrist, tells children, "ADD means you have a race-car brain. Your mind is zipping around all over the place, bursting with new ideas. And that's great! The only problem is that sometimes it goes too fast."
When someone is diagnosed with ADHD, the rest of the family should learn about the condition. Ask your coach or psychiatrist if she will meet with family members to explain what you'll be working on.
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Getting Treatment
Consider your stance on medication before seeing your doctor. If you're opposed to taking medication, tell your doctor up front. If he insists on writing a prescription, don't be afraid to see someone else.
If you decide that medication is right for you, ask the doctor to explain how ADHD meds work. Ask what medication you'll start with, what side effects you might see, and how you should evaluate the effects.
Remember that the prescription process varies with each individual. It's likely that you'll need to try more than one brand and experiment with different dosages to find the right medication.
Make sure your doctor's accessible and discuss follow-up appointments. You'll need to talk with him in the weeks following the diagnosis, as you work to find the right medication dosage. Do you have to come in or can you call? Will he charge you to consult?
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Finding Help
The first step can be a pediatrician for children or a primary care physician for adults, but if the doctor has no experience with ADHD, you may want to see a specialist. Ask for a referral, look for one in our directory, or consult an ADHD support group.
Your support team may also include an ADHD coach. You can find a coach in our directory, or through the ADD Coach Academy (addca.com).
Enlist help from your family and friends, as well. Many ADDers find that things go smoothly after they learn to delegate. For example, despite your best intentions, you might not be the one who should pay the bills.
Find camaraderie and support at local support group meetings for adults or parents with ADHD. See if there's a chapter of CHADD, a nonprofit advocacy organization, in your area by searching at chadd.org.
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Changing Behavior
Medication may help you focus, but the newly diagnosed ADDer will need help learning systems and building routines. ADDers lack good internal systems for organization, prioritization, time management, and so on. Using a planner on a daily basis can help you meet goals and get things done.
For children, token systems are very effective. Stars on a chart, coins in a jar, or something tangible should be awarded promptly for good behavior. Once a certain number of tokens are amassed, the child earns a reward or privilege.
If you decide to hire a coach, be specific in describing the problems you want to address in your initial consultation: "At work, I get so caught up in details that I forget to do important things."
A good coach won't do things or make decisions for you; he'll help you figure out what you need to do. For example, you may check in by phone in the morning, and read off your to-do list. The coach might ask what you plan to do first, ask how you'd get started, then tell you to check in later that day.
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